McKenzie Centre

General information

Early intervention– the use of deliberate strategies during the first years of life, to promote the optimal development and functioning of the child with special needs and also that of his/her family/whanau. If a child experiences a developmental delay this can compound over time. The principle of early intervention is to provide therapy for children with special needs to minimise these delays and to maximise their chances of reaching typical milestones in development.
Special Needs – means anything to do with a child's development which is causing parents or other people concern. This may be short or long term. Examples of a special need could include: children who are slower than others of their own age to do things like sitting, walking, talking or playing; or specific disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and syndromes; or children at risk of developing delays e.g. premature babies.