Early Intervention in the World: Implications for Improvement in Serbia

Abstract

In this study, it was collected and analyzed literature that deals with early intervention. By analyzing the available literature, papers were grouped into three groups. The first group consists of the studies relating to research legislation in the field of early intervention. The second group of papers relating to the beneficiaries of early intervention services (children and families), while the third group of works deals with services, respectively support services. Early intervention implies support system for children with neurodevelopmental risk factors, developmental disorders and disabilities from birth up to three years, and their parents. The goal of early intervention is detection, prevention and stimulation. In order to conduct a plan of early intervention in the best possible way, it is necessary to establish as soon as the correct diagnosis in a child, to engage families and to create a plan with clearly achievable and measurable goals. In order to facilitate the successful organization and implementation of early intervention, it is necessary that more areas work together: the organization of services and legislation, evaluation, collaboration with families, teamwork and the ability of the team. In the world, the system of early intervention found its place in the last century, while in the Republic of Serbia there are still systemic deficiencies. In this respect, this paper could have practical guidelines aimed at establishing new or improving the existing system of early intervention.