How can you request early intervention for a baby?

What does the evidence say about early intervention services for babies?

1. Early intervention may include speech-language services, physical therapy and other developmental support. The program evaluates the child’s skills and abilities to determine eligibility. Requesting an evaluation is not an admission of failure and does not itself establish a clinical condition. 1
2. Families can act on concerns from everyday observation or formal screening. Bring concrete examples of movement, communication, play or learning difficulties to the pediatrician. Medical evaluation and developmental services can proceed as related parts of care rather than one having to replace the other. 2
3. For children under three, contact the state or territory’s early intervention program. For children age three or older, the local public school system is generally the contact for preschool special education evaluation, even if the child is not enrolled there. 1
4. Premature babies may need extra developmental follow-up. Share gestational age and neonatal history with the evaluating team so abilities are interpreted in context. Corrected age is useful information, but it should not become a reason to postpone a concern without discussion. 3
5. CDC describes the state developmental eligibility evaluation as free and explains that families need not wait for a medical conclusion. Keep notes of the contact, requested evaluation and expected follow-up so a referral does not get lost between offices. 4

From concern to a follow-up plan

• Write down specific examples and share them with the pediatric team.
• Contact the state program directly to request an eligibility evaluation.
• Ask who will explain the results, next steps and any family costs.