RBHA offering early intervention services to support child development

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Birth to three years old is the most critical time for human development.

And it can be concerning when an infant or toddler isn’t doing what other kids their age are.

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s early intervention services help with that. They help children meet their developmental milestones, including sitting, talking, walking, and can determine if a child has autism.

“We’re helping children meet their developmental milestones. So that could be sitting, talking, walking, or interacting socially. Which is really important, because those early years make the most development with their brain, trying to catch up with their same-age peers,” said Erin Austin, developmental services director at RBHA.

No doctor referral is needed. Families can come in for an evaluation for little to no cost.

“We try to serve the whole family. And after the assessment is done and the evaluation, we’ll go over services they may be eligible for and then get them connected to a case manager, speech or physical therapy. Anything that they might need,” Austin said.

In April alone, the program received over 100 referrals. Austin said the program has grown immensely over the years.

“When I first started as the manager over a decade ago, we were serving probably around 400 to 500 annually; now we’re serving around 800,” Austin said.

All the early intervention services are provided in the child’s natural environment, whether it’s a home, daycare, or at grandma’s house. They’re meeting the child where they’re most comfortable.

“Doing the services in the natural environment has shown the biggest success,” Austin said.

Early intervention has proven to be the key to long-lasting outcomes, and it all begins with just one phone call.

“You’re really cutting down on costs later, because you don’t need the therapies later, you don’t need the exceptional education through the school system. So, it’s a really great cost saving program,” Austin said.