Early Intervention for Autism | Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Every parent wants to give their child the best possible start in life. When autism is suspected, early intervention for autism can change the trajectory of a child’s development and the entire family’s future. At Cadabams CDC, we turn the critical first three years into an opportunity for growth, confidence, and connection. This guide walks you through what early intervention really is, how to recognise the signs, and how our evidence-based program works—step by step.
1. What Is Early Intervention for Autism?
Definition & Timeline
Early intervention refers to structured, therapeutic services delivered as soon as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suspected—often between 12 and 36 months of age. The sooner we start, the more plasticity a child’s brain retains, making learning faster and more lasting.
Why the First 3 Years Matter
- Neuroplasticity peaks: Neural pathways form rapidly, making skills easier to acquire.
- Foundation skills: Joint attention, imitation, and basic communication develop now.
- Family rhythm: Habits and routines are still forming, so changes are easier to adopt.
Goals of Early Intervention
- Reduce challenging behaviours
- Build communication and social skills
- Increase independence in daily routines
- Empower parents with strategies to use at home
2. Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Intervention
Social Communication Red Flags
- Limited eye contact by 12 months
- Not responding to name by 12–14 months
- Few or no shared smiles, gestures, or pointing by 15 months
Repetitive & Restricted Behaviours
- Lining up toys in very specific ways
- Hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking that interferes with play
- Extreme distress over minor changes in routine
Sensory Processing Indicators
- Covering ears to everyday sounds like a blender or vacuum
- Seeking constant movement—jumping, crashing, or spinning
- Avoiding certain textures in food or clothing If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to explore early intervention for autism.
3. Our Evidence-Based Early Intervention Therapies
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Toddlers
Our board-certified behaviour analysts deliver Natural Environment Teaching (NET). We weave learning into play, snacks, and daily routines so skills generalise quickly.
Speech & Language Therapy
We target first words, gestures, and early sentence building. Therapy happens on the floor—using bubbles, toys, and storybooks—so toddlers stay engaged.
Occupational Therapy & Sensory Integration
We create “sensory diets” that give each child the right mix of movement, deep pressure, and tactile play to improve regulation and participation.
Play-Based & Naturalistic Teaching
From peek-a-boo to pretend tea parties, every interaction is a chance to build joint attention, turn-taking, and imitation.
4. The Assessment & Individualised Plan Process
Step 1: Intake & Parent Interview
We start by listening. Parents complete a short online form and then meet our care coordinator to share their child’s story.
Step 2: Multidisciplinary Evaluation
A team of behaviour analysts, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists observe and assess your child across two relaxed, play-filled sessions.
Step 3: Goal-Setting & Therapy Schedule
Within one week, we present a personalised roadmap. You’ll see:
- 3–5 functional goals
- Recommended hours per week
- Parent coaching schedule
5. Parent Coaching & Home Programs
Training Modules for Caregivers
Learn evidence-based strategies in 30-minute micro-lessons:
- Prompting & fading
- Reinforcement 101
- Visual schedules made simple
Daily Routines as Learning Opportunities
Bath time, grocery runs, and snack prep become mini-lessons in communication and independence.
Progress Tracking & Video Feedback
Record a two-minute clip during breakfast and upload it securely. Our team reviews it and sends back voice-note feedback within 24 hours.
6. Age-Specific Early Intervention Approaches
12–24 Months: Focus on Joint Attention
We use songs, bubbles, and mirrors to teach back-and-forth eye gaze, pointing, and shared smiles.
24–36 Months: Pre-Academic & Peer Play Skills
Toddlers practice matching colours, simple turn-taking games, and sitting for small-group story time.
Transition Planning to Preschool
Three months before “graduation,” we partner with your chosen preschool to:
- Train teaching staff on visual supports
- Create a social story about the new classroom
- Schedule gradual visits to ease the change
7. Success Stories & Measurable Outcomes
Case Snapshot: 28-Month-Old Improvements
- Baseline: 2 spoken words, frequent tantrums
- After 6 months: 150+ words, 2-word phrases, tantrums down 70%
- Key strategy: Combining ABA with weekly parent coaching sessions
Key Metrics We Track
- Number of functional words per week
- Eye contact duration during play
- Percentage of daily routines mastered independently
Parent Testimonials
“We went from daily meltdowns over shoes to our daughter saying ‘blue shoes, please!’ in less than four months. Cadabams CDC gave us our mornings back.” — Anjali R., parent of a 3-year-old