Have you ever wondered if your child is just a late bloomer, or if it’s actually time to get help? Have you been concerned that your child is too young to get the support they need to grow?

My name is Lisa Tar, I’m a pediatric physical therapist and the CEO and founder of First Steps Pediatric Therapy. Today, I want to address this question to help you get peace of mind and encourage you to seek out the support your child needs.

No, Your Child Is Not Too Young for Pediatric Therapy

There’s a common myth that kids will “outgrow it.” But the truth is, pediatric therapy can actually help as early as infancy. We work with babies often, and we provide services from birth all the way on up.

Most parents think therapy is only for school-aged kids. But statistically, one in six children in the U.S. (ages 3 to 17) has some level of developmental disability, whether it’s a developmental delay, learning disability, or neurological impairment. Therapy can start as early as a few weeks old for concerns like:

  • Torticollis

  • Feeding issues

  • Low muscle tone

  • Identified delayed milestones

Most delays don’t fix themselves. Starting services earlier helps build on what therapists call neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections. This gives your child the best chance to catch up and gain new skills sooner rather than later.

Early Intervention Makes Progress Easier for Your Child to Attain

Research shows that early support leads to better outcomes, helps address delays sooner, and even reduces long-term costs. Children who receive early services are less likely to need intensive support later.

That’s why the U.S. created a federally funded program called Early Intervention, which is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. These programs also strengthen the connection between parents and children by empowering families with tools, strategies, and education to support daily routines.

Early intervention is also about equity. It promotes access to care regardless of income or background, so all children from birth to age three can receive the support they need.

Early services can help your child with:

  • Motor coordination and development

  • Self-help skills and ADLs (activities of daily living)

  • Speech and language

  • School readiness

  • Confidence and emotional regulation

Early Intervention Gives Your Child the Tools to Overcome Future Challenges, Too

The reason why early intervention is so wonderful is because statistically, approximately 85% of a child’s brain development happens before age five (according to the Urban Child Institute). That’s why it’s so much easier to learn how to ride a bike at age five than at age fifty—and the same goes for developmental skills.

If you can think about it that way, pediatric therapy isn’t just for helping kids right now; we actually build a foundation that helps equip them later on in life. We work on skills like:

  • Motor development

  • Emotional regulation

  • Communication

  • Social interaction

These are the building blocks for friendships, learning, independence, and success later in life.

When Should You Seek a Pediatric Therapy Evaluation?

You might be wondering: When should I reach out? The most important thing to know is, don’t wait for your pediatrician to bring it up. Trust your parental intuition. If something feels off, it’s okay to ask questions.

Common signs of a potential delay include:

  • Delayed sitting, crawling, or walking

  • Difficulty with calming or engagement

  • Limited speech or communication

Getting an evaluation isn’t a commitment to long-term therapy. And we offer free 15-minute consultations with a licensed therapist so you can talk through your concerns before scheduling a full evaluation. It’s a way to get clarity and peace of mind so you’ll know if your child needs support, or not.

Reach Out to First Steps for Expert Support

Your child is never too young to start therapy, and early support can make a big difference in building confidence, skill development, and family connection.

If this resonates with you and you feel like your child might need some support, you can always give us a call or text us at (720) 989-0179. We’re here to help.