Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention in Early Intervention

Abstract

This article proposes a conceptual framework for the provision of early intervention services, applying the concept of primary, secondary, or tertiary levels of prevention. This prevention perspective is built on the premise that the manifestation, severity, or extended impact, respectively, of a specified condition, namely developmental delay, can be prevented. This premise has implications for direct intervention with children and linked intervention for families. Representative findings are used to illustrate the preventive and ameliorative functions of early intervention. The implications of this preventive framework for intervention with infants and their families are identified.