Early Childhood Intervention and Developmental Therapies

If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone in seeking early childhood intervention for your child. In the US, one in every six children faces a condition that needs it. The condition may either be a disabling behavioral issue or a developmental disability.

We cannot overemphasize the benefits of early childhood intervention, too. First, it can decrease the need for special education in preschool. Second, it decreases the costs of special education from birth to 18 years. Both you, the parents, and your child stand to gain from early childhood intervention.

What is early childhood intervention anyway? These are specialized support and services that are:

• Provided to infants and young children (from birth to 5 months) with developmental delays or disabilities;
• Designed to address every child’s unique needs; and
• Intended to support their physical, cognitive, and emotional development

The foremost early childhood intervention benefits include:

• Preventing future challenges in your child’s life, such as in socialization
• Promoting positive outcomes including in academics, health, and independence
• Building your knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting your child

Every family member will enjoy the benefits of early childhood intervention.

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Types of Developmental Delays in Early Childhood

Here’s a summary of the types of developmental delays in early childhood.

Speech and Language Delays

Children with speech delays have difficulty in:

• Producing sounds
• Speaking in a clear manner
• Forming words

Children with language delays have difficulty in:

• Forming sentences
• Understanding language
• Using the right words

The common therapies include:

• Speech therapy for children by SLPs
• Sign language and picture boards, among other alternative communication tools
• Language training by parents, such as reading aloud

Motor Skill Delays

These refer to the difficulties in making coordinated body movements among children.

• Fine motor delays refer to delays in small movements, such as holding objects.
• Gross motor delays refer to the difficulty in walking, running, or balancing.

The common therapies used are:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Use of adaptive equipment, such as walkers or braces

Social and Emotional Delays

These delays affect a child’s ability for social interaction and emotional regulation. Tantrums or withdrawal are common signs.

The common therapies for these delays include:

• Behavioral therapy
• Play therapy
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

You must work with a professional for the appropriate diagnosis and therapies.

Developmental Therapies for Young Children

These are the four major types of developmental therapies for young children.

Speech and Language Therapy

Considered the most common developmental therapy for children, Speech and Language Therapy promotes communication skills improvement by way of:

• Articulation exercises
• Conversational skills
• Vocabulary building
• Use of alternative communication tools

Children improve their verbal and nonverbal communication.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

The purpose of occupational therapy for developmental delays is to enable children to develop their fine motor skills. Through consistent sessions and exercises, children:

• Improve their hand-eye coordination
• Learn to care for themselves
• Be independent in their everyday tasks

Physical Therapy (PT)

The purpose of physical therapy is to address gross motor developmental delays. Children engage in exercises, such as stretching and strengthening movements, to:

• Improve their strength, coordination, and flexibility
• Promote their mobility for everyday tasks and other physical activities

Children may also learn effective use of adaptive equipment, such as therapy balls.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Children who have challenges in processing sensory information will enjoy sensory integration therapy. The sensory information may be from touch, sound, or movement.

Activities that expose children to controlled sensory experiences result in these benefits:

• Improve focus while decreasing their sensitivity to their triggers
• Support their regulation of behavior and feelings
• Enable them to manage their reactions to unwanted inputs from their environment

Keep in mind that each type of therapy demands consistency in practice. No magic bullet will get every sign of delay gone away in one go.

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that changes behaviors and teaches new skills. Among its main goals are:

• Decrease problematic behaviors (e.g., self-injury or aggression)
• Increase positive behaviors (e.g., social and communication skills)
• Foster independence in daily life activities

ABA therapy for children also uses the same principles and practices. But the children’s young age also means certain accommodations are necessary.

This is most useful for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental needs. ABA therapy provides:

• An early intervention approach at a time when its techniques have the most impact
• A personalized approach based on every child’s unique needs
• An evidence-based approach backed by many studies

The common techniques used in ABA therapy in early childhood intervention include:

• Positive reinforcement, which encourages positive behavior through rewards
• Data-based assessment, where therapists use data and observation to track progress
• Discrete Trial Training, which breaks down large skills into manageable parts 

For ABA therapy to be effective, only trained professionals must conduct it.

Importance of ABA Therapy in Early Intervention

The structured and individualized approach is at the heart of the importance of ABA therapy in early intervention. Every child receives a personalized therapy plan based on their unique needs.

Therapists who use the ABA framework say that it also enables them to:

• Focus their efforts on skills development, such as self-care, communication, and social skills
• Keep track of a child’s progress through then-and-now objectives comparisons
• Make changes to a child’s individualized therapy plan based on their progress

Furthermore, ABA therapy isn’t only for children with autism. Therapists also use it on children with other types of developmental delays.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Developmental Therapies

Parents and caregivers have crucial roles in children reaping the benefits of early childhood intervention.

Here are effective ways to encourage parent involvement in early intervention programs:

• Reinforce the therapeutic exercises, activities, and routines at home
• Provide your child with a supportive environment at home
• Observe your child’s progress and challenges. Write them down, if possible.

When working with therapists in supporting developmental therapies at home:

• Communicate with your child’s therapists about specific outcomes, activities, and behaviors
• Take notes, if necessary, which you can share with caregivers, siblings, and other family members
• Maintain open communication with therapists so that you’re on the same page
• Take part in sessions and learn from the therapists
• Ask relevant questions and be open to the answers
• Share your inputs and insights into your child’s progress

Indeed, reaping the early childhood intervention benefits means teamwork. Plus, you must maintain continuity and consistency by adopting strategies for home support.

• Be the role model for the positive behavior you want to see in your child.
• Practice exercises and activities that reinforce their skills (e.g., narrating activities)
• Use positive reinforcement techniques (e.g., small treats and hugs)
• Provide a calm, structured, and predictable home environment

And it actually pays to play with your kids and pay attention to them.

Careers in Early Childhood Intervention and Developmental Therapies

There are many rewarding careers in developmental therapy possible.

The rising demand for developmental therapists is attributed to the heightened awareness of the benefits of early childhood intervention.

Choosing the Right Intervention Program for Your Child

Choosing an early intervention program is the next step after diagnosis. Be sure to choose the right one because it’s a crucial step toward enjoying the early childhood intervention benefits. For example, choosing ABA therapy for children with autism is excellent if your child is on the spectrum.

• Research the programs. Ask for recommendations from your child’s pediatrician and teacher. Ask other parents, too.
• Check the programs’ credentials, including program accreditation and the therapists’ qualifications.
• Visit and observe the therapists at work. 
• Ask relevant questions, such as program structure, progress monitoring, and evidence-based practices.
• Assess if the culture, cost, and location are aligned with your needs.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Early Childhood Intervention

The long-term impact of early childhood intervention makes it worth every dollar and minute spent on it. Children enjoy improved physical, cognitive, and social development. Their academic performance and personal relationships improve, too. Children also enjoy a greater sense of independence and confidence.

Indeed, these are the positive outcomes that parents want in their children. So, don’t let the challenges of development delays hold your children back. Seek early childhood intervention ASAP.