Why Intervene EarlyThere are three primary reasons for early intervention with an exceptional child: to enhance the child’s development, to provide support and assistance to the family, and to maximize the child’s and family’s benefit to society. 1. Child development research has established that the rate of human learning and development is most rapid in preschool years. Timing of intervention becomes particularly important when a child runs the risk of missing an opportunity to learn during a state of maximum readiness. If the most teachable moments or stages of greatest readiness are not utilized, a child may have difficulty learning a particular skill at a later time. Karnes and Lee (1978) have noted, “only through early identification and appropriate programming can children develop their potential.” 2. Early intervention services also have a significant impact on the parents and siblings of an exceptional infant or young child. The family of a young exceptional child often feels disappointment, social isolation, added stress, frustration, and helplessness. The compounded stress of the presence of an exceptional child may affect the family’s well-being and interfere with the child’s development. Families of handicapped children are found to experience increased instances of divorce and suicide, and the handicapped child is more likely to be abused than a non-handicapped child. Early intervention may result in parents having improved attitudes about themselves and their child, improved information and skills for teaching their child, and more release time for leisure and employment. Parents of gifted preschoolers also need early services so that the supportive and nourishing environment needed by the child is provided in a better way. 3. A third reason for intervening early is that society will reap maximum benefits. The child’s increased developmental and educational gains and decreased dependence upon social institutions, the family’s increased ability to cope with the presence of an exceptional child, and perhaps the child’s increased eligibility for employment, all provide economic as well as social benefits. When your child is participating in an early intervention program, you must get involved. Accompany them to the
sessions. Ask lots of questions. Participate in therapy sessions so you can see what the staff is doing so you can
continue the work at home. |
