Early Intervention 101

2

Once upon a time I worked as a developmental specialist for an early intervention program.  What is early intervention – you say?  I’m so glad you asked because that is exactly what I’m excited to share with you today.Early Intervention 101

Early Intervention programs exist in every state across the country.  They provide in-home therapy for children from birth to three who have a disability or are at risk for developmental delay.  And all of the services are provided at either low or no cost to the family!

Now, I know a lot of these words sounds really scary.  

Developmental Delay.

Therapy.  

Intervention.  

It kind of seems like there should be some creepy music in the background, right?  WRONG!  All these big scary words really mean is that if you have a concern that your child might be falling behind and you’d really love some lovely, wonderful helpers to come along side you and give you the tools you need to help you and your child succeed, you can ask.  That doesn’t sound a scary, right?  

So, lets move on!  

First off, consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s development.  

You can also reference this Milestones page.  These checklists give a good idea of what developmental markers your child should be reaching at each age.  (Keep in mind that all children develop at a different pace, this is just a general guide.)  

If you do have concerns about your child’s development, you can call the early intervention program directly and make a referral.  

Once a referral is made, the process is fairly straight forward and very family friendly.  First, a specialist comes out to the home to do a developmental assessment on your child.  They assess your child’s cognitive skills, motor skills, language, social/emotional development, and self-help skills.  The specialist basically plays with your child and ask you some questions about your family and your routines.  By doing this, they are able to asses whether or not your child is delayed in any of the areas mentioned above.  

If your child does qualify for services, the team will set up an Individual Family Service Plan or IFSP.  The team, together with the family, will write out goals for your child.  They will determine which specialists he will see (speech therapist, occupational therapist, developmental specialist, etc.) and how frequently they will visit.  

Once the IFSP is in place, the services begin!

I hope this give a little bit of clarity about what early intervention is and how it works.  For more information on early intervention you can click here.  

Below are the links to three early intervention programs in Albuquerque.

Inspirations

Alta Mira

Abrazos Family Support Services

 

 

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. St. Joseph’s Children is another great resource. And NAPPR is a great one too (you do not have to Native American to work with them).

Comments are closed.