Role of the medical home in family-centered early intervention services.

Abstract

There is growing evidence that early intervention services have a positive influence on the developmental outcome of children with established disabilities as well as those who are considered to be "at risk" of disabilities. Various federal and state laws now mandate the establishment of community-based, coordinated, multidisciplinary, family-centered programs that are accessible to children and families. The medical home, in close collaboration with the family and the early intervention team, can play a critical role in ensuring that at-risk children receive appropriate clinical and developmental early intervention services. The purpose of this statement is to assist the pediatric health care professional in assuming a proactive role with the interdisciplinary team that provides early intervention services.