Why Early Intervention Matters for Children with Autism: What it is and How to Access

Early intervention for children with autism and other developmental delays is crucial. As a former early childhood special education teacher, I've seen firsthand how play-based, individualized strategies can dramatically improve a child's skills and quality of life. In this post, I’ll discuss why early intervention matters, how to access services in the United States (including the Child Find program), what to do if your child doesn’t qualify for services, and how to access private therapies.

Table of Contents

1. Why Early Intervention Matters

2. Accessing Early Intervention Services Through Child Find

3. Creating a Home Program if Your Child Doesn’t Qualify

4. Private Services and Insurance

5. Early Intervention in Other Parts of the World

Why Early Intervention Matters

The ages between 3 and 6 are particularly important for the trajectory of a child with autism.

Research has shown that early intervention can significantly improve the development of children with autism. Studies demonstrate that when children receive therapy between the ages of 3 and 6, they can develop better communication skills, social skills, and adaptive behaviors compared to those who start later. Play-based interventions, which engage children through activities they enjoy, are especially effective in teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors.

One reason early intervention is so impactful is that young children’s brains are more adaptable during the early years. This period, often referred to as a "critical window," allows interventions to make a more profound impact on a child’s development. Skills such as communication, social interaction, and daily living tasks can improve when targeted early on, leading to greater independence and better long-term outcomes.

Accessing Early Intervention Services Through Child Find

In the United States if your child qualifies as disabled or delayed in skill development they can receive free early intervention services.

In the United States, families can access free developmental screenings for their children through a program called Child Find. This program is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that every state must identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth to age 21 who need special education services.

What is Child Find?

Child Find is a nationwide system designed to locate children who may have developmental delays or disabilities and provide them with free screenings and evaluations. These screenings can help identify issues in areas like speech, motor skills, and social-emotional development.

How Can Families Access Child Find?

To access Child Find services:

1. Contact Your Local School District: Even if your child is not yet of school age, your local school district can help connect you with early intervention services or schedule a free evaluation.

2. Reach Out to Early Intervention Programs: Each state has its own early intervention system for children under three. The Child Find office in your area can direct you to the right program for children from birth to three years old.

3. Discuss Concerns with Your Child’s Pediatrician: Pediatricians can also refer families to early intervention services if they notice developmental concerns.

For more information about Child Find services, visit the Center for Parent Information & Resources or check out IDEA's Child Find webpage for more detailed guidelines.

What If Your Child Doesn’t Qualify?

Not all children who are screened through Child Find will qualify for services, even if they show some delays. In these cases, it’s important to know that there are still ways to support your child’s development at home.

Creating a Home Program if Your Child Doesn’t Qualify

If your child does not qualify for early intervention services, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. A home program can be a great way to help your child develop essential skills. Here’s how to get started:

Communication skills are particularly important to target with young autistic children.

What to Target in a Home Program for 3-6 Year-Olds

At this age, children with developmental delays often benefit from targeting skills in the following areas:

• Communication Skills: Encourage simple requests, using picture cards or gestures. This can help children who are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills to express themselves. My communication cards for Halloween can be a helpful resource.

• Social Skills: Practice taking turns, sharing, or following simple social scripts. These skills can be targeted through play or structured activities like sequencing cards for fall-themed activities.

• Fine Motor Skills: Work on activities that involve using the hands, such as drawing, cutting with scissors, or playing with small toys. Rhyming word activities and CVC worksheets can also integrate fine motor tasks.

• Daily Living Skills: Teach tasks like washing hands, putting on shoes, or feeding themselves.

Consistency is key, so aim for short, daily sessions where you focus on these skills through play and routine activities. It can be helpful to keep the sessions engaging by using toys or activities that your child already enjoys.

Private Services and Insurance

If your child does not qualify for early intervention services through the schools, you may qualify for private therapies that insurances will often cover all or part of the cost.

If your child does not qualify for preschool or early childhood services through Child Find they may still qualify for private services such as speech therapy or occupational therapy. These therapies may also be beneficial to use in addition to the school-based services. Many insurance companies will need your child's pediatrician to put in a referral.

My own children have benefited from these services, but I also know that navigating the system can be challenging.

Insurance Considerations

• Private Insurance: Some private insurance plans cover therapies for children with developmental delays, but coverage can vary widely. It’s important to check if your plan requires a diagnosis or if there are limits on the number of sessions covered.

• State Insurance (Medicaid): In many cases, state insurance will cover speech and occupational therapy if the child qualifies. However, finding therapists who accept state insurance can be difficult due to long waitlists or limited availability.

If you encounter barriers to accessing these services, don’t hesitate to advocate for your child. Sometimes, getting a referral from a pediatrician or a developmental specialist can open up additional resources.

Early Intervention in Other Parts of the World

Outside of the U.S., early intervention programs vary widely. Many countries have their own systems for identifying and supporting children with developmental delays:

• Canada: Early intervention services are typically available through provincial healthcare programs. Families can consult their local health authority for services such as speech and language therapy or occupational therapy.

• United Kingdom: The National Health Service (NHS) offers early intervention services, and families can access help through their local authority or GP. Special educational needs coordinators (SENCO) in schools can also guide families to appropriate support.

• Australia: Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps families with young children access services. Parents can contact NDIS partners for early childhood intervention.

• Europe and Beyond: In many European countries, early intervention is provided through public health systems or specialized private centers. Families should consult local health services or disability organizations to access resources.

Regardless of location, reaching out to local pediatricians, public health agencies, or parent advocacy groups is a great first step for families seeking early intervention.

Research Supporting Autism Early Intervention

Early intervention has been shown to improve IQ, language abilities, and adapted behaviors in young autistic children.

Studies consistently show that early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes for children with autism. A meta-analysis conducted by Peters-Scheffer et al. (2011) found that early behavioral interventions significantly improved IQ, language abilities, and adaptive behavior in young children with autism. Additionally, Rogers and Vismara (2008) highlighted that interventions targeting the early years (under age 5) resulted in significant developmental gains, especially when play-based approaches were used.

By addressing developmental concerns as early as possible, parents can help their children make meaningful progress in various areas of life. These benefits extend beyond academic skills, impacting social relationships, communication abilities, and daily living skills.

Conclusion

Early intervention is not just an option; it's a necessity for young children with autism or developmental delays. Whether accessing services through Child Find, creating a home program, or seeking private therapy, the sooner children receive support, the better their outcomes are likely to be. As a passionate advocate for early childhood play-based interventions, I encourage parents to explore all available options and take proactive steps to support their child’s development.

If you want resources to help support your child's learning at home, check out some of my social skill stories, communication cards, or learning flashcards aligned with the ABLLS-R autism curriculum

For more resources check out my stores on ETSY https://rainbowautism.etsy.com or TPT https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/rainbow-autism-resources

References

• Peters-Scheffer, N., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., & Sturmey, P. (2011). A meta-analytic study on the effectiveness of comprehensive ABA-based early intervention programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 60-69.

• Rogers, S. J., & Vismara, L. A. (2008). Evidence-based comprehensive treatments for early autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 8-38.