Why I’m So Passionate About Early Intervention—and What That Means for Your Child

After two decades in the trenches—working 1:1 with toddlers, school-age kids, and even young adults across the autism spectrum—one thing is crystal clear to me: early intervention matters. Not just because the science says so, but because I’ve seen it change lives. I’ve seen it transform exhausted, worried parents into empowered guides. I’ve seen it help young kids build the skills they need to communicate, connect, and thrive.

So today, I want to share why I built Autism Jumpstart around early intervention, what it really means, and how you can begin using these strategies at home—starting tonight.

Start Here: One Simple Step to Support Your Child’s Learning Today

If you’re not sure where to start, try this: Notice what lights up your child. Not what you think they “should” be doing. What they actually gravitate toward—spinning wheels, climbing the couch, pushing buttons, flipping pages of a book.

Then join them.

• Get down at their level.
• Follow their lead—even if it looks repetitive or unusual.
• Add a tiny social element: copy what they’re doing, make a sound effect, narrate a word or two.

This isn’t just “playing.” This is how we begin building the foundational skills for language, interaction, and learning without fighting against your child’s natural instincts. Connection first. Skills follow.

Why Early Intervention Is So Important

Here’s the brain-based reality: The first few years of life are peak learning years. The brain is incredibly plastic—meaning it’s highly adaptable. Neural pathways form rapidly and the more we can activate and strengthen the pathways for communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving early on, the more we set kids up for long-term success.

I've worked with toddlers, teens, and adults. Across all ages and needs, one pattern stands out: many of the kids with the most significant challenges didn’t receive early support. That’s not to say every child who misses early intervention will struggle—but early years missed are years we can’t get back.

What Parents Can Do—Even Before Formal Services

Let me tell you something deeply true: You, the parent, are your child’s most powerful teacher. Even if you’re still on a waiting list. Even if no professional has entered your home yet.

Here’s how you can begin building essential learning skills through everyday routines:

1. Follow their interests: Use their favorite toys or objects to create back-and-forth moments, even if it’s just taking turns pushing a button.
2. Build predictability: Use the same simple scripts daily. “Up we go!” before lifting them. “All done!” before ending an activity.
3. Label and pause: Name objects or actions they love—and then pause expectantly. This builds anticipation and invites them to engage.
4. Celebrate every effort: If they look, reach, grunt, or imitate, respond warmly. That’s how we reinforce and shape learning.

What About ABA and the Controversy Around It?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the early intervention room—ABA.

I get asked all the time: “Doesn’t ABA try to change autistic kids into something they’re not?” It’s a valid concern. And like so many things, it depends on how ABA is done.

When ABA is practiced well—as a compassionate, individualized teaching approach—it’s not about “fixing.” It’s about helping children access the world, communicate their wants, reduce frustration, and increase joy.

I’ve had the honor of visiting a young man I started working with at age six—he’s now 22. He’s working, chatting about movies, taking out the trash independently. And he’s still completely himself. Still beautifully autistic. Not "changed"—just supported toward his goals.

Teaching Scripts and Real-Life Strategies

Here are a few simple scripts and routines you can try at home:

1. Bath Time Language Building

Script: “Water on!” (turn faucet) … “All done!” (turn off)

Repeat this consistency each time. As your child begins to anticipate the sequence, pause to let them fill in with a sound, gesture, or word.

2. Snack Time Requests

Hold a favorite snack just out of reach. Wait a few seconds.

Script: “Want snack?” (pause) … “Say ‘more’!”

If your child reaches or vocalizes, give it with excitement: “You said more! Here you go!”

3. Goodbye Ritual at School Drop-off

Script: “Hug, kiss, high five—bye-bye!”

A predictable loving routine helps ease transitions and builds safety signals into new environments.

When to Seek Additional Support

If your child has significant delays in communication, engagement, or play—with limited gestures, no words by 16 months, or frequent frustration—don’t wait and see.

I created a free developmental milestones guide to help you understand what to look for—and what to do next. It’s clear, supportive, and designed to give you peace of mind as you navigate the early years.

Want More Support, Tailored to Your Family?

If you’d like personalized guidance and support from someone who gets both the science and the heart behind early intervention, you can schedule a free 30-minute discovery call with me to see if consultation is the right path for you and your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is early intervention and when should it start?

Early intervention refers to therapy and support services aimed at helping children from birth to around age three (sometimes up to five). If you're seeing delays in speech, interaction, or behavior, early action is key. The earlier we support the brain, the more adaptable it is to build strong learning systems.

Is ABA harmful to autistic children?

Like any tool, ABA can be helpful or harmful depending on how it’s used. When practiced ethically and compassionately, ABA focuses on teaching meaningful skills—not masking or changing identity. I always center each child’s joy, autonomy, and communication.

What if I can’t access services right away?

You’re not powerless. That’s why I created Autism Jumpstart—to bring evidence-based, practical strategies into your hands, now. You can begin teaching and connecting through everyday routines, even without a therapist present.

How do I know what milestones my child should be hitting?

This varies by age, but there are clear markers for communication, play, and motor skills. That’s why I made my free developmental milestones guide—so you can spot what’s typical, what may need support, and what to do next.

How much ABA is too much?

I believe intensive ABA can be incredibly effective early on when a child needs high support. But as children gain independence, we must scale back. Independence won’t develop if we don’t allow room for it to emerge and be reinforced.

You're not alone in this. And you don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to start helping your child learn. You can start today—with connection, responsiveness, and small, powerful steps.