Everything You Need To Know About Early Intervention
For the most part, children develop at about the same rate, but children with developmental delays and disabilities may fall behind. Without help, they could continue to fall further behind, but with early intervention, you can find services and programs that help support your child's development, so they can reach their maximum potential. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
What Is Early Intervention?
Early intervention is an umbrella term for services and programs that help your child at a young age if they are showing signs of disability or delayed development. Overall, early intervention is designed to help your child better develop physical skills like rolling and walking, cognitive skills like problem-solving, communication, social/emotional skills, and self-help like dressing themselves.
Depending on your child's needs, they may need a variety of services, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Some kids need special devices and assistive technology to thrive, and some need hearing services like hearing aids. Other services include psychological services, nursing services, medical services, and training for family members.
What Are the Benefits of Early Intervention?
There are a ton of benefits of early intervention, but overall, it helps your child better navigate life. For some kids, it gives them the leg up they need to better learn in school. For example, if your kid struggles to read, they will struggle in school, but with early intervention, your child gets the skills and attention they need to help them read so they can keep up with the class.
For other kids, early intervention helps boost their emotional intelligence. They better understand their own feelings and actions, but they also have an easier time understanding and communicating with other kids and teachers.
In some cases, early intervention can even help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety children feel if they can't succeed in school or life. This can reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors later in life like criminality and substance abuse.
Does Your Child Qualify for Early Intervention?
Your child will need to be evaluated to determine if they qualify for early intervention. If your child is under three years of age, you'll want to talk with your state's program. If your child is over three, you should talk with a local public school.
Some children automatically qualify at birth because they have a known condition that will cause developmental delay. However, in many cases, as your child grows, the condition reveals itself.
Early intervention is a great way to help your child better succeed in life. If they have any developmental delays or disabilities, early intervention gives them the skills they need to do well in school, in their personal life, and as an adult. If you would like to know more, contact your state's agency today.
