Early intervention provides support for infants and young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. It is a systematic approach which addresses the problems faced by these babies through Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Physiotherapy. In Western Australia most babies with Down syndrome are referred to Disability Services Commission shortly after birth for inclusion in their Individual and Family Services Program (IFSP).

Early intervention can also include programmes run by private therapy services, Education Support Schools and some government funded programs such as The Early Years.  It gives you the chance to learn about the special needs of your child, and your Early Intervention team will show you different ways to help your child to learn.  The Education Department of Western Australia also runs early intervention programmes for children with vision and hearing problems.

Articles and Information

Early intervention and approaches to teaching

Printables for Visual Stimulation

Links

Disability Services Commission (DSC) - www.disability.wa.gov.au

Early Childhood Intervention Australia - www.ecia.org.au              WA Chapter Phone: (08) 9302 3849

Skillbuilders (Therapy Service)  www.skillbuilders.com.au

Wize Therapy - www.wizetherapy.com.au

Kids are Kids! Therapy and Education centre - www.kidsarekids.org.au

Carson Street School - http://www.carsonst.wa.edu.au/