International perspectives on early intervention - A search for common ground

In this article, the author presents a framework for establishing an agenda to design or strengthen early intervention systems from an international perspective. Given the extraordinary diversity of potential factors that can influence early intervention around the world, a set of early intervention principles is put forward that appears to have achieved international consensus. The framework utilizes these generally accepted principles to derive agenda items and therefore forms the basis for establishing common ground across international communities. Examples of specific agenda items and possible barriers are discussed for each of the principles.