Our Early Intervention Program is designed for our youngest learners just starting out on the path to learning. Early intervention involves the delivery of an individualized, comprehensive and integrated program in which skills compliment and build upon each other. We believe in setting a strong foundation for our little learners. Quality intervention programs progress systematically through the developmental stages of learning, with an emphasis on an individualized plan for each child.

Our Approach

Our Autism Early Intervention Program integrates multiple therapy modalities to address the unique needs of each child. These include:

• Speech-Language Therapy: Enhancing communication skills, including expressive and receptive language, non-verbal communication, and social interaction.

• Occupational Therapy: Developing fine motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and self-care independence.

• Behavioral Therapy (ABA-Informed Strategies): Implementing positive reinforcement techniques to support learning, behavior regulation, and social engagement.

• Parent & Caregiver Training: We believe in empowering all of our parents with the knowledge and education required to work directly with their child. This allows learning to occur ‘all day, every day’ instead of just during dedicated teaching sessions.

• Structured Play & Social Skills Development: Encouraging social interaction, emotional regulation, and cooperative play with peers.

For our very young learners with autism or related disorders, we use a fun, interactive, play-based approach, giving children the opportunity to adapt to frequent learning opportunities with others. Children are engaged in both structured and incidental teaching opportunities, taking advantage of situations that occur in the natural environment to learn new skills.

Once a positive learning environment is established, more structured learning opportunities are gradually included to challenge our young learners. Structured learning opportunities involve access to preferred activities and positive reinforcers; it also allows for more difficult skills to be taught in a more systematic manner.

What will my child learn through an Early Intervention Program?

Objectives for our early learners include a wide range of skills, including the learning readiness skills of attention, imitation and co-operation. Once a child has developed these skills, our intervention targets expand to include receptive and expressive language development, the social use of language, play and social interaction skills, self care and academic readiness.

Teaching involves breaking complex skills down into small basic units of behaviour, guiding the child to demonstrate the behaviours, and providing positive reinforcement for doing so. Learning becomes a rewarding process, and ultimately, children with autism learn how to learn.

How might my child benefit from an Early Intervention Program?

Children with autism characteristically do not learn readily from typical environments. Young children who follow a typical path of development acquire new skills at a very rapid rate. We aim to help our young learners access those same learning opportunities that other children naturally seek out. We do this by enriching the learning environment, changing our own interaction style and using lots of positive reinforcement. Setting goals that are appropriate to your child’s developmental level helps them to experience success and enthusiasm for learning.

Why should I choose Iguru Therapies for an Early Intervention Program for my child?

• Experienced Multidisciplinary Team: Our therapists specialize in working with children with autism and apply evidence-based techniques.

• Individualized Treatment Plans: Each child receives a customized intervention plan based on their strengths and areas of need.

• Family-Centered Approach: We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to reinforce learning in everyday settings.

• Flexible Service Delivery: We offer in-clinic, and at-home therapy options to accommodate different family needs.

How do I get started with my child’s Early Intervention Program?

Through our Intake and Assessment Process, we can help you start this journey. After you make initial contact with us, we can give you additional information on our services. Once you provide us with some basic information on your child, we can arrange an ongoing therapy plan. This will give us the opportunity to meet and play with your child and to find out more about them during our visit.

Following the assessment, we will provide you with recommendations regarding your child’s proposed intervention program. Once you decide to start, we then provide the training and ongoing consultancy to ensure your child’s program is successful.

We work with children who has received a diagnosis. We also work with children who have not yet received a formal diagnosis.

If you are interested in learning more about our Early Intervention Program, please contact us.

The Power of Early, High-Intensity Intervention

Early intervention can reshape a child’s developmental trajectory significantly. Research suggests that commencing high-intensity intervention for children from birth to age five can yield the most promising outcomes. This period is marked by heightened neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to establish new connections, especially during the learning process. Thus, initiating an ABA therapy program during these formative years offers a prime opportunity to make a substantial difference in a child’s progress and development.

Targeted Areas of Development in Early Intervention

Early intervention encompasses a broad spectrum of development areas that can be addressed to foster a child’s growth and success. These areas include:

1. Social Skills

Early intervention can help autistic children develop fundamental social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and understanding emotions.

Example: A child who learns to make eye contact and initiate simple interactions during early intervention is better equipped for social engagement in school and other settings.

2. Play Skills

Therapy can enhance a child’s play skills, encouraging imaginative play and social engagement with peers.

Example: An early intervention program might involve teaching a child how to engage in cooperative play, such as building with blocks or engaging in pretend play scenarios.

3. Communication Skills

For many autistic children, early intervention focuses on communication development, encompassing both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Example: Early intervention might include teaching a child with limited speech to use picture exchange systems or sign language to communicate their needs and desires.

4. Cognitive Skills

Early intervention fosters cognitive development, helping children build problem-solving skills and improve their ability to process information.

Example: A child involved in early intervention might engage in activities that stimulate critical thinking, such as puzzles or sorting games.

5. Daily Living Skills

Therapy assists children in acquiring essential daily living skills, such as dressing, brushing teeth, and feeding themselves.

Example: Early intervention may involve teaching a child how to independently dress themselves, reducing the need for constant assistance.

6. Addressing Problem Behaviors

Early intervention strategies target excess problem behaviors, helping children learn alternative ways to express themselves and cope with frustration.

Example: A child who engages in aggressive behaviors when frustrated may learn alternative methods of communication and self-regulation through early intervention.

Strategies in Early Intervention

Early intervention employs specific strategies to address developmental concerns effectively:

1. Breaking Down Complex Skills: Complex skills are dissected into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce frustration and enhance learning.

Example: Teaching a child to tie their shoes involves breaking the task into smaller components, such as learning to make a simple knot before progressing to a full bow.

2. Visual Aids and Supports: Visual aids, including pictures and schedules, are employed to enhance a child’s understanding of spoken words and instructions.

Example: Visual schedules help a child anticipate daily activities, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

3. Predictable Routines: Establishing predictable routines helps autistic children understand what to expect, minimizing problematic behaviors.

Example: A consistent bedtime routine can assist a child in transitioning to sleep with fewer disruptions.

Bridging Early Intervention to School Success

Early intervention is especially valuable as children transition to school settings. Group learning can be challenging for autistic children, but early intervention provides a solid foundation:

Example: A child who has undergone early intervention is more likely to possess the necessary readiness skills, enabling them to participate effectively in classroom activities and routines.

Conclusion

Early intervention is a transformative force in the lives of autistic children and their families. By addressing a spectrum of developmental areas and employing targeted strategies, it equips children with the skills and confidence to thrive in diverse settings, from home to school and beyond. Initiating early, high-intensity intervention is not merely a choice; it’s a profound investment in a child’s future, unlocking their potential from day one.