The first three years of your child’s life are a critical stage of development. Young children grow at their own pace, but if there are significant developmental delays in these early years, your child may be eligible for early intervention. These services are the first bricks for your child’s educational journey.
Why is early intervention important for developmental delays?
The connections in a baby’s brain are most adaptable in the first three years of life. Children develop differently, but early intervention is crucial if a delay is detected because it’s an optimal time to address deficits and magnify your child’s potential.
How does early intervention benefit a child’s development?
Early intervention can have an exponential effect on your child’s achievement. In other words, the earlier your child receives services, the more they’ll improve in all areas of delay.
The key benefits of early intervention can provide improvements in:
- Cognitive development
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Executive functioning
- Behavior skills
- Communication abilities
- Social interacting skills
- School readiness
- Social-emotional skills
- Reduction in future interventions
At what age should early intervention begin?
If a developmental delay is diagnosed at birth, services typically begin at birth and continue until a child is three years old.
What types of services are included in early intervention?
Early intervention programs can vary depending on the scope and severity of your child’s developmental disability.
The most common types of services include:
- Developmental screening and assessment: These tests are used to identify delays and may include standardized tests, observations, and parent/caregiver reports. Evaluations by psychologists, speech therapists, or occupational therapists may also be conducted.
- Therapy: These services can include physical and occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and behavioral therapy.
- Education and training services: These programs provide parents with information, strategies, and resources to support their child’s development. Services can include parent coaching, support groups, and educational workshops.
- Medical services: For children with complex medical needs, these services can include nursing care, medication management, and specialized equipment.
- Respite and rehabilitation care: Services designed to provide relief for family members from the responsibilities of caregiving.
How does early intervention support families?
In the United States, early intervention services are available for children with developmental delays at little to no cost to families. Parents are assigned a service coordinator who designs an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for the child. The IFSP is a document that maps out your child’s services, providers, and goals in the areas of delay, and it’s reviewed at least every six months.
Can early intervention reduce the need for special education later?
Research shows that children who receive early intervention services are more likely to achieve higher levels of functioning in many areas of development, including cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral skills. As a result, this support may potentially reduce the need for special education services at school.
What role do parents play in early intervention?
As a parent, you play the most important role in your child’s developmental achievement. Support your child in early intervention services, which will provide them with the building blocks for academic success and lifelong learning.
How can early intervention impact a child’s future academic success?
Children learn and develop in different ways. These services help identify and address your child’s developmental deficits, which can prevent potential learning difficulties later in life. Early intervention can significantly impact your loved one’s future academic success by laying a strong foundation for essential skills during the first years of life.
What should I do if I suspect my child has a developmental delay?
As a parent, you know your child best. If you suspect they aren’t meeting the developmental milestones for their age, or you observe a problem with the way your child speaks, acts, plays, learns, or moves, don’t delay discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider.
Support for Developmental Delay in Children with Roman Empire Agency
If you have concerns that your child may have a developmental delay, Roman Empire Agency offers comprehensive support and tailored treatment plans to help your loved one thrive.
Our aim is to support your child’s ongoing development through a personalized approach, helping them achieve their full potential now and into adulthood.
If you’d like to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your child, contact us today!
