Why does early intervention make such a difference?

In the first years the brain forms millions of neural connections every second, and what shapes them most is experience and interaction. That is why a skill that takes ten sessions at age three may take twice as many at age seven — not because the child is less able, but because the window is narrower.

What does an early intervention programme include?

• Speech therapy to develop communication, language and interactive play.
• Occupational therapy for motor and sensory skills and independence (eating, dressing).
• Cognitive and social skills that prepare the child for nursery.
• Parent training: the most important part, because most learning happens at home, not in the session.

Who is it for?

Children from two and a half years with delays in speech, play or interaction, an early autism spectrum diagnosis, or general developmental delay. A final diagnosis is not required to start; an early observation alone is reason enough for an assessment.

What does “early” mean in practice?

It means not waiting until the child starts school for a problem to become obvious. If you notice a sign at age two, assess at age two, not at four. And if everything turns out to be fine, you have bought peace of mind for the price of two sessions.