Question 1

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

Accepted Answer

Look out for missed developmental milestones — not babbling by 9 months, not using single words by 16 months, or struggling to be understood by strangers at age 3. If you're concerned, trust your instincts. An early assessment is always the safest approach. You can also take our 2-minute quiz for a starting point.

Question 2

What is the right age to start therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no 'too early' when development is a concern. We work with infants as young as a few months old for feeding challenges, and toddlers under 2 for early communication support. The earlier intervention begins, the more we can leverage the brain's natural plasticity.

Question 3

Do I need a paediatrician's referral to contact DCCD?

Accepted Answer

No. You are welcome to self-refer. Our intake process begins with a thorough assessment of your child's needs. We always recommend consulting your paediatrician in parallel, and we are happy to liaise with their team.

Question 4

What happens at the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an intake assessment. Our clinical team observes your child, reviews their history with you, and identifies areas of need. From this, we design a tailored, multidisciplinary intervention plan and discuss it with you in full.

Question 5

Can parents attend therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

Not only can you attend — we encourage it. We view parents as the most vital part of the therapy team. Our sessions are designed to coach you so you can carry over strategies into daily life between appointments.

Question 6

How long does therapy take before we see results?

Accepted Answer

Every child is unique. However, when parents are actively involved (which we heavily emphasise), many families notice positive shifts within the first few weeks to months. Our team sets clear, measurable goals and reviews them with you regularly.

Question 7

Does DCCD work with schools or teachers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We believe in supporting the child across all environments. We collaborate with schools, provide teacher briefings, and develop classroom strategies — all with the parent's consent.

Question 8

Do we have any package for the fees?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer fixed promotional packages. Fees are structured per session or monthly module based on your child's customized, multidisciplinary intervention plan. Please connect with our front desk for the current tariff structure.

Question 9

What is the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?

Accepted Answer

'Speech' refers to the sounds and pronunciation a child uses. 'Language' refers to understanding and using words and sentences. A child can have a speech delay (unclear pronunciation but good vocabulary) or a language delay (limited words and understanding) or both. Our SLPs assess each area separately.

Question 10

My 2-year-old has very few words. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

By 24 months, most children have at least 50 words and are beginning to combine two words (e.g. 'more milk', 'daddy go'). Fewer than 50 words at 24 months warrants an SLP evaluation — not because something is definitely wrong, but because early support makes the biggest difference if there is a need.

Question 11

Can a bilingual environment cause speech delay?

Accepted Answer

No. Bilingualism does not cause speech or language delays. A bilingual child's total vocabulary across both languages should still meet typical milestones. If there is a delay, it appears in both languages and requires the same support as any other delay.

Question 12

What is the 'late talker' wait-and-see approach — and should I follow it?

Accepted Answer

The 'wait and see' approach is no longer recommended by paediatric speech pathology guidelines. Some late talkers do catch up naturally, but we cannot reliably predict which ones will. An early evaluation costs nothing but time — and early intervention when needed produces far better outcomes.

Question 13

My child stutters. When should I seek help?

Accepted Answer

Seek assessment within 6–12 months of onset, or sooner if: your child is over 3.5 years, has been stuttering more than a year, shows avoidance or anxiety around speaking, or has a family history of persistent stuttering. Our SLPs are trained in evidence-based fluency therapy including the Lidcombe Programme.

Question 14

Are your therapists certified internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team holds advanced international certifications in evidence-based approaches including PROMPT, SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR Floortime, and Sensory Integration — ensuring world-class care at our Bangalore and Coimbatore centres.

Question 15

Is picky eating the same as a feeding disorder?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Most children go through a picky phase between ages 2–6. A feeding disorder involves significant distress, poor nutrition, very few accepted foods (typically fewer than 20), or physical symptoms like gagging and vomiting — and does not improve with typical parenting strategies.

Question 16

My child only eats 8 foods. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Accepting fewer than 20 foods is generally considered clinically significant and warrants a feeding therapy assessment, particularly if the restricted diet is affecting growth, nutrition, or family mealtimes.

Question 17

What is the SOS Approach to Feeding?

Accepted Answer

The SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach is a transdisciplinary feeding programme developed in the US that addresses the sensory, motor, oral, behavioural, medical, and nutritional aspects of feeding. DCCD is one of India's few centres trained and certified in this approach.

Question 18

Do you work with tube-fed children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have specialist experience in tube-to-oral feeding transitions, working closely with the child's medical team. The process is gradual, safe, and always child-led.

Question 19

How long does feeding therapy take?

Accepted Answer

This varies widely depending on severity and underlying causes. Some families see significant improvement in 8–12 weeks; others with complex histories need longer. We set clear, measurable goals and review progress with you regularly.

Question 20

Can feeding therapy be done online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certain feeding therapy models — especially parent-coaching approaches — are specifically designed for online delivery. Your therapist coaches you in real time during actual mealtimes via video call. Some hands-on oral motor assessments work better in person.

Question 21

Does my child need an autism diagnosis before starting therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. We treat functional needs, not just diagnoses. If your child is showing communication, social, or sensory challenges, we can begin intervention immediately based on those needs. A diagnosis can be obtained in parallel and does not need to precede therapy.

Question 22

What is DIR Floortime and do you use it at DCCD?

Accepted Answer

DIR Floortime is a relationship-based therapeutic model that builds communication and social-emotional development through following the child's lead and expanding their interactions. Yes — our team is trained in DIR Floortime and integrates it across speech and OT sessions.

Question 23

Will my autistic child ever speak?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the individual child. Speech is one possible communication outcome, but not the only meaningful one. We work toward the most functional, joyful communication possible — which may include verbal speech, AAC (apps or devices), sign language, or a combination.

Question 24

What is a sensory diet and does DCCD provide one?

Accepted Answer

A sensory diet is a personalised daily activity plan that provides your child with regular, predictable sensory input to keep their nervous system regulated. Yes — our OTs create customised sensory diets for every child who needs one, including home-based plans that require no special equipment.

Question 25

My child covers their ears at any loud sound. Is that sensory processing disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sound sensitivity is a very common sign of sensory over-responsivity, which is common in autism and can also occur independently. Our OTs conduct a thorough sensory assessment and design a programme that reduces over-sensitivity over time.

Question 26

Do you offer group therapy for autistic children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Group Therapy sessions are designed to build social communication skills in a structured, supported peer environment. Groups are small (3–5 children) and carefully matched by age and communication level.

Question 27

Is online therapy as effective as in-person?

Accepted Answer

For most therapy goals — especially speech and language development and parent coaching — research confirms outcomes are equivalent. Our home-based model has a key advantage: strategies are practised in the child's natural environment, where learning generalises fastest.

Question 28

What technology do we need for online sessions?

Accepted Answer

A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a working camera and stable internet connection. Sessions are conducted via Google Meet or Zoom — no special software to install. We guide you through setup before your first session.

Question 29

Do you serve families outside India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. DCCD serves families across the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and 15+ other countries. Our therapists are experienced with cross-time-zone scheduling and culturally sensitive practice.

Question 30

How do I set up the space for an online session?

Accepted Answer

We send a simple home-setup guide before your first session. Basics include: a quiet space with minimal distractions, good lighting, a table or play area the therapist can see clearly, and the child's preferred toys or snacks within reach.

Question 31

Will my child stay engaged through a screen?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our therapists are highly skilled at using interactive screen activities, sharing play materials via camera, and keeping even very young children engaged. Children often love the dedicated screen time context of a therapy session.

Answers for Parents

General

Speech & Language

Feeding

Autism & Sensory

Online Therapy

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