Our Mission
FIRST WORDS Project is a model early identification and intervention program based in the Department of Communication Disorders at Florida State University.
The Problem
There is mounting evidence that intervention beginning during infancy or preschool age has a greater impact on outcomes for children and families than providing services at school age (Barnett & Escobar, 1990).
Why is Early Identification So Important?
Brain Research. Recent advances in brain research show how the environment sculpts the young child's brain, as neurons form connections and mature in response to stimulation. The environment has the greatest potential to influence the child's developing brain during a child's first few years of life.
