Occupational therapy treatment practices with infants in early intervention

This paper explores occupational therapy treatment practices for infants (birth to age 2 years) in early intervention programs. Generic treatment is viewed as the facilitation of the infant's independence through improved motor control, sensory modulation, adaptive coping, sensorimotor development, social-emotional development, daily living skills, and play. Treatment practices in specialized settings, that is, in a neonatal intensive care unit and in a follow-up program for high-risk infants, are outlined. The efficacy of intervention is discussed in light of recent research findings and of the comments made by critics of early intervention.