What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention means getting help for a child as soon as possible when they have a disability or are at risk for one. It can start at birth or any time after that. The sooner a child gets help, the better the outcomes can be.

Early intervention services support the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities. These services are designed to identify and meet a child's needs in five areas:

• Physical skills (reaching, crawling, walking, drawing, building)
• Cognitive skills (thinking, learning, solving problems)
• Communication skills (talking, listening, understanding others)
• Self-help or adaptive skills (eating, dressing)
• Social or emotional skills (playing, interacting with others)

Learn more about early intervention at CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." website.

Why is Early Intervention Important for Children with Orthopedic Disabilities?

Children with orthopedic disabilities often have challenges with movement, balance, and coordination. This can impact their ability to explore their environment, play, and keep up with peers. Early intervention can help kids gain important skills and catch up in their development.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are key services for children with orthopedic impairments. These therapies help children improve strength, flexibility, movement, and daily living skills. Speech therapy can also help if the child's disability impacts speech and language development.

Getting help early can lead to better outcomes in the long run. Children who receive early intervention are more likely to improve their abilities, do well in school, and become more independent. It gives them a strong foundation to build on as they grow.

What Does Early Intervention Look Like?

Early intervention is tailored to each child's individual needs. A team of professionals works with the child and family to create a plan. This plan outlines the types of services the child will receive based on their specific challenges and goals.

Services are provided in natural environments, which means where the child typically spends their day. This could be at home, daycare, or other community settings. The focus is on working with the child in their regular routines and activities.

Some examples of early intervention activities:

• A physical therapist helps a child with leg braces practice standing and taking steps during play time
• An occupational therapist teaches a child how to hold a spoon and bring food to their mouth during mealtime
• A speech therapist uses toys and games to help a child imitate sounds and words while playing together

How Can Families Access Early Intervention?

Each state has an early intervention program for children under age 3. Find your state's contact information here. You can reach out to them directly to start the process.

The first step is an evaluation to see if the child qualifies for services. If so, the family and early intervention team create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan describes the child's needs and the services they will receive.

Families are a key part of the early intervention process every step of the way. Parents and caregivers work closely with service providers to support the child's development. They learn how to help the child practice new skills during regular routines at home.

What Happens After Early Intervention?

The transition out of early intervention happens by age 3. At this point, the child may be eligible for preschool special education services through the local school district.

The early intervention team helps the family with this transition process. They share information about the child's progress and needs with the school district. Families, early intervention providers, and school staff work together to make the move to preschool as smooth as possible.

Even after early intervention ends, the skills the child learned provide a foundation for the next stage of learning and growing. The child continues to build on the progress they made and the support they received early on. Discover more about the transition to preschool in this article from the Center for Parent Information and Resources.

You Are Your Child's Best Advocate

As a parent, you know your child best. You are their first and most important teacher. Early intervention services are here to support you in helping your child develop and thrive.

If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait. Talk to your child's doctor and reach out to your state's early intervention program. Acting early can make a big difference for your child both now and in the future.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many families have been in your shoes. Lean on your support system and the professionals who are here to help. Together, you can help your child reach their full potential.