When Megan and Pat noticed their infant son, Cooper, wasn’t meeting common developmental milestones, they weren’t sure where to turn. Like many parents, they did their best to navigate the unknown while tuning into their child’s unique needs.
Cooper was later diagnosed with left hemiplegia and cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination. For Cooper, this meant he relied primarily on the left side of his body—his right hand often clenched and stiff, and crawling didn’t come easily. Instead, he found his way to move by scooting around on his bottom.
Recognizing early that something was different, Megan and Pat began looking for answers. Finding a primary care provider who could confidently guide them through this experience wasn’t easy. But like many modern parents, Megan turned to online communities to hear from other families. One recommendation kept coming up again and again—early childhood intervention.
What is early intervention?
The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) is Arizona’s statewide interagency system of services that supports families with children from birth through age 2 with developmental delays or disabilities. Through AzEIP, Megan and Pat received support from a specialist who helped them understand Cooper’s strengths and challenges. Together, they created an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to guide his therapy and support.
A team-based approach to support
Early intervention laid the foundation, but Cooper also benefited from additional therapies covered through their private insurance, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. Megan and Pat stayed involved and proactive every step of the way, advocating for the care that best suited Cooper’s needs.
Often, this meant seeking second opinions or switching providers when they felt a better fit was needed. Trusting their instincts made a difference—their persistence paid off.
Cooper’s progress and growing independence
Now three years old, Cooper has made incredible strides. With support from his therapy team and his family’s commitment, he’s learning to communicate his needs, gaining independence and getting ready to start school.
His journey is a powerful reminder of how early support and intervention can change a child’s developmental path and strengthen the family’s confidence.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you know your child best as a parent or caregiver. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask questions.
Why early intervention matters
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), early identification and support for developmental delays help children reach their full potential. During the first five years of life, a child’s brain grows rapidly, making this window of time ideal for building critical skills that shape learning, behavior and health.
No matter where you are in your parenting journey, remember that support is available, and you’re not alone.
