McKenzie Centre - Realising a child's potential - Early intervention for children with special needs - Te Whare Awhina o nga Kohungahunga Haua

Young children learn and develop differently.  One child may talk earlier than others.  Another child might walk later.  Often, these differences will even out over time.  But some children will need extra support.

You may see signs which indicate your child might need extra support.  If you suspect your child does have a delay, the earlier you get help, the better, and Early Intervention can make a difference.

WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED FOR EARLY INTERVENTION?

Any child aged from birth to school age who has a physical or learning developmental delay or is behind in at least two areas of development such as:

●          Physical – includes vision and hearing, gross or fine motor skills.

●          Cognitive – play skills, attention, memory, problem solving, sorting skills and visual perception.

●          Communication – how the child understands what is said and how the child uses sounds, words or gestures to let others know what he/she wants.

●          Social/Emotional – the child's ability to interact, respond and engage in social situations.

●          Self Help – including feeding, toileting and dressing skills.

We have specific expertise with children who have conditions such as:

Spina Bifida

ASD -Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cerebral Palsy - including Hemiplegia

Arthrogryposis

Chromosonal Syndromes - e.g. Down Syndrome, Cri du Chat, Soto

Visual Impairment

Global Developmental Delay - GDD

Head Injuries and Acquired brain disorders

Dyspraxia

Perceptual disorders

Balance and coordination difficulties