Early Childhood: The Importance of Early Intervention When Development is Slow

The early years are, of course, a critical time for a child, as it is during this time that developmental issues can arise. We are all unique, there is not another you or I anywhere in the universe and that means we don’t all develop at the same pace, some develop faster than others, and young children with developmental problems need essential support in a timely fashion.

Early Intervention

An organization by the name of Ability Action Australia, the early childhood approach is designed to assist young children who are having developmental issues in such areas as:

• Language and communication
• Fine or gross motor development
• Self-care
• Social skills
• Cognitive development
• Emotional and sensory development

Early intervention means better outcomes and with NDIS funding, you can get the essential support that your child needs.

Autism & ADHD

There is a growing number of children who suffer from autism and ADHD and early intervention is critical – the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome. Any signs of developmental problems and you should take your child to see a specialist, where he or she can be assessed. Click here for tips on recovering from a personal injury.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is a government agency that funds treatment for those with permanent or significant disability and that includes early intervention for children with developmental issues. If you have yet to make contact with the NDIS, start with a Google search and learn about the application process. 

Early Intervention Therapy Services

There is a wide range of early intervention therapy services that include the following:

• Occupational therapy 
• Exercise Physiology
• Speech pathology
• Psychology
• Physiotherapy
• Positive behavior support
• Therapy Assistance

Early intervention therapy services are delivered in everyday environments, such as at school, at home, or at a childcare center, which does not impact the child’s daily routine. 

Tailored Development Plan

The occupational therapist helps the family to create a development plan that might include:

• Developing communication skills
• Learning through play
• Developing relationships
• Developing the child’s independence and the ability to adapt to a new environment
• Improving a child’s ability to interact in a social environment

Of course, the team of early intervention therapists work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Early Intervention Clinics

There are state-of-the-art early intervention clinics that are designed around the needs of the children; soft rooms, swings, slides, and other resources to develop cognitive abilities. Parents have access to a team of specialists including pediatrics, physical disability therapists, and cognitive developmental therapists.

Best Practices

Ability Action Australia works with the NDIS using best practices such as:

• Goal-oriented – Creating a development plan
• Collaboration with family and caregivers
• Play-based approach

Here is some further information on the type of things the NDIS funds:

• Daily personal activities
• Transportation to participate in social or community activities
• Work skills training in case of disability
• Mental health counselling
• Assistance with household tasks to help the disabled person retain their independence
• Developmental issues in young children
• Home modification and design
• Mobility equipment

Things that the NDIS will not fund:

• Support that is the responsibility of another government
• Support that is not related to the disability
• Any activity that is likely to cause harm to the participant or others

As you would expect, the Australian government is committed to supporting children with developmental issues, as well as people with permanent or significant disabilities.