The child does not develop at the same rate as his peers. Parents may not recognize or may deny that there is a problem with their child. Denial is common among extended family members which eliminates a source of support to parents. Parents need education and support as they readjust expectations and accept their child s challenges. Families face many decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment of their child.
Concern regarding a child s development is the basis of early intervention services.
However, early intervention has a broader focus. Primary care providers are the first step in the early intervention process. Referrals to developmental specialists are initiated by the primary care physician. Children with hypotonia and developmental delay are then referred to individualized programs including early education, speech, occupational and physical therapy. Early intervention is an umbrella term covering many different services funded by a variety of public and private sources.