Why Is Early Intervention Important?
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008The birth of a child is one of the most anticipatory, life-changing events in a couple’s life. Yet during this time of joy and celebration, so many questions run through the parent’s minds. Who will the child look more like? What will the child be when he or she grows up? Will we be good parents? But what if the baby has a disability, a health problem, or a special need? What happens next, and who can new parents turn to? An early intervention is designed to help connect new parents with services ranging from medical practitioners and education, to tutoring and counseling.
There are three main reasons to consider an early intervention program. First, early intervention services enhance child development. Intervention research suggests that the rate of human learning and development is most rapid in the first five years of life. Early skill development is crucial to laying the groundwork for lifelong education. Secondly, these interventions assist parents and siblings, helping them deal with feelings of stress or helplessness, while learning to maintain a positive attitude.
Families of handicapped children are found to have increased instances of divorce, suicide and domestic abuse, experts say, so an early intercession is critical to managing emotions from the onset. Lastly, early intervention services will increase the child’s developmental and educational gains, increasing his or her eligibility for future employment and self-sufficiency.
