Children may be eligible for Early Intervention if they:
- Are under 3 years old
- Live in New York State
- Have a diagnosed condition that is likely to impact development (such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, etc.)
- Have a developmental delay in one or more areas, including:
- Communication (speech and language)
- Cognitive (learning)
- Physical development
- Social-emotional development
- Adaptive or self-help skills
Eligibility is determined through a multidisciplinary evaluation completed by approved New York State evaluators.
You may want to learn more about Early Intervention if your child:
- Is not talking as much as expected for their age
- Has difficulty understanding language
- Is not meeting developmental milestones
- Struggles with feeding or sensory challenges
- Has limited play or social interaction skills
- Has a diagnosed medical condition that may affect development
You do not need a doctor's referral to begin the process. Parents can refer their child directly if they have concerns.