Expected benefits of early intervention

Ability to learn quickly at an early age

 The first years of life are important for a child’s ability to learn, develop skills, and build relationships. The process of neural formation (i.e. brain tissue) starts during pregnancy, but most neural connections in the brain are formed during the period of early childhood. The formation of the brain tissue lasts until the end of adolescence. This points out that the basis for further life and development is formed during the period of early childhood while the neurobiological changes are the most prominent. This also means that investing in early intervention programs is the most effective way to improve developmental delays in the early years. In addition, this would help to improve the life of the most vulnerable children by breaking the circle of poverty, violence, and other negative phenomena in later life.

The delay is difficult to compensate

Developmental delays, vulnerability, and all additional emotional, social, and physical difficulties that are often conjoint become even more pronounced later in life. These struggles often leave serious consequences in adulthood, which can seriously affect both personal and social lives of an individual. Without timely detection and support through early interventions, the child is likely to fall behind others. This will lead to more burdens in later life (both on a person’s life and the healthcare system) and will lead to fewer opportunities to make substantial changes in a person’s life.

Breaking the stigma

Children with developmental delays and disabilities are among the most marginalized and excluded groups of children and are often subjected to violence and violation of their basic human rights. Families that care for a child with a developmental delay or disability are often under a lot of stress most often caused by the lack of social support, financial resources, work and emotional problems. The education and advocacy of the community can help in breaking the stigma on the local level. The policy-makers and regulators of every country need to make sure that all the rights of these marginalized families are protected. The global campaigns showed limited results in decreasing stigma, which is why awareness needs to be raised both globally and locally.