Sometimes babies are born with a condition or special need that can affect their development. Other times a condition is not apparent at birth so over time, the parents or doctors begin to wonder if the child is developing appropriately.

In either situation, a child’s developmental abilities are evaluated. Once evaluated, the child is eligible to receive the therapy or other types of early intervention he/she needs and the family can get the support and education they need.

Early intervention means finding the specific ways to help a child become as functional as possible. In some situations, the therapy a child receives at an early age enables that child to reach developmental milestones on target or close to target. In other words, early intervention can sometimes help a child catch up to peers.

Early Intervention Helps a Child with Major Developmental Areas

Physical development a child’s ability to move, see and hear
Language and speech development a child’s ability to talk and communicate
Social and emotional development a child’s ability to play, interact and relate to others
Adaptive development a child’s ability to handle self-care functions, such as feeding and dressing
Cognitive development a child’s ability to think and learn

For more information: Early Intervention Support