Special Education: Early Intervention: 0-36 months of age

Until 36 months, children are treated for developmental delays by the federal government under IDEA Part C program. In Arkansas the Department of Human Services (DHS) manages this point in a child's life through the Early Intervention Program, First Connections. Developmental delay treatment includes speech, fine motor skill, and physical delays.  Since a child with autism may be delayed in any or all three of these areas, DHS provides all medical services to the child and family, including transportation and respite care.

A case manager explains the program deadlines, rules, and eligible therapists and services to the family.  DHS covers all costs of therapy which can be done at the child's home. The child can have a medical diagnosis of a condition that usually results in delays, or the child can be delayed according certain evaluation milestones.

ABA-type educational therapies are not provided under the early intervention program.