So, if a child has a developmental delay or disability, why is early intervention important?
When a child is born, if s/he is developing typically, is healthy and has good enriching environment s/he will make 3 billion synaptic connections in his or her brain during the first three years of life. While we continue to learn throughout our lives, unless a disability makes it impossible, we never learn at this rate. Some things are very difficult or impossible to learn. For example, if a child is born without hearing and gets a cochlear implant at a very early age, s/he will probably develop typical or fairly typical speech. If an adult, who has never been able to hear, gets a cochlear implant; while s/he may be able to hear the sounds s/he will probably never be able to process language.
Don’t wait, early intervention is important.
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17 comments:
I think early intervention is awesome! These young children didn't ask to come into the world with all these issues, whether it be developmental or behavioral issues. They are going to be our next governors and presidents so why not give them the best options out there. why not love them to the best of our ability and give them what they need to help them grow and become a productive part of society. I give a standing ovation to all the self-less parents out there that are putting their child(s) needs in front of theirs to help better them.
Ealry Intervention is the best thing I could ever imagine. I completly agree with the last comment posted but shutterbug. It is nice to see some parents putting their needs aside for a while and really looking outside the box. These children are a beautiful part of our society. It really is important to make sure that they are getting all the benefits of growing up and becaoming successful adults.
what is the best way to approach a parent of a child that you feel may have some developmental issues without offending them? I know it is hard for parents to think that their own child may be having some issues.
What things can I, as a teacher, do to include and invite (or make feel welcome) the students that I have that have disabilities or delays, and help the other students to feel comfortable accepting their classmate's differences and playing with them the way they would normally play with someone not delayed? My concern is both for the students and their parents to feel welcome(because one student who is delayed stays home half the time because the parent does not want their child to be too distractive, yet it is helpful for the student to be consistent, so when they are gone so much, they miss out on the routine and don't get the opportunity to form the friendships that they need).
It really depends on a lot of things. The first thing to do is to talk with the parent. Find out what their comfort level is. Some of the things that may be helpful is to have someone talk about the disability and tell the children about it. Tell them if there are any things that they need to have any caution about and things that would be helfpul. The parents could be the best people to do this, or a professional who works with that child. I remember years ago while involved with scouting, the wife of another leader had a prothetic arm. Some of the boys were "freaked out" about it a little, others didn't want to look at it in fear they might be caught staring and in general they were just uncomfortable. Knowing the person, I just asked her if she would mind showing her arm to the boys and telling them about it. After that it was pretty normal. I have had lots of similar experiences. Frank and open conversations and an opportunity to ask questions, even if they seem dumb, and feel safe enough that they will get an answer without getting in trouble or made to feel embarrased.
Pete
Develop a sincere relationship.
Make sure they know you are not blaming them or anyone.
Start with positives about the child.
Ask them how the child is doing at home in certain areas (your concerns). If they report the child is at a level at home that is behind, mention you have noticed the same thing.
Ask them if they would like some assistance that may help the child.
Let them know some more positives about their child and how much you appreciate them and the child.
It may take a little while, but that is often a good place to start.
Pete
I've heard the saying that we are "setting the stage". This is the most important time in their lives for them to learn now we don't want them to miss out on things. Its also not easy growing up with a disability not only for the child but for the parents. For the child though they are not just struggling with the disability but also with peers that will make it difficult for them to feel like they fit in. carolyn
It is critical to have one on one with your child or the children you are caring for. Reading, singing, playing ball, etc. This is integral in the development of the individual child.
Early intervention is the best and least selfish thing you can do for a child. With everything we have today with technology and support most difficulties can be overcome or controlled. Even simple things like dyslexia and learning difficulties can be simplified with todays technology. Children should not be made to feel abnormal or different thats when the problem escalates.
I've never heard it explained-the way this section explained developmental delay or disability-really helped me open my eyes and to gain more understanding. Agian I really hate putting titles on kids-I dont like when someone just throws the title-for example: ADHD on a child because they are hyper but if it is clear there is a problem-I am absolutly in agreement with early intervention, because you need to know what you are dealing with, so you may handle it in the best way. Both my cousin and my older brother had learning disabilities. My cousin dislexic (sorry totally dont know how to spell that) and my brother had speech problems-He can talk fine now because of early intervention; but he used to stutter and it spilled over into writing and his performance in school with speeches and english. He has come miles and you probably would never even be able to tell today that he ever had an issue. Found out when he was about 9 years old and he is 28 now. He had many special classes and teachers,meetings to help with issue-and it really did help. I can certainly understand how a parent could feel like they have failed-but I just want to say that sometimes it just is not your fault. My mother was apart of the parent/teacher association (PTA), always involved with school functions, encouraged and helped us all with learning/activities, she did far more than what many parents do & my brother still had an issue-but he also recovered because my mom was also quick to respond and aide. So I just wanted to send a quick encouragement to those of you who may have a child with a developmental delay/disability-Dont blame yourself when you have been involved in your child's growth.
From everything I have read and experienced I believe now more than ever that early intervention is key. If we see a child is not developing the sooner we notice and get help the odds of the child being able to grow normally increase. However, professionals and parents must educated themselves and understand what delays to look for and then proceed onto helping the child, etc.
Great information i think. shannont
Early Intervention is super helpful for kids. I agree with so many of these posts that these kids are the next generation and we need to invest in their lives. Rachel Madsen
I totally agree. Early intervention is one of the best things that can happen to a child to ensure their health. Mentally and phyically
These developmental rates in very young children are the reason why I encourage teaching of foreign languages to small children. I have also read that it aids in development of the same area of the brain that people use to process mathematics. What can parents expect if their children are identified for an early intervention as toddlers?
It depends on the state; however, early intervention will generally provide service to the parent and child in their natural environment with the goal to increase the parent's ability to teach and help their own child.
I really enjoyed learning that our brains process at a much faster rate as an infant than an adult. This encouraged me to do more activities with my son to promote brain development.
Colby K.
I love all the things I've learned about the brain!! Great articles and videos
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