Early Intervention Therapy
Every child grows and learns in their own way. Sometimes, they need a little extra support to reach their full potential. If you’re worried your child is falling behind or experiencing delays, early intervention therapy can build critical skills and support your child’s ongoing development.
Let’s explore different types of early intervention therapies available for infants and toddlers, what they do, and how they can help your child shine.
Speech and language therapy helps little ones improve their communication skills by speaking more clearly, expanding vocabulary, and learning alternative forms of communication like signs or assistive devices.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) will use fun, play-based activities to help your child build strong communication skills at their own pace. Common speech therapy techniques include tongue twisters, deep breathing, oral motor therapy, storytelling, and modeling.
Common signs your child might benefit:
“The first few years of life are when a child’s brain develops the most! By providing early speech and language services, we are building a strong foundation for communication, skills for future learning and school success, as well as, strengthening the relationship between caregivers and peers.”
Molly Weber, Speech-Language Pathologist at Penfield Children’s Center
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Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder where children know what they want to say but struggle with the muscle movements needed to speak. Explore treatment options, early intervention, and support from speech-language pathologists.
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Learn about different speech and language milestones for various ages and stages of development that may indicate whether your child may have a language delay.
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Due to rapid brain development, the first three years are crucial to developing your child’s language and speech skills. Learn more about early childhood language development.
Early intervention physical therapy (PT) centers around helping your child improve strength, coordination, balance, and motor skills. A physical therapist uses play and games to encourage movement and build confidence, balance, and agility in a safe and supportive environment.
Your little one’s PT sessions may include fun activities like tummy time or animal walk (where they mimic movements of their favorite animals), which encourage exploration and movement of major muscle groups.
Common signs your child might benefit from PT:
“Physical therapy helps children move, play, and interact with their loved ones. These early movements provide the foundation for healthy development, one small step at a time.”
Maggie Dietrich DPT, PCS at Penfield Children’s Center
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Early intervention physical therapy (PT) centers around helping your child improve strength, coordination, balance, and motor skills. A physical therapist uses play and games to encourage movement and build confidence, balance, and agility in a safe and supportive environment.
Your little one’s PT sessions may include fun activities like tummy time or animal walk (where they mimic movements of their favorite animals), which encourage exploration and movement of major muscle groups.
Common signs your child might benefit from PT:
“Physical therapy helps children move, play, and interact with their loved ones. These early movements provide the foundation for healthy development, one small step at a time.”
Maggie Dietrich DPT, PCS at Penfield Children’s Center
The Importance of Tummy Time
Tummy time is crucial for the development of newborns and infants. Learn how this fun activity helps them build strength, dexterity, balance, and so much more.
When Should My Baby Sit Up?
Sitting up is often your baby’s first step toward independence. Learn when your baby should start sitting up and how you can help them build this core skill.
When Should My Baby Crawl?
While we enjoy watching our little one take their first steps, crawling is also an important milestone. Learn more about this crucial part of physical development from our early intervention experts.
When it comes to infant and early childhood mental health therapy, mental health professionals will work directly with you and your child to build your emotional connection. Sessions often take place in the home, using play and everyday routines to help your child feel more comfortable.
At this age, the focus is on strengthening your relationship, building trust, and creating a sense of safety for your child, since these are at the core of many mental health and behavioral concerns that can often linger into adulthood.
Common signs your child might benefit:
“Physical therapy helps children move, play, and interact with their loved ones. These early movements provide the foundation for healthy development, one small step at a time.”
Maggie Dietrich DPT, PCS at Penfield Children’s Center
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Supporting your child’s mental health starts by building a connection and psychological safety. You can do that through routines, expression, and mental health therapy.
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For young children, developmental therapy provides holistic support, focusing on cognitive, emotional, social, and other key areas of development.
Developmental therapists or social workers will use play, modeling, and structured routines to help your little one build friendships, express feelings, and adapt in group settings. They’ll also work with parents to guide them on how to reinforce positive skills at home.
Common signs your child might benefit:
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If you’re concerned about your child’s development or they recently received a diagnosis, there’s never been a better time to consider early intervention therapy. Here’s how you can get started and request the therapy services your child needs.
Talk to Your Pediatrician
Your child’s doctor is a great place to start. Share what you’re noticing, such as speech delays, sensory issues, or behavioral changes. Your child’s doctor can help you understand what’s “normal” for your child’s age, share some at-home tips, and recommend an evaluation if needed.
Request an Evaluation
Every state has a free or low-cost Early Intervention (EI) program for children under age 3 who may have developmental delays or disabilities. If you’re concerned about your little one, you can request a developmental evaluation through your local program, even without a referral.
Most children experiencing developmental delays benefit from more than one type of therapy, and services can sometimes overlap. An early intervention evaluation will help identify the best supports for your child’s unique strengths and challenges. You can work with your team to develop a customized treatment plan.
We’ve compiled some helpful parent-friendly resources to help you navigate speech development with your child.
If you feel like you need additional help managing the stress that comes with being a caregiver, it may be beneficial to seek therapy services for yourself where a counselor can help you build an individualized plan to navigate your way through this journey.
Remember: You are doing a great job, and it’s okay to need support. If you’re looking for mental health resources or support while navigating the ups and downs of parenting, we’ve got your back. Penfield Building Blocks is a trusted online resource for parents and caregivers across the nation.
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