What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention is an evidence-based approach that supports children with a variety of developmental needs, including Autism and other disabilities. Early intervention focuses on providing support during the critical early years of development, when children are most receptive to learning and growth.
Through individualised, child-centred programs, early intervention helps children build important skills in areas such as communication, social interaction, play, learning, and daily living. By creating positive and supportive learning environments, children are encouraged to develop new skills, increase their independence, and participate more confidently in everyday life.
Our goal is to empower children and their families with the tools, strategies, and support needed to help each child reach their full potential.
What does it look like?
Early
Intervention is typically most effective from 18 months to school aged. The earlier you start, the more likely the best outcomes for your child and their future.
Evidence-Based
Intervention should be evidence-based, and progress regularly measured - in order to ensure informed decisions about treatment and program development are being made.
Intensive
Intervention must be consistent - that is children should practice their new skills regularly. Therapy hours per week can range from 5-20 depending on their needs
Collaborative and Family Centred
Intervention should be collaborative and involve the child's family every step of the way to ensure generalisation of skills across contexts
Behavioural
Intervention should focus on behaviours that matter - understanding why behaviours occur and what skills that child is likely to need to be successful in their every day life
Values-Driven
Intervention should prioritise maintaining the values of safety, trust and rapport - over protocol, at all times. Intervention should focus on the individual family and what is important to them
"First, we're going to find the joy and then and only then, we're going to teach.."
Inspired by Dr. Greg Hanley
How Does Behaviour Therapy Differ from Speech and Occupational Therapy?
Behaviour Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy are all different types of interventions that can support children with a range of developmental, learning, and communication needs. While there can be some overlap in the skills targeted, each discipline has a unique focus and approach.
Behaviour Therapy
Behaviour Therapy focuses on teaching meaningful skills through positive, evidence-based teaching strategies. It can support the development of communication, social interaction, play skills, self-care, emotional regulation, independence, and school readiness. The goal of Behaviour Therapy is to help children build functional skills that improve their participation in everyday life and enhance their overall quality of life.
Behaviour Therapists often collect data to monitor progress, ensure strategies are effective, and make informed decisions about a child's program. Therapy may be delivered through a combination of direct intervention and parent coaching to promote consistency and generalisation of skills across different environments.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy focuses on the development of speech, language, and communication skills. Speech Pathologists may work with children who experience challenges with speaking, understanding language, expressing themselves, social communication, feeding, or swallowing. Intervention can include a variety of approaches such as speech sound development, language therapy, social communication support, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapy focuses on supporting a child's ability to participate in everyday activities and routines. This may include developing fine motor skills, self-care skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing abilities, and participation in home, school, and community settings. Occupational Therapists use a range of strategies and interventions to help children become more independent and confident in their daily lives.
At Scarlett's Autism Therapy Centre, we believe that every child benefits from an individualised approach, and collaboration between Behaviour Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, families, and educators can often provide the best outcomes for a child's development.
Which therapy is right for my child?
There's no right or wrong when it comes to selecting a particular therapy style or provider. What is more important, is setting clear goals, and having a way to measure what supports are helping your child move closer to these goals. Your child should enjoy their experience with their therapists.
All therapists, regardless of discipline should have training on evidence-based approaches, and experience working on the goals you have set for your child. This is known as the clinician's individual scope of practice. Not all therapists will have the same experience or training in every area of development, so it's recommended to ask questions and find the best fit for your child based on your support needs.
Any intervention should always be approached from a person-centered perspective, focusing on the individual's unique needs and preferences, and providing support and accommodations that respect their autonomy and individuality. Many children receive a combination of Behaviour Therapy, OT and Speech Therapy, and utilise a multidisciplinary approach based on each discipline's respective strengths.