EARLY INTERVENTION

Early intervention (EI) is the process of providing services and supports to infants, toddlers, and their families when a child has, or is at risk for, a developmental delay, disability, or health condition that may affect typical development and learning. The goal of EI is to lessen the effects of a disability or delay by addressing identified needs of young children across five developmental areas:

• Cognitive development

• Communication development

• Physical development, including vision and hearing

• Social or emotional development

• Adaptive development (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004)

Speech Therapy

Research has shown that the earlier speech and language delays are identified and treated the better the outcome will be for the child. We know that the earlier we can identify and support the communication needs of children, the more they will be able to access and engage with their environment in ways that are meaningful and productive for them.

The earlier pre-school aged children are identified as having a language delay, the earlier intervention can begin to help them to communicate in their environments. Also, the earlier we can support the linguistic needs of school-age children, the greater the likelihood of their success in the curriculum. The earlier hearing loss is identified, the earlier it can be managed to support communication and social interaction.

The earlier swallowing difficulties are defined, the less likely a patient is to suffer medical consequences from a deficient swallow. Early intervention of speech, language, and feeding disorders is key to providing the best treatment outcomes for children at the present time and for their future communication.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy practitioners support and promote the  development and engagement of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and their families or other caregivers, in everyday routines. 

These routines include play, rest and sleep, activities of daily living, education, and social participation.

Early occupations in a child’s life include eating, sleeping, playing, learning, socializing, and basic self-care. Reasonably, it follows that the earlier children are successful in these daily activities, the sooner they will find success in more advanced activities and find satisfaction and joy in their own life. Further, the earlier children are limited in basic daily activities, the less likely they are to succeed in later, more complex activities. Families also benefit from children achieving milestones—after all, if your kiddo can dress himself that gives you two free hands and 5 free minutes!

Research has shown that the earlier delays and/ or challenges are identified and treated the better the outcome will be for the child. The earlier we can identify retained reflexes, the sooner we can work on integrating these reflexes so that children can adapt and respond to changes in their environment smoothly. Additionally, the earlier we identify sensory processing differences and emotional regulation difficulties, the sooner we can introduce tools and methods for managing preferences and needs which leads to a more content and independent child who finds success building relationships at home and in school. Furthermore, the earlier we address feeding disorders—whether related to type of food, oral motor schools, postural stability, or other skills—the sooner children can achieve a healthy, balanced diet which supports further brain and body growth and development and helps with decreased emotional disruption. Finally, the sooner we address fine and gross motor delays, the sooner we can work on strengthening, endurance training, refining techniques, introducing adaptations and/or tools so children can keep up with and engage with their peers.

Early detection of challenges and delays in sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, and visual skills allows for swift, effective treatments that help kids and families immediately and long term. It is our goal to help remove or reduce barriers to success, promote growth and development, and achieve goals swiftly so your child can succeed in their many valuable activities and participate in relationship and life with the family.