Managing early intervention

Managing an early intervention program for your child can feel overwhelming at first. 

Life is already busy, and adding therapy sessions into the mix might seem impossible. But with a bit of planning and the right approach, you can find a way to make it all work. Early intervention should help your child’s development, but it also needs to fit into your family life.

What is early intervention?

Early intervention refers to the therapies and support available for young children on the autism spectrum. The aim is to help them develop important skills, like communication and social interaction, as early as possible. While this sounds straightforward, autism is not like other conditions that come with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Each family must research, piece together, and manage their individual program. The process can feel daunting, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Make sure the therapies you choose are evidence-based and proven to work.
• Aim for a program that includes enough hours of therapy to make a difference.
• Most importantly, ensure that the therapies fit with your family’s schedule and resources.

“There are a thousand and one ways in which therapy can look, and it's going to be different for every family, but it's a constant juggle. You are always on, and every moment is a teaching moment” - Alex

Finding the right balance

Every family is different, and there’s no single way to approach early intervention. What works for one family might not be suitable for another. Some parents work full-time, while others may be at home with their children. The key is to create a plan that works for your particular circumstances. Here are a few examples of how different families manage their weeks:

• Both parents working full-time: The child attends mainstream daycare during the week, and therapists visit the centre to deliver speech and occupational therapy sessions. Some additional therapy might be done at home on the weekends. In this situation, good communication between parents, daycare, and therapists is essential to ensure the child’s progress is supported at home and in the centre.
• Full-time autism-specific intervention centre: The child is enrolled in a specialised early intervention centre, where they receive therapy and daycare under one roof. Parents work closely with staff to ensure continuity between home and the centre.
• Home-based early intervention: A parent or carer stays home full-time to manage therapy sessions, which take place in the family home. In some cases, parents might also take their child to external appointments, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy.
• Part-time preschool or daycare: The child attends daycare part-time and receives therapy either at home or in a centre for the remainder of the week. This is a common option for families who have some flexibility in their schedules.
• Intensive therapy camps or telehealth: Families in rural or remote areas might access intensive therapy camps or use telehealth services. This can help bridge the gap when in-person services aren’t easily available.

Common challenges in early intervention

While the goal is to create an effective early intervention program, not every family will find it easy to access the services they need. You might live in an area with limited options, or the demands of everyday life may make it hard to dedicate time to research. Here are a few common challenges families might face, along with some practical advice on how to navigate them:

• Limited access to services: Families in rural or remote areas may struggle to find local services. Telehealth has made it easier to access support remotely, but it’s not always the best option for everyone. If telehealth doesn’t work for you, it might be worth considering travel to access services in another location.
• Family or cultural barriers: In some cases, family members may not accept your child’s diagnosis or might be in denial about the need for early intervention. This can make it difficult to get started. In these situations, try to start small, perhaps with activities that engage your child’s attention or encourage communication in everyday routines.
• Financial or time constraints: Managing therapy appointments on top of work and other responsibilities can be difficult, even with NDIS support. If you’re struggling with the time commitment, try looking for services that offer flexibility, like telehealth or shorter therapy blocks.
• Health or personal issues: Sometimes, families are dealing with their own health challenges, or there might be a separation or other major life event that makes starting therapy feel overwhelming. If this is the case, focusing on maintaining a supportive environment for your child at home might be the best option for now.

Telehealth and remote options

Telehealth services have become a lifeline for many families who can’t easily access in-person early intervention. A growing number of autism service providers now offer remote therapy sessions, assessments, and consultations. This is particularly beneficial for families living in rural or remote areas.

In some cases, children might attend therapy centres for short, intensive sessions, then continue with telehealth support from home. Organisations like Royal Far West in NSW specialise in offering telehealth services and intensive therapy blocks, making it easier for families in remote locations to access quality support.

Staying flexible and making changes

One of the most important things to remember about early intervention is that flexibility is key. You may not find the perfect therapy provider or program on the first try, and that’s okay. It’s perfectly normal to switch services if something doesn’t feel right for your child or your family.

Take the time to assess how things are going. Is your child making progress? Do you feel comfortable with the therapy team? If something doesn’t sit well, trust your instincts and explore other options. Early intervention is a journey, and it’s common to need a few tries to find the best fit.

At the same time, it’s important to be mindful of not making decisions in the heat of the moment. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Try to maintain a calm, level-headed approach when evaluating whether a program is working or not.

Early intervention is a marathon, not a sprint

It’s easy to feel like there’s a rush to get everything done as quickly as possible, but it’s important to remember that autism is a lifelong condition. Your child’s brain will continue to develop over time, and progress can be made throughout their life, not just in the early years.

The goal of early intervention is to lay a strong foundation for your child’s future. This means focusing on quality, not just quantity when it comes to therapy hours. It’s also crucial to think about the long-term wellbeing of the whole family. A balanced approach that considers everyone’s needs will help prevent burnout and ensure sustainable progress.

Don’t be afraid to make changes

If at any point you feel like a service provider or therapy program isn’t the right fit, don’t be afraid to move on. It’s perfectly normal for families to try different approaches before finding the one that works best for their child.

Trust your instincts and don’t feel pressured to stick with something just because it’s convenient. Early intervention is all about supporting your child’s development, and if a program isn’t achieving that, it’s okay to look elsewhere.

Managing early intervention can feel like a juggling act, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Creating a plan that fits your family’s lifestyle and needs allows you to find a balance that works for everyone.

Whether you’re working full-time or managing therapy at home, the key is to stay flexible and focus on what’s best for your child’s development. With NDIS support, telehealth options, and personalised programs, early intervention can become a manageable and rewarding part of your family’s routine.

Remember, early intervention is just the beginning. Autism is a lifelong condition, and your child’s brain will continue to grow and develop throughout their life. The goal is to set a strong foundation that supports their future success while ensuring the wellbeing of the whole family.