Benefits of Early Intervention Programs
It can be hard to diagnose autism or other developmental disabilities, especially when your child is young. But if you or your child’s doctor are concerned about your child’s development, you may want to consider an early intervention program.
What Is Early Intervention?
Early intervention programs provide services for free or at a reduced cost for babies and children under the age of three with developmental delays and/or disabilities. These services usually include speech therapy, physical therapy and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family. The goal of early intervention is to provide each child with the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that may look like!
Advantages of Early Intervention
During the first three years of a child’s life, it’s easier for them to absorb new information and adapt to change. As they get older, it becomes more difficult. That’s why early intervention services are so important.
In fact, children who receive early intervention services often have better social skills and long-term outcomes. Plus, they may require fewer special education services in the future. For families, early intervention services can help relieve stress by ensuring they have the resources and tools needed to help their child learn new skills and overcome challenges.
How to Get Your Child Evaluated
If you’ve noticed that your child shows any of the signs below or has missed a milestone, reach out to your state’s early intervention program directly to have your child evaluated.
- Repetitive behavior
- Limited or delayed speech or no babbling
- No words by 16 months
- Loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
- Intense interest in a particular toy, object or activity
- Difficulty making eye contact and social connections
- Your child doesn’t respond to their name being called
- No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
- Your child doesn’t engage in smiling, making sounds, and making faces with you or other people by 9 months
And if your child does have a developmental delay or disability, there are a number of effective therapies and treatments available to support their learning and development – and maximize their potential.
