Benefits of Early Detection And Early Intervention for differently Able Children

By Manisha Verma

Early :Detection and Intervention

The Word Early means
In terms of age The childs problem-From birth to 5 till 6 years Detection refers to Revealing the area of difficulty Specific ability of child to learn Specific help the child needs Intervention Refers to Stimulation given to child Opportunities Provided to learn and explore Family Counselling

Early Detection and Intervention

Is multi-disciplinary involving services that overlap several professional fields Requires input of various professionals Physiotherapists, special educators, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers an speech therapists Includes-Developmentally disabled , at risk children and their families

Nature and Nurture Simple Complex Genetic program(Nature) Environment (Nurture)

Nature And Nurture

Complex

Genetic Program(Nature)
Nurture(Environment)

Simple

Development Pattern
Growth and Development follows a predictable pattern Such as Holding neck at approx 3months Sitting by 6 months Standing by 7 months Walking and talking by 1 year

Early Intervention constitutes

Sensory motor training and Infant stimulation program.

Attention must be given to

Sensory Motor Physical Linguistic Cognitive Social development

Benefits
The Child
Develop skills for future learning Reduces occurrences of associated handicaps Provides opportunity to live with family from beginning Child can attain maximum potential

 The family
Learning of effective parenting skills ti teach and stimulate the child Early counseling to accept child better Minimize disruption in the family, establish positive of interaction among family members Feelings of self worth is increased among siblings Future guardian ship role is facilitated

When to start with early Intervention

As soon as it is recognized that young child is developmentally delayed Infant brain is more adaptable First 24 months of childs life involves tremendous and rapid growth and development

How Long
Generally given till 3-5 years of age Before the child enters the traditional school program

Nature of early intervention services

No two kids are the same Designed to suit the specific needs of the child

Role of parents
Is very crucial Both father and mother should be involved Is trying and painful process Significant family members like siblings or grandparents should also be involved.

What After Early Intervention

Early intervention continues Up to five years in India After that parents should send the child to normal, Integrated, or special school depending on the severity of the child and available resources.