What Are the Priorities for Early Intervention?

Early Intervention can help up to 50 percent of children with autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) achieve developmental success by preparing them for mainstream education, according to Laurie Stephens, Ph.D. Critical brain development occurs in your child from birth to age 6, whether his diagnosis is ASD, receptive or expressive language delay, or some other physical or mental development issue. Early Intervention focuses on five general priorities to assist your child in meeting major milestones.

Physical Development

• Physical development is a key component in your child's life. Physical development includes reaching and grasping, crawling, walking and jumping. Early Intervention's priority for physical growth and development is to make sure your child is eating properly and growing at a normal rate. Assessment of her physical skills is done by a physical therapist and Early Intervention specialist. A plan of action is then developed to assist your child in meeting her physical developmental milestones -- for example, walking by 18 months, jumping by age 2 and so on.

Cognitive Development

• Cognition is necessary for all other developmental processes to occur. Cognitive development involves thinking, learning and using problem-solving skills. Cognitive deficits will result in academic, social and emotional problems for your child. Early Intervention will likely work one-on-one with him, either at home or in the school setting, to help advance his cognition to the appropriate developmental level. Puzzles, cause-and-effect games and games with simple directions can help your child develop his cognitive potential.

Communication Skills

• Communication is a core developmental skill, and your child can learn to communicate even if she is nonverbal. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and sign language can be taught by Early Intervention. PECS involves your child choosing a pictorial representation of the object, activity or feeling she is expressing. Your child's communication skills are assessed during her initial evaluation. A plan is then developed to work on your child's particular communication skills set (words/talking, PECS or sign language).

Social and Emotional Development

• Social and emotional development is necessary for your child to develop age-appropriate relationships with others. Emotional recognition assists your child with the development of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand another person's feelings about a situation. Social skills, such as introducing one's self, learning to play a game with others and taking turns are important for relationship development. Early Intervention classrooms are a place your child can learn socialization skills, generally with other children who suffer from the same skill deficits. Teachers and therapists help your child learn to interact with others and identify emotions.

Self-Help and Independence Skills

• The ability to dress, feed and care for oneself can be difficult for a child with developmental delays. Early Intervention specialists, along with occupational therapists, assist your child in learning to care for himself on a daily basis. Occupational therapy can help your child learn to feed and dress himself without assistance. Early Intervention therapists work with your child to develop confidence and pride, feelings that go a long way in promoting independence.