Early intervention is support for young children, from birth until they start school, who have developmental delay, disability or developmental concerns.
Children's brains develop connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their lives, and this is when the foundations for learning, health and behaviour are laid down.
That is why acting on a concern early, rather than waiting to see, is the consistent public-health advice.
Understand your child's strengths as well as their needs.
Reduce barriers to learning and participation.
Build communication, including non-speaking communication.
Support sensory and emotional regulation.
Support family wellbeing and confidence.
Embed skills into everyday routines, not only therapy rooms.
Research reviews of early intervention for young autistic children report gains in communication, cognition and adaptive behaviour, though the evidence base is still developing and results vary between children.