Hi,

My 11 month old son did not do well at his 10 month developmental check (not sitting up at the time - does now), would not hold a brick, certainly not pass from hand to hand, not putting weight on his feet) The health visitor suggested he should be seen by a doctor, (He is already seeing one for kidney problems.) I got a call last week saying that the doctor, on seeing his referal wanted to see him, and also suggested a referal to Portage. I didn't know anything about Portage, but have since done some research, and it looks as though it is for children with quite severe needs. I know he is not doing what other children of the same age are doing, but I am not sure if his problems are severe. I would love any advice at all - I am worried sick. He is so happy and otherwise healthy, and honestly didn't think there was any great problem, but maybe there is.

Portage is not necessarily for severe special needs, it's just to help children with any delay I think and I can highly recommend it as it's really just someone who comes along with lots of toys and ideas for play, which seem like fun to the child but are actually working on motor skills or whatever is needed. I am sure if he is otherwise happy and healthy that all will be fine and I suppose it is good that they are jumping on things quickly as my understandin is that the earlier the intervention on delay, the better the prognosis is for overcoming that delay. Good luck, usagal!

Agreeing with ancientmiddleagedmum--portage has helped my DD so much. Portage workers are specialist play experts who know just the right toys and strategies to assist with any areas of a child's development that need a bit of extra stimulation. And because they are coming from an educational perspective, rather than a medical one, they're usually very good at people skills too.
It can be hard to hear that your child has a delay in any area but things can change remarkably quickly with the right interventions--so it's brilliant that you are being referred when your child's so young.
Good luck and just in case you haven't seen it here's some more information about portage

Agree with all above, and our portage worker was fab, and an expert at developmental play. And general support for all the family. It was the portage worker who sent me in teh direction of DLA too. Round here there is a massive waiting list, so grab portage if it's offered is my advice! (I really missed her when it stopped when dd1 started education)

Would also say that it sounds like you're being referred to a paediatrician who's an expert in child development. They might also suggest OT and physio.

I agree with the others - definitely go for it. If you find later down the line that you don't need it you can always stop but if your son does turn out to have some special needs you will be glad you started. Portage workers can also be helpful in getting you referrals, pushing for OT, physio etc and generally supporting you as well as your son.

i love portage!!!
my son (now 22 months)was referred to a neuro-developmental consultant on my request at 11 months as he was not weight baring, still had head lag and wasn't babbling or playing as well as other children (i had been told by numerous hv's that he was just lazy and that i should stop reading so many books). anyway, she referred us to portage. it has made the world of difference to ollie. he has come on so much and has gained the motivation to explore his world. it has alos helped me as it has made me focus more on what he can do rather than what he cant.
as LMAsmummy said, grab portage if its offered to you.