What is early intervention and who can help you with it?

Every child develops at their own pace  in movement, communication, play, thinking, or social interaction. Sometimes, parents or caregivers may notice that a child is developing a little differently or more slowly than others the same age. This is where early intervention can play a life-changing role.

Early intervention doesn’t try to “fix” a child. Instead, it offers gentle, personalised support to help the child thrive, learn in their own way, and build important life skills,  all while supporting parents through the process. To understand more about what early intervention is, and how it may benefit your child, please check this informative video created in collaboration with Latika Roy Memorial Foundation.

What is early intervention?

Early intervention refers to a range of services and supports for children from birth to 6 years of age who may have delays in development or who are at risk for developmental disabilities. These supports are built around a child’s strengths, interests, and unique learning style.

Think of it as creating the right environment, guidance, and tools to nurture your child’s potential,  whether it’s helping them communicate, play, move, or interact more comfortably with the world.

These services can be offered at home, in therapy centers, or through inclusive learning spaces and preschools.

Why is early intervention important?

The early years of a child’s life are a time of rapid brain development. This makes it the most sensitive window for learning new skills and building healthy habits. Supporting a child early means:

• Skills can be learned before patterns become harder to change.
• Families get tools, support, and clarity early in the journey.
• Children are more likely to participate meaningfully in school, play, and relationships later on.
• Self-esteem and emotional security are built early.
  

It’s important to remember: early intervention does not mean something is “wrong” with your child. It simply means they may need some extra support to build on their natural abilities.

Who can benefit from early intervention?

• Children who are born prematurely or with a low birth weight
• Children with a diagnosed condition (like Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.)
• Children who are not meeting developmental milestones (for example, not sitting by 10 months or not speaking by 2 years)
• Children who are very quiet, withdrawn, hyperactive, or have trouble interacting
• Children with feeding difficulties, low muscle tone, or sensory differences
• Children whose caregivers feel something is “not quite right”,  your instincts matter!

You do not always need a formal diagnosis to begin early intervention. If you have any concerns, it is always better to start support early rather than wait.

Who is part of an early intervention team?

An early intervention team works with you, not just for you. You, as the parent or caregiver, are the most important part of this team. The professionals bring their expertise, but your understanding, daily routines, and love shape your child’s progress.

Depending on your child’s needs, the team may include:

• Developmental pediatrician: Assesses overall development and provides medical guidance
  
• Psychologist: Supports emotional well-being, behavior, and parent-child bonding
• Speech and language therapist: Helps with communication, language, feeding, and expression
• Physiotherapist: Supports movement, strength, posture, and physical coordination
• Occupational therapist: Helps with daily life skills, sensory processing, and motor development
• Special educator: Provides learning strategies based on the child’s unique pace and interests
• Social worker or counsellor: Supports family well-being, connects you with services, and offers emotional support

Together, they create a customised plan for your child — and adjust it over time, based on what is helping.

When should you seek early intervention?

It’s always okay to check if:

• Your child is missing multiple milestones
• You notice changes in movement, sleep, feeding, or emotional responses
• Your child seems disconnected, overly passive, or very unsettled
• You have received a diagnosis, or your doctor has flagged a risk for developmental delays
  

You can start by seeing a developmental pediatrician or speaking with a psychologist or pediatrician. They can guide you to the next steps or refer you to specific therapists.

If you’re unsure, call the Nayi Disha Helpline at 844-844-8996 and our trained counselors can guide you based on your observations and needs.

What does successful early intervention look like?

Success doesn’t mean ticking off milestones quickly or comparing your child to others. Success in early intervention looks like:

• Your child is more comfortable and confident in daily life
• Communication, movement, or play improves, even in small ways
• Your child is more engaged with their surroundings and relationships
• You, as a caregiver, feel more equipped and supported
• Everyday routines  like feeding, bedtime, or outings feel easierYour child is better prepared for preschool or structured learning

Remember: progress may be slow and uneven, and that’s okay. What matters is the support, connection, and celebrating every small win along the way.

Watch this video (Hindi) of Dr.Ajay Sharma where he explains the importance of early intervention for a child with developmental disabilities.

Need support?

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or developmental delays, the Nayi Disha team is here to help.

Call or WhatsApp: 844-844-8996
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, and Bengali. Free and confidential

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to our collaborators at Latika Roy Memorial Foundation for helping create the Early Intervention video, and to Dr. Ajay Sharma, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician, for his insights.

We also thank our volunteers Ms. Sailaja Tadimeti and Mr. Krishnaji Devalkar for translating this content into Telugu.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for proper guidance.