As a BCBA with 29 years of experience in the field of psychology, I’ve worked with countless families who have questions about their child’s development. Every child is unique, and while they all grow and learn at their own pace, some early signs may indicate that your little one could benefit from early intervention services. Catching these signs early can make a big difference, and I’m here to help guide you through that process.
Common Early Signs to Look For
Here are some things to watch for in young children. If any of these sound familiar, don’t worry—early intervention can provide the support your child needs to thrive.
1. Delayed Speech or Communication:
- By 12 months, most children are saying a few words or making babbling sounds like “mama” or “dada.” If your child isn’t using words or gestures to communicate by 18 months, this may be a sign that they need some extra support in developing their language skills.
2. Lack of Eye Contact:
- Babies often begin making eye contact around 6 weeks of age. If your child avoids looking at you or others, or doesn’t seem to respond to facial expressions or social cues, it could be worth exploring why this is happening.
3. Limited Social Interaction:
- Does your child seem uninterested in playing with other children or even with you? If they tend to play alone most of the time or don’t respond to social games like peek-a-boo, they may need help learning how to engage with others.
4. Repetitive Behaviors:
- Some children with developmental delays or autism engage in repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating certain sounds or actions. If you notice these behaviors, early intervention can help your child develop more flexible ways of interacting with the world.
5. Difficulty with Changes in Routine:
- It’s normal for young children to have preferences for routines, but if your child becomes extremely upset or distressed when things change, it could be a sign that they need support in managing transitions and flexibility.
What to Do Next
If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, you may be feeling unsure about what comes next. As someone who has worked in this field for many years, I can assure you that early intervention can make a world of difference. The earlier we begin supporting your child, the more opportunities they have to develop the skills they need for future success.
At Sunderlin Behavioral , we provide personalized early intervention services using evidence-based strategies, including ABA therapy, at our centers in Vacouver, Washington and Boise, Idaho. Our team will work closely with your family to create a plan that fits your child’s specific needs and helps them grow in all areas of development—communication, social skills, and more.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait to get the support your child may need. The sooner we start, the more progress we can make together. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help your child reach their full potential. We can at least guide you the right direction to get the process started.
Call us or visit sunderlinbcba.com (https://www.sunderlinbcba.com) to learn more about our services and schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to give your child the best start possible!
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