By Matt Cushing
As first-time parents, my wife, Jacqueline, and I noticed early on that our son Benjamin was developing a little differently than other kids at daycare. He crawled and walked later and we also became increasingly concerned about his eating and speech around 18 months. At this point, it was easy to second-guess everything, wondering if we had done enough or missed something important. When we were first referred to Early Intervention Services, the evaluation was a bit overwhelming. However, it also gave us something we really needed: clarity about where Ben would benefit from support, along with reassurance that we were not alone.
Once services began, the support was practical and grounded in everyday life. We were coached in strategies we could use during meals, play, and daily routines. This helped replace uncertainty with focus. The biggest change we have seen in Ben is his confidence. He’s gone from mostly pointing and using single words to speaking short phrases, singing songs, and engaging more with others.
One night at bedtime, he looked at me and said, “Daddy, I need a hug.” That moment captured just how far he’s come. He’s also consistently engaged at daycare and starting to advocate for himself more while continuing to make steady progress with eating and self-feeding.
This experience has changed how I think about development. It’s not a race, it’s a series of small steps that build over time. Ben, like all kids, will learn at his own pace. Noticing and celebrating those little wins has been one of the most meaningful changes in how I approach fatherhood. One moment that stayed with me was during a difficult stretch. Our service coordinator encouraged us during that time, assuring us that we were doing a great job and that Ben was making wonderful progress. That support really hit home and inspired confidence in us.
If I could offer one message to other fathers, it would be this: don’t wait to seek help. Early Intervention Services gave us tools, confidence, and perspective we didn’t have before. It didn’t just help Ben grow; it helped us grow with him. Hearing him say, “I can do it,” along with other moments of success means everything.
If you know of a child who could benefit from our Early Intervention Services, please reach out to us.
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