We often come across children not able to cope up with studies, poor concentration and retention, disturbing in class, poor listening skills, not sitting in class, not following instructions, etc. These are very common complaints of parents and teachers but why is it so? We see children struggling with studies and their difficulties increase with age. There arises a need to think about child’s developmental years. Do we ignore certain important things that we shouldn’t in their early years? Therefore, there is a need for parents to identify, understand and acknowledge difficulties at an early age so as to enhance their Development.

What is Early Intervention?

Early Intervention is giving support to your child as early as possible to enhance his skills and overcome his difficulties thus leading to holistic development of the child. It gives support to the child as well as his family, thereby forming the base for his future years.

How to identify decifits at an early stage?

Parents usually worry about the child’s speech during his developmental years and seek help if the child’s speech is delayed but there are a few more things that we shouldn’t overlook during those years. You need to be very careful about the child’s development at each and every step. You need to look how the child is playing, sitting, standing, walking. Following are the things which shouldn’t be overlooked during his formative years.

1. Developmental milestones delay.

2. Throwing things and toys- If your child at the age of 3-4 still enjoys throwing his toys, blocks, puzzles, games rather than constructing them.

3. W Sitting Position- the infant usually sits in this position but they shouldn’t be sitting in this position once they begin walking.

4. Restlessness- don’t overlook restlessness saying your child is naughty. If the child is always running and not sitting you must seek help.

5. Focus- If the child cannot focus on his puzzles, or activities for a few minutes and frequently switch activities.

6. Eye Contact- If your child has no or reduced eye contact.

7. Toe Walking- You must observe how the child is walking, your child shouldn’t be walking on his toes, he should keep his whole foot down before taking next step.

8. Too cranky or fussy.

Benefits of Early Intervention

1. It enhances child’s development enabling the child to overcome his lacking skills and helping in developing his motor and cognitive skills.

2. It reverses many of the symptoms as it provides appropriate support to the child at the right age.

3. It prevents learning and development delays.

4. It helps your child make maximum use of his skills and abilities.

5. It provides support to the family as the parents face a lot of stress at the later stage when child is not able to cope and at the same time develops certain behavioral issues.

6. It helps the child in developing social skills.

7. The child integrates much better in school with friends and teachers as well as in society.

8. It increases the child’s ability to cope up with studies at the same time help in emotional regulation.

How to Seek Help

Early Intervention is very crucial in the child’s development as it shows immediate effect compared to when it is done in later years. Therefore we should acknowledge and understand child’s need and provide therapeutic intervention at the earliest. We must seek professional help for our child that would include Occupational Therapist, Special Educator and Expressive art based therapist.