Q. My cousin's son is 2 years old. He is not talking and he didn't walk until just a few months ago. Is there a school or program he can go to get extra help? They live just outside Pittsburgh.

A. What you're seeing does sound concerning, and we agree that extra help will be useful. There are plenty of resources available.

Our first recommendation is a visit with the child's pediatrician to get his or her opinion about the best course of action.

For kids in this area who are under age 3 and who have delays in language or motor skills, or in the social/emotional, cognitive, or behavioral areas, there's a resource in Allegheny County called the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers. All children are eligible for a comprehensive evaluation. If delays are identified, the Alliance can help connect families with appropriate resources.

Children's Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center also has a development unit offering comprehensive evaluations.

Enrolling the child in a high-quality early learning program is another option. These programs can work closely with resources such as the Alliance to provide needed services both in the classroom and through the home. Our social workers and intervention teams regularly collaborate with such resources, and we see good results in children with delays. Quality early learning programs also provide opportunities for practicing language, motor, cognitive, and behavioral skills.

There are two other resources to consider in Allegheny County. One is the United Way's HelpConnections at www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org/HelpConnections.aspx?id=284

The other is the EUCLID Center at Pitt's Resource Center: www.uclid.org:8080/uclid/public/uclid-service-search.form