Common Myths and Misconceptions About Early Childhood Intervention
If you’ve got questions about early childhood intervention and therapies, you’re not alone. The NDIS early childhood approach has been around a while, but many people find it complex and confusing. On top of that, early intervention is set to change in response to the NDIS Review.
Here, we look at some common myths and misconceptions about early childhood intervention programs in Australia. We also explain what the realities are to help you make informed choices for your child and family.
Myth 1: Early intervention programs are only for children with significant challenges
One of the most persistent misconceptions about early intervention is that programs are only for children with recognised disabilities that lead to significant functional problems.
The reality: Children with various developmental issues can benefit from early intervention
Early intervention is crucial not just for children with disability, but also for those with (or at risk of) developmental delay. This includes children who may have difficulty building skills in:
- movement (motor skills)
- language and communication
- socialisation
- emotional regulation.
Myth 2: You need a formal diagnosis to access early childhood intervention services
You might have heard that your child needs a formal diagnosis from a paediatrician or specialist before they can access NDIS early intervention services. This misconception can lead to delays seeking help when it may be available sooner than you think.
The reality: Young children can access early intervention without a formal diagnosis
Under the NDIS early childhood approach, children under the age of 6 do not need a diagnosis to access services if there are concerns about their development.
If your child is younger than 6, it’s a good idea to raise any concerns with a professional who knows them. This could be their GP, child health nurse, or an early childhood educator.
For example, you might like to discuss concerns about your child’s ability to:
- move around
- use their hands and fingers
- play with other kids
- do everyday tasks like dressing
- listen and speak
- feed themselves
- eat different foods.
- move around
- use their hands and fingers
- play with other kids
- do everyday tasks like dressing
- listen and speak
- feed themselves
- eat different foods.
The professional can refer your child for further assessment and support if they agree it might be needed.
Under the NDIS, this involves connecting you with a local early childhood partner – a professional trained to work with young children and their families. The early childhood partner will work closely with you to understand your child’s needs and then connect you with appropriate supports.
This means your child can start receiving early intervention services, such as paediatric physiotherapy or dpaediatric dietetics, without waiting to get a label or diagnosis.
The earlier concerns are addressed, the better outcomes tend to be, because a child’s brain is more adaptable during early childhood. Delaying intervention while you wait for a diagnosis can mean your child is missing opportunities to make progress during this critical developmental period.
Myth 3: Early intervention programs are too expensive for most families
Another common myth is that early intervention programs are very expensive and therefore not accessible to many families.
Starting therapy as early as possible helps children achieve better outcomes
The reality: Early intervention programs are funded for eligible children
In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for early intervention services for eligible children with disability or developmental delay. The NDIS can fund therapeutic supports such as physiotherapy and dietetics, as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, and more – depending on the child’s needs and goals.
Early childhood education settings, such as kindergartens and preschools, also receive funding to provide inclusive education, resources and support for children with disability or developmental delay.
Myth 4: If you wait, your child might grow out of any concerns
Some parents or caregivers may be tempted to take a ‘wait-and-see’ approach to developmental delay, thinking their child will eventually ‘grow out of it’ or catch up on their own. However, this may mean children miss out on supports that could make a big difference – for now and the rest of their lives.
The reality: Early intervention is most effective when started early
While some children may catch up, the majority of developmental delays do not resolve on their own without support. Research shows that early intervention is most effective when it begins during the first few years of life, when the brain is most adaptable and capable of change.
Delaying intervention could mean developmental issues become more difficult to address. In contrast, early intervention gives children the support they need to meet developmental milestones, keep up with peers and potentially avoid more significant challenges later on.
For example, if your child is a picky eater, dietetic support can help you work out why and teach you how to manage mealtime challenges. As a result, your child can learn to enjoy a wider range of foods and build a positive relationship with food and eating – potentially leading to lifelong health benefits.
Myth 5: Early intervention is all done by professionals
Another misconception is that early intervention activities are only done by qualified professionals and the family has little part to play.
The reality: Parents and caregivers are the most important members of the early intervention team
As a parent or caregiver, you know your child better than anyone. Your involvement is crucial. The professionals rely on you to provide information about your child’s needs, goals and preferences. And they depend on you to be actively engaged in your child’s therapeutic supports.
This is because early intervention activities need to be repeated regularly and consistently to be the most effective. As a parent or caregiver, you will be actively involved in practising tasks to help your child build essential skills. This will typically involve play-based activities such as ball games, puzzles, building blocks or games.
Myth 6: Early intervention will not fit into our family’s busy schedule
Some families worry that participating in early intervention programs will take their child away from regular activities, such as preschool, or that therapy sessions will interfere with family routines.
The reality: Early intervention is meant to fit in with your everyday activities
Early intervention programs should fit around your child’s and family’s everyday routines. Many early intervention strategies can be incorporated into activities children already do at home or school.
For example, your paediatric physiotherapist may show you how to include motor skill exercises into daily routines like play time. Or your paediatric dietitian might teach you how to experiment with new foods at meal time.
This approach not only makes early intervention more practical for families but also helps children build on the skills they are learning in therapy in everyday life.
Myth #7: Early intervention will ‘fix’ my child
While some children will get past developmental delay, this is not always the case.The reality: Early intervention is not a ‘cure’
In early childhood, intensive early intervention can help children with developmental delay to catch up with peers. But it can’t ‘fix’ permanent and lifelong conditions such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or autism spectrum disorder.
It can, however, have positive effects that last a lifetime. Young children’s bodies grow fast during the first few years of life. Their brains are also developing rapidly and are highly responsive to experience. As a result, early childhood is a key time for building healthy habits and life skills.
For example, supports that help kids be more physically active can have lasting benefits for their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Similarly, so can supports that encourage children to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Parents and caregivers play a key role in helping kids build essential skills
Early intervention that comes to you
Are you looking for flexible, affordable support that fits in with your family’s routines? At Active Ability, our early intervention team members come to you, so you don’t need to worry about getting in and out of cars, traffic or finding a park.
We can see your child at home, childcare, school, the park or another location that suits you. And we believe you should get maximum value from your NDIS plan, so we do not charge a travel fee.
Our early intervention support services include physiotherapy, exercise physiology and dietetics designed to help kids reach their NDIS goals.
We work with children who have an intellectual disability, mental health condition, neurological disorder or autism.
Learn more about our early childhood intervention services. You’re also welcome to contact our friendly team with any questions on (02) 8678 7874, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
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