Early Intervention Programs: Crucial Support for Infants and Toddlers With Traumatic Brain Injury

Early Intervention (EI) programs are available in every state. These programs are based on evidence-based medical studies that prove that EI for infants and toddlers has a direct and significant impact on a child’s ability to learn skills, overcome developmental delays and disabilities, and achieve success in the future. Our 50 State Resource Guide contains the contact information for each state’s program. These publicly funded programs provide services for eligible children for free or at reduced cost, including infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities such as brain injuries and CP.

Early intervention services are critical for infants and toddlers born with disabilities, with delays in development, or otherwise at risk for disabilities. These services promote development, enhance abilities, and address children’s specific needs in the early stages of life and are designed to help children reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. EI services encompass a range of interventions, therapies, assessments, and support to meet the individual needs of each child and their family.

Timeline for Seeking Help

Families are encouraged, in the strongest possible terms, to apply for EI services as soon as possible. Approval may take time. It also takes time to get necessary records and to get appointments for services even after approval. Families need to follow through and collaborate with health care providers, therapists, educators, and community organizations to access EI services. If you need help completing the forms or obtaining necessary information or services, promptly seek out an advocate or an experienced lawyer.

By providing early support, individualized EI programs can help encourage children’s development, build their skills, and lay the foundation for the best possible future.

Components of Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers With TBI

EI services provide support and therapy designed especially for infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities or who are at risk for developmental delays. These services are generally provided to children from birth to age three. Research demonstrates that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children and lead to better long-term functioning. EI services are typically coordinated in a family-centered approach that involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including EI specialists, therapists, educators, and health care providers.

A service coordinator plays a crucial role in early intervention, as mandated by Part C of IDEA. Service coordinators partner with families from the initial referral through the transition out of early intervention and are provided at no cost to families. Their primary responsibilities include helping families navigate the EI system, identifying appropriate support and services, and understanding the family’s rights and procedural safeguards.

Service coordinators facilitate ongoing communication with families and gather information about their priorities, strengths, and needs while sharing details about the EI system, including rules, regulations, and available services. This is essential for empowering families to make informed decisions regarding their child’s needs. Service coordinators are supposed to guide families through essential processes, including scheduling intake, screenings, and evaluations.

Additionally, service coordinators are supposed to ensure that the family’s priorities are well represented. They inform families about available services, help in provider selection, coordinate timely service delivery, and check in routinely to monitor progress. By collaborating with medical, health, and community providers, the service coordinator’s role is to develop a comprehensive approach to supporting the family. As children approach age 3, service coordinators also work with families to develop transition plans for continued support, while informing them of advocacy services and assisting them in advocating for their child’s needs.

What Legal Recourse Do We Have If Our Infant or Toddler Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Patients and their families benefit from hiring brain injury lawyers to handle their legal matters. These attorneys specialize in providing legal assistance to brain injury victims, they understand the medicine, treatments and outcomes, and they can offer guidance on legal options, securing critical time-sensitive evidence, and presenting compelling cases on the clients’ behalf.