Early Intervention and Why It’s Important
What is early intervention? Early Intervention is described as services for children 0-3 years of age with developmental delays and disabilities. This helps support the children and their families so that they can succeed. Early intervention can include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other services focusing on the needs of the child and their family.
Early intervention is important because the connections in a child’s brain are more adaptable (or neuroplastic) within the first few years of life. Early is always better, as intervention is likely to be more effective if introduced early on.
When you hear “Early Intervention” you may also hear about “First Steps”. First Steps is Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (KEIS) that works with children from 0-3 years of age who are identified with developmental delays or have a particular medical condition known to cause developmental delay.
If you think your child is presenting with delays, make sure to talk with your pediatrician. Pediatricians are skilled in identifying if a child demonstrates any delays. A pediatrician can then refer for early intervention, in which a team will then coordinate screenings, evaluations, assessments, developmental intervention, and a variety of other services to meet the needs of the child and their family.
Early intervention is also beneficial because it can alleviate the financial burden in the future by reducing the need for continuing intensive therapies.
Wilson Pediatric Therapy has many skilled therapists qualified to work with young children needing early intervention. We would absolutely love to help your family! Call us to schedule an evaluation at (859) 475-4305 or First Steps (Kentucky’s Early Intervention System) at (859) 271-9448.
