Early interventionSupports and services to infants and toddlers from birth through age two who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay normal development. Often focused on increasing the child’s participation in family and community activities that are important to the family, and on helping parents and other caregivers know how to find ways to help the child learn during everyday activities. assists children from birth to their third birthday who have developmental delaysA disability (in physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional, or adaptive development) affecting children ages two through six. or disabilitiesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity.  This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability.  It also includes people who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability.  The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability.. Early intervention offers therapeutic services, such as physical therapyAssessment and interventions for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training. (PT), occupational therapyThe use of assessment and intervention that helps people of all ages to recover from injury, disability or illness and participate in activities of daily living. (OT), and speech therapy (ST) to name a few. These services are available to help children learn basic skills that typically develop during the first three years of life. Some examples include:

• Gross Motor (PT): Reaching, rolling, crawling, walking, etc.
• Fine Motor (OT): Eating, dressing, self help, etc.
• Communication (ST): Talking, listening, understanding, etc.
• Social/emotional (OT): Playing, feeling secure, happy, etc.

Early intervention is available in every state and territory of the United States, and is regulated by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)Originally passed in 2004, this federal law guarantees “free and appropriate” public education to American children with disabilities, ensuring special education and early intervention programs that are tailored to their individual needs.. Visit the links below to find out more information on early intervention in your locality.