The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities is part of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, enacted in 1986, which requires states to provide comprehensive, integrated therapies and treatments for youngsters with developmental delays and disabilities.

 

As described by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Early Intervention

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• Is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.

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• May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.

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• Can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.

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• Programs are available in every state and territory. These publicly funded programs provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.

 

I knew that early intervention programs for ages 0-3 existed only because my sister Amanda does this for a living, working for her county’s Infant Development Program.  Her specialty is deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers, although her role also includes doing developmental assessments to find out all areas in which the infant is delayed.

 

Honestly, if it weren’t for my sister noticing that something was a bit unusual about Kieran’s physical development at 3 months old, and having him checked by her co-worker who is a pediatric occupational therapist, I probably never would have asked my son’s pediatrician about it, and thus never would have embarked on a comprehensive early intervention treatment plan to get him back on track.

 

Early intervention is also what led to our discovery that my son has a currently un-specified type of muscular dystrophy or congenital myopathy (muscle weakness) which, thankfully, appears to be mild so far.

 

As I have shared my son Kieran’s developmental progress with friends and strangers, many of them exclaimed surprise that these assessments and programs even existed! They never thought to have their own children evaluated if the child demonstrated a delay in a developmental milestone, nor were they aware of how connected a child’s physical development is to speech and eating. Sadly, it is not something that is discussed much in child-raising books and blogs, among mommy groups or friends, or even with a pediatrician.

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There is no shame in getting help for your child

 

There seems to be a “stigma” against the idea of early intervention, and a child needing help.  NO parent wants to be told there is “something wrong” with their child, so many parents ignore clues and signs that their child isn’t developing properly in one or more areas of established milestones, and therefore deny their child the best chance they have of correcting developmental issues during the critical 0-3 years ages.

 

THERE IS NO SHAME IN GETTING HELP FOR YOUR CHILD!  In fact, it is the most loving and caring thing you can do for him or her.

 

If you are concerned that your child is developmentally delayed with his or her physical, eating, or cognitive/communication skills, don’t be afraid to address these concerns with his or her pediatrician, and seek an evaluation by your county or regional Early Intervention specialist as a starting point (you do not need a doctor’s referral!)  You can also access Early Intervention assessments via your school district if your child is over age 3.

 

I hope my son’s story, and these references, will help guide you to find the right therapies and help for your own, sweet kiddo!