The Speech Spirit: Early Intervention Therapy Works!
To start off the month of May and this month's Speech Spirit post, I want to discuss a concept that I think we as therapists sometimes forget when in the midst of treatment and meetings; and that is the undeniable truth that early intervention services help children and change lives everyday.
One of my favorite aspects of early intervention is the review meetings we attend every three months. I love hearing from both the team members and the parents about the growth and progress the child has made in just a short period of time. I also love the problem-solving that occurs when a child has reached a roadblock. In EI, a child's therapy plan is constantly evolving.
Although we know the children in EI are struggling in one or more developmental areas, I very rarely see regression when working with this age group. In early intervention I see frequent growth. Sometimes progress is slow in the beginning, when therapy first begins. Other times, a child's skills will plateau for a few weeks or even longer. However, when I look at the overall growth most children make during a year's time, when they receive the interventions they need and have parents who implement the strategies that are recommended, the results can be life-changing.
Earlier today I attended a review meeting for a little girl I have only been treating for about 3 months. Her needs are global and significant at this time and she has made little progress in the past few weeks. We made recommendations to bring in an additional discipline due to other developmental concerns. Mom was very worried and shared her concerns over a tearful conversation.
Looking at the situation, I understand the distress and I definitely share a level of trepidation regarding this little girl's immediate future. However, due to the fact that she is very young (about 17 months), has a supportive family and a dedicated team of therapists, I believe that the long term outlook is bright and limitless.
THIS is the vision I hold to in my work everyday and attempt to convey to parents who are new to the world of early intervention!
Please write and share the success stories you have witnessed in early intervention!