Early Intervention
The first few years of life are a critical time for growth and development. During this period, children build the communication, play, social, and feeding skills that shape their future success. Identifying delays early allows children to receive support when it can make the greatest difference.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Intervention
Early intervention may be appropriate if your child:
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Is a late talker or has delayed speech and language development
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Is not meeting expected developmental milestones
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Has limited babbling, gestures, or spoken words
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Has difficulty understanding language or following simple directions
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Shows delays in play, social interaction, or communication
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Has feeding or oral motor concerns
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Has a diagnosed developmental delay or medical condition that may affect learning and growth
Early Intervention Evaluations
An early intervention evaluation helps determine whether your child's communication, play, feeding, and other developmental skills are progressing as expected and identifies areas that may benefit from additional support. Depending on your child's needs, the evaluation may assess:
Communication development
Receptive and expressive language
Play skills
Parent concerns and developmental history
Social interaction
Feeding and oral motor skills
Early speech development
How Therapy Can Help
Early intervention focuses on building foundational skills through play-based therapy. Activities are selected based on your child's age, strengths, and current goals.
Depending on your child's needs, therapy may include:
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Building early communication skills
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Play-based language intervention
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Parent coaching and home strategies
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Collaboration with physicians, educators, and other professionals, when appropriate
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Oral motor and feeding strategies, when appropriate
