Is early intervention appropriate for children identified or suspected to have learning disabilities (LD)?
Yes, early diagnosis of learning disabilities is very important. The earlier you catch the problem, the more available it is for correction. Children as young a 3 and 4 can show clear signs of LD. Some types of LD, if caught early, have very good prognoses. Intervention can even change the way the brain works. Because early intervention is so important, federal law requires that school districts provide early identification and intervention services. Families may also want to consult the child’s doctor, who should also be able to refer the family to appropriate resources. Research has shown that the sooner LD is detected and intervention is begun, the better the chance to avoid school failure and to improve chances for success in life.
