As someone working in special education, I thought I had a solid grasp on how to support children with developmental challenges. But when it came to my own son, I quickly learned how different it feels to face these challenges firsthand. After multiple ear infections, we noticed he was struggling to communicate. He often became frustrated, resorting to hitting, biting, and screaming. We did everything we could to help, but the communication gap felt overwhelming for all of us. That’s when we turned to early intervention (EI) services—a decision that would change our lives.
Understanding Early Intervention
Early intervention is a free resource for families with children from birth to age three who may not be meeting developmental milestones. Some children qualify at birth, such as premature babies, while others are referred to as they grow. In our case, it took two referrals before my son was approved for services.
If you have concerns about your infant or toddler’s development—whether it’s missing milestones or delayed skills—you can reach out to an early intervention agency for a referral. Pediatricians can also make referrals, and in my case, I went through this process after several discussions with my son’s doctor.
The Evaluation Process
Once your referral is submitted, you’ll schedule an evaluation with your local EI center. This typically happens at home during a morning or afternoon visit. The number of sessions depends on your child’s age; my son’s first evaluation at eight months took one session, while his second, after he turned one, required two.
Each evaluation is conducted by a multidisciplinary team, which, in our case, consisted of four specialists. The process begins with paperwork and a thorough review of your child’s medical history, pregnancy and birth details, family medical background, and developmental concerns.
After the paperwork, the team conducts a standardized assessment called the Battelle Developmental Inventory, which evaluates five key areas:
- Adaptive Skills (self-care abilities like eating and dressing)
- Communication Skills (understanding and using language)
- Motor Skills (fine and gross motor development)
- Cognitive Skills (problem-solving and thinking abilities)
- Personal-Social Skills (interacting with others)
This assessment includes both tasks for the child and parent-reported observations. Once completed, the scores determine if services are needed.
While test scores might not qualify a child for services, evaluators can still approve them based on clinical judgment if they observe concerning behaviors or needs. My son was initially denied services after his first evaluation. However, during his second evaluation, he was approved under clinical judgment due to significant frustration in communication. He struggled with speech, partly because of chronic ear infections requiring tubes and partly because his older sister often spoke for him. During the evaluation, he became so upset trying to talk that he resorted to crying, screaming, slapping, and throwing himself on the floor. It was clear he needed support.
Receiving Services & Finding the Right Providers
Early intervention services vary based on individual needs, available providers, and family preferences. When my son was first approved, we were assigned a developmental specialist who checked in monthly until a permanent provider was available. Once assigned, we opted for home and daycare visits to accommodate my work schedule.
If I had been home during the day, we could have attended EI playgroups focused on speech development. Instead, having EI services at daycare turned out to be a huge advantage. His provider became his voice, ensuring his needs were met when I couldn’t be there. This support became even more invaluable when we had to switch daycares due to our original center closing. Having EI present during that transition helped me feel reassured that he was adjusting well.
The Life-Changing Impact of Early Intervention
I don’t know how long my son will continue receiving services, but I do know this: early intervention has been life-changing. The progress he has made is incredible. He’s now speaking words and phrases, pairing them with signs, and expressing himself far better than before. The frustration that once led to meltdowns has significantly decreased.
This experience has been eye-opening, even as a special education professional. It’s one thing to understand early intervention from a professional standpoint, but it’s another to experience it as a parent. When it’s your child, emotions run high, and objectivity can be difficult. That’s why having early intervention specialists—experts with patience, knowledge, and understanding—has been invaluable.
A Message to Other Parents
If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s development, trust your instincts. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Seeking an evaluation doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your child—it simply means you’re making sure they have the best support possible.
Early intervention is there to help, and if your child qualifies, it can make all the difference. Watching my son grow and find his voice has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’m so grateful for the guidance we’ve received, and I hope our story encourages other parents to seek the help their children may need.
