Understanding Early Intervention Therapy & Support Services

Speech therapists, also called Speech-Language Pathologists, help children develop communication skills. This includes not only talking, but also understanding language, social communication, feeding, and swallowing skills.

A speech therapist may help if a child has difficulty:

• Understanding language
• Using gestures or eye contact
• Expressing wants and needs
• Saying words clearly
• Chewing or swallowing safely

Occupational therapists help children develop the skills they need for everyday activities, play, and independence. Occupational therapy focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines.

An occupational therapist may help children with:

• Holding crayons, utensils, or scissors
• Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors
• Hand-eye coordination
• Dressing, feeding, or self-care tasks
• Attention and participation during play and learning

Physical therapists help children improve strength, balance, coordination, and movement skills. Physical therapy supports gross motor development and helps children participate more comfortably in everyday activities.

A physical therapist may help children who have difficulty:

• Rolling, crawling, or walking
• Balancing or climbing
• Building muscle strength
• Coordinating body movements
• Meeting physical developmental milestones

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers work with children to build skills and reduce behaviors that may interfere with learning or daily life. ABA therapy is commonly used to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it may also help children with other developmental needs.

ABA providers may help children with:

• Communication and language
• Social interaction and play skills
• Following directions and routines
• Emotional regulation
• Daily living skills such as dressing or toileting