Lucknow,

06 Feb (HS): In the first years of life, typically between ages 0 and 6,

children undergo rapid brain development, building foundational skills like

communication, attention, social engagement, and the ability to manage daily

tasks. For children with intellectual and learning disabilities and those on

the autism spectrum, these critical skills may emerge more slowly or

differently, making early, structured support essential for their learning and

participation. This is known as early intervention, and it refers to services

provided to children with disabilities and their families during their early

years of life. It focuses on helping children reach key developmental

milestones before starting school, while also supporting parents to respond

effectively to their child’s needs.

For

Gideon and his family in Delhi, early intervention became the starting point.

Gideon is five years old and was diagnosed with autism last year. For him, this

has mainly meant difficulties with communication—speaking, understanding words,

and expressing his needs. Busy or noisy environments felt overwhelming, and

being around groups of children was once unsettling.

Like

many families from low-income backgrounds, Gideon’s parents struggled to find

affordable and appropriate support. Private therapy options are out of reach,

and public services, while affordable, are not always able to meet the volume

of need. A conversation with another parent of a child with disabilities

eventually led them to CBM India’s Early Intervention Centre, where they

enrolled Gideon soon after his diagnosis.

At

the center, Gideon began working with a coordinated team of specialists,

including a special educator, a speech and language therapist, and an

occupational therapist, each addressing different aspects of his development,

such as communication, attention, and sensory and motor skills. This

multi-disciplinary model takes a holistic view of a child's needs, allowing

specialists to work together rather than in isolation.

For

Gideon, changes began to appear within a few months. He started speaking simple

words, including “mummy” and “papa”, and addressing his special educator and

speech therapist as “ma’am”. He began following instructions, identifying

objects, animals, and body parts, and engaging more with people around him. He

can now hold a pencil and scribble independently. These seemingly small steps

reflect growing cognitive and language development and readiness for more

structured learning.

Early

intervention is most effective when families are partners in the process,

extending learning beyond therapy sessions into everyday life. As part of CBM

India's early intervention model, the center works closely with Gideon's

parents to actively reinforce what he learns, help them adapt daily routines at

home, and learn how to respond to their child’s cues.

“As

parents, we all want what’s best for our children,” Gideon’s father, Surjeet,

says. “In a supportive learning environment like this, children gradually begin

to learn faster.” Surjeet has also become more open about his son’s journey.

“When people ask me about my child, I speak honestly about his condition. I

believe openness helps build understanding and acceptance.” Gideon is one of

many children in India who could benefit from early, coordinated support. When

children with disabilities receive timely intervention tailored to their needs

and are supported by trained professionals and families, they are better

positioned to learn and participate independently and build skills that support

a good quality of life.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi