Advantages of Early Intervention
Helping Children with Development Delays Before School
Feb 20, 2008
Early Intervention Services provide assessment and services for children showing, or being at risk for, developmental delays. These services have been found to benefit children in several ways.
Developmental Delays Can Be Helped Through Early Intervention
Services can be provided for any of the following areas:
- Physical Development
- Cognitive Development
- Communication
- Social/Emotional Development
- Adaptive Development
Faster Rate of Development in Early Years
Children develop at a faster rate during the years from birth to age 5. Without early intervention for young children, they can be at risk for missing opportunities to learn. During these years, their brains are open and ready to learning. When these opportunities are not fully utilized, they may have more problems learning the same skills later. A study by Karnes and Lee (1978) stated, "only through early identification and appropriate programming can children develop their potential."
Families Benefit From Early Intervention
Beyond helping the child with developmental delays, early intervention also assists the entire family. Education may be provided to parents and caregivers on the special needs of the child as well as specific information and skills for teaching their child. Siblings can be helped through support services.
In addition, emotional support for the families often reduces feelings of isolation, frustration, guilt and helplessness. Increasing the well being of the entire family can provide the special needs child with a more supportive environment, allowing them to grow, emotionally and physically.
Special Services Later in Life Decreased
Children with developmental disabilities are more apt to need special educational services and be held back in school or need more social services later in life. Providing early intervention has been found to decrease these needs. According to Kidsource.com, providing assistance early has been shown to:
- Decrease the need for special education services
- Decrease the chances of being held back in school
- Increase the chances of completing high school and attending college
- Increase scores on achievement tests
- Decrease anti-social and delinquent behaviors
In addition, the State of New Hampshire reported that out of 3200 children receiving early intervention services, half no longer required special services by their third birthday. Without these services, many of these children would have required special education or other more expensive educational services during their school years.
Where to Find Help
Early intervention assessment and evaluation is free to anyone, regardless of income. To find out how to request services in your area:
NICHCY State Resource Sheet
Call 1-800-695-0285 for further information
See Also:
Sources:
A Parent's Guide: Finding Help for Young Children with Disabilities, 1994, Editor: Lisa Kupper, National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
What is Early Intervention,2000, Kidsource.com
Early Intervention: The Need for Public-Private Partnership, 2006, New Hampshire Child Advocacy Network
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