Your child has been diagnosed with Autism. How do you feel? Do you feel like crying? Are you completely overwhelmed? Maybe you feel a sense of relief to finally have some answers, or maybe you’re feeling a combination of all of the above. Take a deep breath and know it’s ok to have all of those feelings! You’re not alone in this. As you begin to move into this journey it will be important to consider many things, including treatment services. The great news is that early intervention services can make a big difference in your child’s future.
Check out the information on early intervention services and how they can benefit your child.
How do we cope as parents? Good question! Here are some suggestions as you begin to navigate the world of Autism and services:
Early Intervention Services are services that occur before preschool. These services can happen from birth to the age of 3. At this age, your child’s brain is still developing and considered more “plastic” or changeable than it would be at an older age.
Research has shown early intervention can make a BIG difference for children with autism. Children who receive early intervention are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later on skills because of the plasticity of the brain at a young age.
Early Intervention services fall under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Early Intervention Programs are federally funded under IDEA.
Early Intervention programs were established in 1986 as a recognition of “an urgent and substantial need” to:
The overall purpose of Early Intervention services under IDEA is to reduce the effects of disability or delay. With this in mind, the early childhood intervention services offered in early intervention programs are designed to identify and meet a child’s needs in five developmental areas.
Early intervention can make a BIG difference in the life of a child. Some of these benefits include:
Early Intervention includes a range of different services depending on what your child needs. These services can be center-based or in-home depending on the provider and what works best for the family. Dream Big provides services in both our fun, play-based centers as well as in the home.
Diagnosis and Evaluation will help establish what services your child needs. Some of the different needs that will be evaluated include:
Ready for an evaluation? Come visit us a Dream Big!
Each family involved in Early Intervention is assigned a Service Coordinator. The Service Coordinator provides support and referrals to ensure that the correct services are in place.
Every child who is eligible for Early Intervention will also have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) developed. This plan is reviewed every six months.
Developmental services include a multitude of programs. They may include:
For children with more intensive medical needs, Early Intervention can provide services such as:
These types of services can enable toddlers and infants to benefit from other services provided by Early Intervention.
There are many services offered by Early Intervention. Other services not included above that may be available include:
Children from birth to 34 months may qualify for Early Intervention if they have a developmental delay, established risk, developmental disability, or are at High Risk. Children with Autism will fall under the category of developmental disability.
Early Intervention can make a BIG difference for your child and your family. Dream Big Children’s Center provides programs for kids with Autism including Early Intervention Services in a fun and playful environment.
Want to know more about Early Intervention Services? Please contact us via email or phone at (800) 207-0272.
We are committed to empowering families with the information and support they need.
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Learn how to effectively navigate insurance for autism-related services.