Don't wait until it is too late: The Importance of Screening for Developmental Delay and the Effectiveness of Early Intervention for Infant- Toddlers Under the Age of Three.

  

Throughout the United States, 12 to 16 percent of children have at least one developmental delay, yet as many as one- half of affected children will not be identified until the time they enter kindergarten. It is extremely important to monitor young children and be aware of the signs of developmental delay in order to address concerns quickly to help put these little ones on track of a better future. Early Intervention Pediatric physical therapy gives children the opportunity to build gross motor skills, overcome developmental set backs, and reach new skills that allow them to move more efficiently.  

    Steps to Effective Early Intervention:

Assessing diagnostic tools:

•     General system examination at primary care visits
•      ITSEA competency testing 
•     Ages and stages questionnaire, Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status, Parents'            Evaluation of Developmental- Status- Developmental Milestones, or Survey of Well-            Being of Young Children. 

Educating Parents 

• Knowing the signs of delay and monitoring your baby's milestone development 
• 
  
• Difference between developmental monitoring vs developmental screening

Incorporate Interventions into everyday lives 

• By incorporating exercises and activities by a medical professional, into the daily routines of infants and toddlers who have a recognized developmental delay. 
• Using practices consistently at home, children have the opportunity to work on and overcome milestones while regularly using skills as a part of their everyday routine. 

Early Intervention is the key to success 

The graph to the left represents the rate of return for Human Capital over a period from prenatal, to post school age. This clearly shows the importance of acting early in regards to early intervention during the first three years, as opposed to later in childhood and adolescence. 

As stated by the CDC, 

" The connections in a baby's brain are most adaptable in the first three years of life. These connections, also called neural circuits, are the foundation for learning, behavior, and health. Over time, these connections become harder to change." (cdc.gov) 

Delays are extremely common in the growth and development of children, especially in the firsts few years. Although children are quite resilient and can often catch up to the milestones they may have originally missed, the importance of educating parents on monitoring and detecting signs early is ever lasting, and can successfully ensure these children are given the best opportunity for developmental improvement. The focus on early intervention is teaching foundational skills that children should have at that point, allowing them to catch up to piers and reach necessary developmental milestones. 

    

Early Intervention is the best opportunity for children to reach their full developmental potential. Don't wait until its too late.

For information on Early Childhood Intervention in your area please visit the following organizations’:

CDC.gov
Mass.gov

My name is Sarah I am a senior at Westfield State University. I will be graduating this May, 2022 receiving my Bachelors Degree in Movement Science, with a concentration in Sports Medicine and a minor in Psychology. I have a true love for working with kids and have many years of experience working alongside children in a number of different professional roles. I am hoping to pair my experience in early childhood education, growing knowledge in sports medicine and psychology, and my interest in the field of early childhood development to purse a career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. I want to make a difference in the future, and the best way I see fit is to help children reach their developmental milestones through Early Childhood Intervention programs.