Sara Nall: Early Intervention

What advice would you give parents who are fearful of what the future holds for their preschooler with a disability?

Allow them to be all that they can be.

Don’t limit them.

Embrace their ability.

No matter what their disability is, push them to be the best version of themselves…even if it is out of their comfort zone.

How can parents be proactive in preparing their child for independence, even as early as preschool?

Start them young.

Don’t enable them because they have a disability

Empower them because they have ability.

Why is early intervention important for a student with a disability?

Early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life because they get more time receiving the therapies they need.

How do parents find the best early intervention program for their student with a disability?

Do a lot of research.

Ask friends.

Don’t be afraid to reach out about others’ experiences.

Be an expert in your child’s disability.

What are common struggles that you see in preschool-aged students?

Lack of language.

Ability to get needs met.

What should parents expect as their student transitions into Kindergarten from preschool?

Parents have to ask for what their child needs (boldly).

What other advice, tips, wisdom, etc. do you feel would be helpful to share with parents of students with disabilities and life after school or adulthood?

Know your child at every stage because every stage looks different.

Dont be afraid to step in. They still need you.

Seek help.

Sara Nall is executive director of Mitchell’s Place, a preschool for students with autism. Sara has over 30 years of experience rooted in special education with 25 years serving as a resource teacher at Mountain Brook High School. She uses her passion and gifts to think outside of the box and find unreached areas in the special education community!