Care Team, Therapy & Support

Early intervention

Early intervention is a system of services for young children with developmental needs, supporting development in infants and toddlers with hydrocephalus.

In short: Early intervention

  • It provides services for young children with developmental needs.
  • It typically serves infants and toddlers (often up to age three).
  • It can include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
  • It supports development during a critical early period.

What it is

Early intervention is a system of services designed to support the development of young children (typically infants and toddlers, often up to age three) who have or are at risk for developmental delays. It can benefit young children with hydrocephalus whose development needs support.

Understanding Early intervention

Early intervention provides services — which can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and other supports — to help young children develop skills during a critical early period. For an infant or toddler with hydrocephalus and developmental needs, early intervention can provide coordinated support, often in the home or community, tailored to the child's needs. Eligibility and services vary by location, but the general aim is to support development as early as possible. Families are often connected to early intervention through their pediatrician, developmental specialist, or care team. Understanding early intervention helps families see how young children with developmental needs can receive supportive services during the important early years, and how to access them.

Why it matters

Understanding early intervention helps families see how young children with hydrocephalus and developmental needs can receive coordinated supportive services during the critical early years, and how to access them.

Common questions

What is early intervention?

A system of services supporting development in young children with developmental needs.

Who does it serve?

Typically infants and toddlers (often up to age three).

What can it include?

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, among other supports.

Bottom line

Early intervention provides developmental services for infants and toddlers, supporting young children with hydrocephalus during a critical early period.

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