What is early intervention?

Early intervention is a term that means starting therapeutic interventions as soon as possible, particularly when there are developmental concerns.

When it comes to autism, early intervention involves specialist therapies and services tailored to help young children develop key skills, like communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.

The main goal of early intervention for children with autism is to start as soon as developmental delays are noticed. This doesn’t necessarily mean waiting for a formal diagnosis – you can seek support even before that. The most important thing is to get started as soon as you notice any delays in development. The earlier you begin, the more opportunities there are to support your child’s development, helping them learn and grow in areas where they need more assistance.

Why early intervention matters

Early childhood is a period of rapid brain development, with millions of neural connections being formed every second. This early stage of life is a crucial time for learning and developing foundational skills. When a child with autism receives early intervention, their brain is more adaptable, making it easier for them to learn new skills and build important developmental foundations.

Early intervention aims to help your child develop essential skills like communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction, all of which are areas where children with autism may experience challenges. Some children may require less support as they grow older, while others might continue to need a higher level of assistance. The goal is always to help each child reach their full potential, whatever that may look like for them.

Starting without a diagnosis

One of the good things about early intervention is that you don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis to get started. If you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s possible to access support right away. This means that even if you’re waiting for a diagnosis or haven’t yet gone down that path, you can still begin providing your child with the help they need. Early intervention services are designed to step in as soon as possible to reduce any delays in your child’s progress.

What does an early intervention program involve?

An early intervention program starts with a thorough assessment of your child. This assessment looks at your child's individual needs, strengths, and any developmental delays. Based on this assessment, a personalised plan is created to target the most important areas for your child’s development.

For many children with autism, early intervention focuses on areas like:

• Social communication: Helping your child express themselves and communicate with others.
• Emotional regulation: Teaching strategies to manage emotions and reduce distress.
• Behavioural challenges: Supporting the development of more functional or appropriate behaviours.
• Motor skills: Some children might need help with fine or gross motor skills, such as using their hands or moving their bodies effectively.

The program is designed to be meaningful for both your child and your family. Its clear goals focus on the developmental milestones your child has yet to reach. The idea is to support your child in learning as much as possible during these critical early years.

Why is early intervention so important?

The brain’s development begins before birth and continues well into adulthood, but the early years are when it’s growing and changing the most rapidly. During this time, your child’s brain is forming the connections they’ll rely on throughout their life. Early intervention takes advantage of this natural process by helping your child build the skills they need in communication, behaviour, and emotional understanding.

Early intervention can lay the groundwork for future learning for children with autism, helping them engage more fully with the world around them. Not only does it help the child, but it also supports the whole family by making life smoother. For instance, better communication skills can ease frustrations that arise when your child struggles to express themselves, which can benefit everyone’s emotional wellbeing.

What to look for in an early intervention service

There are many early intervention services out there, so how do you know which one is right for your child? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a service:

• Must be evidence-based, meaning that it has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective
• Child-centred and developmentally appropriate
• Family-centred and working towards goals concerning the family
• Individualised to the child
• Assessments conducted before starting, data taken and progress measured
• Must provide progress reports when required
• Uses positive reinforcement
• Takes a strengths-based approach
• Ongoing professional development of the team
• Regular meetings with family to track progress and problem solve
• Ensure that the child is able to practice and use new skills across many settings (e.g. home, school, community) not just in the therapy setting

Common types of early intervention therapies

There are several different therapies used in early intervention for autism. Some of the most common ones include:

• Speech therapy: Helps children with autism develop language skills and improve their ability to communicate and address swallowing difficulties.
• Occupational therapy: Focuses on developing skills needed for everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, and playing, and helps manage sensory processing challenges.
• Behavioural therapy: Helps children learn new skills and behaviours and reduce challenging behaviours.
• Social skills training: Teaches children how to interact with others and navigate social situations.

Play-based learning

Many early intervention programs for young children are play-based. This is because play is a natural way for children to learn and engage with their environment. For young children, especially those with autism, learning through play feels more enjoyable and less formal.

For example, a child might develop communication skills through simple games or learn to interact with others during cooperative play. Even when working on specific developmental goals, the focus remains on making the experience fun and rewarding for the child.

How much early intervention does a child need?

In general, the more early intervention a child with autism receives, the better the outcomes. However, each child is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some children might benefit from intensive therapy sessions, while others may need less frequent intervention. The goal is finding the right balance that allows your child to progress steadily without becoming overwhelmed.

In terms of where early intervention happens, there’s flexibility. Some children attend a specialist autism centre, while others might have therapists come to the family home. Some parents take their children to regular sessions at a clinic, while others use a combination of services, including telehealth. The important thing is to find a service that works for your child and fits in with your family’s lifestyle.

What if there are delays in accessing early intervention?

It’s common to experience waiting periods when trying to access early intervention services, which can be frustrating. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers funding for early intervention, but sometimes delays are inevitable. If you’re in a position where you’re waiting for services, there are still things you can do in the meantime.

Researching early intervention options, speaking with professionals, and starting informal activities at home (such as play-based learning or focusing on communication) are all ways to keep moving forward while waiting.

Key principles and standards

This NDIS publication, a guide to the key principles and standards for early intervention, provides a good overview.

Parents and carers should feel confident asking service providers questions about how they meet these principles and standards and how, above all else, finding the right fit for their child and family is key.

Understanding your early intervention options and what underpins many of these supports is critical to getting your child the type of support they need. We have developed a resource to assist you through this pathway. Come and find out more about early intervention at Autism: What Next?.

“Early intervention for our daughter was life changing not only for her, but for the whole family unit. We have such a strong and compassionate team that feel like part of the family.”

Early intervention is an essential part of helping children with autism reach their full potential. The earlier you can start, the more opportunities your child has to learn and grow. Whether you begin with formal services or start with at-home support, every step counts. Early intervention is not just about addressing areas of difficulty, but also about building on your child’s strengths and helping them engage with the world in a meaningful way.

Choosing the right service can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and guidance, you’ll be able to find an early intervention program that works for your child and your family. It’s all about finding the balance that helps your child thrive.