Frequently Asked Questions by Parents about the Early Intervention Program for kids ages 0-3 years (up to age 36 months).
1. What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention (EI) is a United States program to help children age 0-36 months with any developmental delays, including speech delay. Each state has their own name for their EI Program. Please see the "State" section for your state's link. You don't need a medical diagnosis in order to contact EI. Many states allow the parents to refer their own child. You don't necessarily need a doctor referral to start the process of talking to EI.
2. How do I obtain Early Intervention? What is the process to get in? Is it free?
It depends on your state. But for the most part, you DO NOT NEED A DOC REFERRAL. You simply call them, provide basic info, and they send you a packet. After you fill out their paperwork, you and your child will meet with their evaluation team. If they decide at the evaluation that your child has a delay, you will be invited to join the program. And yes, Early Intervention is provided at no cost to you.
3. Is there a doctor in that evaluation team?
No, not usually. The initial team consists of a speech therapist (SLP), a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) or both, and someone to take notes and follow-up, such as a case manager.
Once you see their initial evaluation team, and get into their system, you can request to see a developmental doc. You would want to use their key lingo, such as "I'd like you to refer me to your specialty team." They are not required to provide it for you, but remember the motto: it's always worth politely asking. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.
4. How does Early Intervention determine if there is a delay? What does the evaluation look like?
They play nicely with your child while you talk to them, usually in the same room. They ask you specific, targeted questions, and observe your child, to see if she/he can do age appropriate skills across certain areas. They usually have a standard developmental test for each area that they are looking at, and comparing it to your child's development, all on paper. They may say a few things to each other about your child, but mostly they are focused on interacting with your child, talking to you, and collecting info.
5. How much does the delay need to be? If my child is just a couple months behind, will she still get in?
It depends on your state. Some states have a 50% delay required to get in. So in that case, a child who has a speech delay would need to be talking at a level that his half his/her age. Example: a 24 month old boy isn't talking, except for two words. The EI team determines that he's at a 12 month old level for speech. He's accepted into the program.
Some states have a 25% delay to get in. So for example, an 18 month old boy whose not talking would be accepted into the program. His cut-off would be speaking at a 12 month old level or less.
6. Other than knowing for sure if my child has a delay, what does Early Intervention specifically do for me?
Therapy. One Mom put it best: "If I knew how to fix it, I would have done it by now. I need help...he needs help. We need that specialist to work 1:1 with my child to help him overcome his delays. Therapy has been wonderful."
Some families receive just speech therapy, but it depends on the delay. Some kids are offered speech, occupational, and physical therapies.
7. What if I don't want therapy?
You don't have to take it. But I'd give it a try.
8. Is it intense? Does my child have to sit in a chair? He's so little.
Most therapists are excellent, and make it really fun for the child. Ask if you can sit in on the session to observe it. They often welcome parent involvement so you can learn techniques to continue the therapy at home.
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