The Effectiveness of Early Intervention Services

Approximately one-fifth of all infants born annually are at risk for developmental disabilities (Haber, 1991). Of these, approximately one-fourth will manifest significant delays by age 5. An additional 20-30% of each birth cohort will require special education services due to social or familial factors such as unresponsive or unstimulating environments. “Early intervention” is a term commonly used to encompass a system of services delivered to children with, or at risk for, developmental delays, before their third birthday. These services include physical, occupational, psychological and speech therapy, family support, counseling and education, and case management (care coordination). They are provided at no cost to families through a federal entitlement (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA). Benefits of early intervention have been repeatedly demonstrated through quality research studies.