| WHY EARLY INTERVENTION IS SO IMPORTANT. | | | | just as scary because then you will be admitting that |
| There are three main reasons why early intervention is | | | | there is actually something wrong. It can be so |
| so important and needs to begin as early as possible; it | | | | tempting to just carry on as you are and hope for the |
| helps to promote your childs development, it is a | | | | best, but these are bad reasons, here's why: |
| support system not only for the child, but also for the | | | | - You don't want to "label" your child. Alot of children |
| family, and finally it gives your child the abilities to | | | | who have early intervention go onto regular schools |
| become a function member of society. | | | | eventually. It is better to label now, so that there is no |
| - Development - Research has shown us that most of | | | | need to label later. As your child gets older, the "labels" |
| a child's learning and development, happens in the | | | | that come later, tend to stick alot harder. |
| pre-school years, which is why the timing of | | | | - Everybody, especially those who are not in your |
| intervention is so important. All children have what we | | | | shoes, always seem to have the best advise on what |
| call "stages of readiness" to learn, and if you miss | | | | to do, but as a parent, you have the last say. You are |
| these stages, your child may have difficulty in learning | | | | the one that spends the most time with your child, and |
| particular skills later on. | | | | if you have concerns, they need to be respected - if |
| - Support system - This is extremely important for any | | | | not by others, then by you. Go with your gut! |
| family with a special needs child. We have a lot to | | | | - My child will catch up on his own. Maybe, but you are |
| cope with in the early days, after a diagnosis, | | | | taking a huge risk in waiting. If your child is still delayed |
| disappointment, frustration and helplessness. Many | | | | when they are six years old, there is no turning back |
| families of handicapped children also have to deal with | | | | the clock to try early intervention...it's too late. |
| divorce and some degree of social isolation. Early | | | | Intervening early, will do no harm, but a great deal of |
| intervention can definitely give your family the tools to | | | | good in the long run, so why take the chance when |
| have a better attitude within the family and towards | | | | you don't have to? |
| the special needs child. Your therapists can provide | | | | - My child needs to have fun and play, not go to |
| you with information and skills to teach and help your | | | | therapy. Early intervention is not a form of punishment, |
| child t best of your abilities, thereby relieving alot of | | | | it is fun. Your child will think he is playing, as he does |
| stress and feelings of helplessness. Take advantage | | | | things to strengthen his motor skills and improve his |
| of friends and family who offer to help, you need to | | | | speech. As you get more involved with your child's |
| take time out, you are after all more than just a | | | | therapies, you will realise how much fun you two can |
| mother and a wife. | | | | have together, while learning without even realising |
| - Society - We would all like our children to become | | | | you're doing it. |
| function and contributing members of society, so start | | | | - I will work with child, myself. Good idea, because |
| implementing the skills your child needs to do this, as | | | | implementing your child's therapies into daily routine will |
| early as possible. Become involved in your child's | | | | only benefit your child in the long run. There are only so |
| treatment, and implement all the skills that your | | | | many hours in the day, and doing early intervention |
| therapist suggest into your daily routine. | | | | doesn't mean doing nothing else. You still need early |
| REASON'S NOT TO AVOID EARLY | | | | intervention therapists, to give you the correct |
| INTERVENTION. | | | | guidelines and techniques to get the most out of child, |
| After the diagnosis, your paediatrician may have | | | | so much more effectively. You are not a trained |
| spoken to you about early intervention, or you may | | | | professional - get the correct help, more maximum |
| just be worried that your child is not developing as he | | | | effectiveness! |
| should. You are worried but the idea of getting help, is | | | | |