ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the roles and responsibilities of allied health professionals providing therapy services for individuals with intellectual and development disability (IDD), including speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, as a description of early intervention (EI) services. Regardless of how a child receives therapy services, from state-mediated treatment to outpatient clinics, allied health professionals are responsible for delivering therapy in ways that are responsive to the family's needs. By partnering with families through shared decision making, allied health professionals are able to increase participation in treatment as the goals are built upon the caregiver's personal values and priorities and are mindful of barriers to successful implementation. This in turn empowers families as they carry over skills throughout the child's day. As early childhood education and healthcare changes, continued focus on supporting the individual with IDD and the family in treatment decisions is essential.
