When it comes to being the parent of a child who needs early intervention, it may all seem a bit confusing at first. All you know is that your child needs extra help and they are going to get it, but what’s your role as the parent? Here are some ways in which you can be that extra supportive role as the parent in early intervention:
Supportive of the Therapist
There’s no doubt that your family will need support during this time, but a role you will play as a parent is being supportive of the therapist. They’ll need you to communicate, be on time, and be involved in this new role of yours. The success of your child is important and it takes a whole team of people to make it possible.
Do the Exercises
Your child most likely will see a therapist once a week or a few times a month when it comes to early intervention. An important role you will have in this is that you will be asked to do the exercises with them. You may be asked to practice certain speech exercises with your child or ask certain questions on a daily basis. Doing what’s asked of you by the therapist is one way you can help your child during these early years.
An Advocate
You’ve already spend a lot of time advocating for your child, but as a parent you are stepping into a new form being an advocate. You’ll be dealing with insurance needs as it arises. You will also be the liaison between your child and the therapist they see. It’s important to make sure your child is comfortable and getting the care they need and deserve. You don’t want to be overbearing but you do want to know what’s going on.
Ask Questions
Early intervention is a whole new world when you’ve never dealt with it before. As you enter this new role, you will have a lot of questions. One piece of advice would be to ask as many questions as you need to. Never feel bad about asking questions if you are unsure of something. Every intervention programs usually have it set up so you can ask someone questions whenever the need arises. They are there for support and will offer their expertise and experience when needed or asked.
Being the parent of a child in the early intervention program might be something new to you, but you will grasp the concept in no time. Use these tips to embrace your new role of the parent in the early intervention realm. You and your child will be positively impacted by this type of program.