Early intervention - when and if so, how?

The target group for early intervention is babies and children of preschool age. Early detection of a (threatening) developmental delay or disability can help prevent or at least mitigate a lifelong impairment. Aids such as language support, vision school, movement or occupational therapy are part of the long catalog of possible therapeutic aids.

As a parent, you observe your child's development very closely. Mothers and fathers are often very sensitive to any abnormalities. If you are worried, it is advisable to go to the pediatrician to have your observations clarified at an early stage. Early intervention can be helpful for

• Children who develop little drive of their own to discover the world.
• Children who are predominantly preoccupied with themselves and rarely make contact with other children or adults on their own.
• Children who have motor problems, for example, with simple movements, grasping, handling objects.
• Children who are excessively angry or defiant or predominantly aggressive.
• Children who have great difficulty focusing their attention on a game or thing.
• Children who are constantly in motion and action, demanding undivided attention and thus overwhelming their parents and environment.
• Children who do not learn to speak properly.
• Children with mental, motor, visual and hearing impairments or disabilities, with speech and language disorders, with physical malformations or genetic developmental disorders.

Early intervention is also helpful as a preventive measure, for example, in the event of premature birth, after birth problems, in the event of special illnesses or after an accident.

The first point of contact for parents is the pediatrician's office. At the latest during the preventive checkups, your pediatrician will determine whether your child is developing according to age and to what extent he or she may need support. Depending on what form of early intervention is indicated, therapeutic professionals may be involved. The practice will provide you with information and recommendations about which appropriate agencies to contact.

The measures often take place on an outpatient basis in early intervention centers. These have the advantage that they offer a wide range of support. The interdisciplinary teams include experts from fields such as medicine, special education, psychology, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy and social work. With its holistic approach, early intervention involves the children's environment. It is important to consider whether and how, in addition to parents, older siblings, grandparents, educators, daycare parents and other suitable persons can become involved. The goal is to find meaningful perspectives for everyday life.

Where no early intervention center can be used, mobile early intervention is offered. It comes to the home, if necessary to the childminder or to the daycare center. On the website www.frühförderstellen.de you can find the facilities active in North Rhine-Westphalia.

If the pediatrician's office prescribes the treatment, early intervention for your child is free of charge for you. The costs are borne by the statutory health insurance funds, or, if applicable, the social welfare offices. If the care required for an affected child is significantly higher than that for a healthy child, educators can apply for care allowance from the health insurance fund.