Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of early cognitive and speech intervention on children with developmental delay. Methods 58 inpatient or outpatient children with developmental delay from June, 2014 to June, 2015 were diveded into observation group (n=32) and control group (n=26). The observation group accepted early cognitive and speech therapy and routine rehabilitation training, while the control group accepted the routine rehabilitation only. They were assessed with Gesell Development Schedule before and 3 months after treatment. Results The developmental quotient of the gross movement, fine movement, language and peasonal-social improved in both groups after treatment (t>2.90, P<0.001), and improved more in the observation group than in the control group (t>2.84, P<0.05), especially in children of 1 year old than those of 1-2 or 2-3 years old (F>36.52, P<0.01). Conclusion Early cognitive and speech intervention may improve development of many dimensions in children with developmental delay. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.

Key words: global developmental delay, cognition, language, rehabilitation, early intervention, development