Why Early Intervention is Crucial for Children with Autism?

Insights from Triveni Goswami Vernal – Educator, Therapist, and Parent

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment  condition  with differences in communication, social interaction and behaviour. Individuals with Autism may experience differences in language development, social engagement, and sensory processing. They may also have strong interests and unique ways of learning and understanding the world. One of the most important things families can do when Autism is diagnosed is to begin early intervention.

In this insightful video, Triveni Goswami Vernal — a special educator, expressive art therapist, and parent to a child with Autism — shares her personal and professional understanding of why starting early matters. Drawing from her years of experience, she explains how timely therapeutic support can shape long-term outcomes for children on the spectrum.

What Is Early Intervention in Autism?

Early intervention refers to the timely provision of therapeutic and educational services soon after a child is diagnosed with or shows signs of Autism — typically between 18 months to 3 years of age. This is a crucial period in a child’s brain development, and research shows that structured intervention during these years can help children learn important life skills faster and more effectively.

According to Triveni, early intervention is not just about professional therapies; it’s also about empowering parents with knowledge and strategies to support their child at home. Whether it’s managing sensory sensitivities, improving speech, or developing daily living skills, early support lays the groundwork for better social participation and independence.

Why Early Intervention Makes a Difference

1. Speech and Communication Development

Many children on the Autism spectrum may take a different path in developing communication skills — including both understanding language (receptive communication) and expressing themselves (expressive communication). These differences can sometimes make it harder for them to share their needs or feelings, which may lead to moments of overwhelm. Families often benefit from guidance and support in learning responsive, strength-based ways to connect and communicate effectively with their child.

Early speech therapy can help bridge this gap. Triveni emphasizes using methods such as:

• Sign language for basic communication
• Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools

These strategies support children who are non-speaking or minimally verbal to express their needs, build vocabulary, and engage with others — reducing anxiety and improving their quality of life.

2. Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration

Triveni explains that occupational therapy (OT) plays a huge role in early Autism intervention. OT addresses:

• Sensory sensitivities: Some children on the Autism spectrum experience the world through heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input like sound, touch, or light. Occupational therapists can work with families to understand these sensory preferences and support the child in navigating their environment in ways that feel safe and comfortable.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Every child develops daily living skills like brushing teeth, eating, or getting dressed at their own pace. Occupational therapists partner with families to break these routines into manageable steps, supporting the child’s independence, confidence, and sense of accomplishment from an early age.
• Motor skills: Children on the Autism spectrum may develop gross motor skills (like walking or balancing) and fine motor skills (like writing or buttoning clothes) in unique ways and timelines. Through engaging, play-based activities and structured routines, therapists and families can support the child in building these foundational skills — enhancing their confidence, participation in daily routines, and opportunities for connection with peers.

3. Behavior Therapy and Family Involvement

Some children on the Autism spectrum may express themselves through behaviors like repetitive actions, difficulty with transitions, or emotional outbursts — often as a response to sensory overwhelm, communication barriers, or changes in routine. Understanding the why behind these behaviors is key. Early support focused on emotional regulation, communication, and social connection can empower both the child and the family.

Supportive behavior strategies can foster:

• Better emotional regulation and learning readiness
• Safer alternatives to self-harming behaviors
• Greater comfort in new environments, like schools or public spaces

The Power of Early Action: A Parent’s Perspective

What makes Triveni’s insights even more powerful is that she speaks not only as a professional but as a mother. Her dual perspective reminds us that early intervention is not just a clinical concept — it’s deeply personal and life-changing for families.

She encourages parents to be observant, trust their instincts, and seek support as early as possible. Early steps, no matter how small, can lead to major progress over time.

Conclusion: Early Support, Lifelong Impact

The first few years of a child’s life are filled with rapid development — and for children with autism, they are also a window of opportunity. As Triveni eloquently puts it, early intervention is not about fixing the child, but about supporting them to reach their fullest potential.

Whether through communication support, occupational therapy, or behavior-focused approaches, early and responsive interventions can nurture a child’s confidence, strengthen social bonds, and build the skills they need to participate meaningfully in school, family life, and the wider world — in ways that align with their unique strengths.

At Nayi Disha, we believe in empowering families with accurate, empathetic, and actionable information. Triveni’s video is a valuable resource for any parent starting their journey in understanding and supporting their child with autism.

🎥 You can watch this video where she shares more thoughts on a similar note — offering deeper insights into the topic and her experience.

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

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.