When a child is diagnosed with an <\/span>intellectual disability<\/span><\/a> or developmental disability, families often hear the word \u201ctherapy\u201d a lot. But with so many types of therapists and services, it\u2019s natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed.<\/span><\/p>\n Therapists can play a key role in supporting your child\u2019s growth – but not every child needs every therapy. The right approach depends on your child\u2019s needs, interests, age, and comfort. This guide is designed to give you a quick overview of common professionals families may encounter, and how they might support different areas of a child\u2019s development.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s okay not to have all the answers right away. The goal is not to “fix” your child – but to help them thrive, learn practical skills, and express who they are in their own way.<\/span><\/p>\n Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities may benefit from support from various therapists. However, understanding which professionals to reach out to and their qualifications can feel overwhelming. Nayi Disha aims to simplify this process by providing clear information on different therapists and their roles.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick guide to the professionals you might meet in your journey, along with their typical qualifications. These experts support your child\u2019s growth, learning, health, and well-being in different ways.<\/span><\/p>\n \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Bachelor\u2019s or Master\u2019s in Audiology or Speech & Hearing (BASLP\/MASLP)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or related fields (may hold degrees in psychology, special education, or social work)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Postgraduate diploma or Master\u2019s in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Mental Health Counseling<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD in Dermatology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD\/DNB in Pediatrics + additional fellowship in Developmental Pediatrics<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Certified in structured literacy programs like Orton-Gillingham, Barton, or similar; may also be trained educators or remedial therapists<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD in Internal Medicine + DM in Endocrinology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or relevant financial certifications<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD\/MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD in Medicine + DM in Neurology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> BSc\/MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics; Registered Dietitian (RD) certification<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> BOT\/MOT (Bachelor\/Master of Occupational Therapy)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MS in Ophthalmology + Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD\/DNB in Pediatrics<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> BPT\/MPT (Bachelor\/Master of Physiotherapy)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> MBBS + MD in Psychiatry<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Master\u2019s or MPhil in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Training in therapeutic recreation or child development; may be certified by relevant recreation therapy boards<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Bachelor\u2019s or diploma in Special Education, Remedial Education, or Learning Disabilities<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Background in psychology, education, or special education; on-the-job training<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Bachelor\u2019s or Master\u2019s in Social Work (BSW\/MSW)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> B.Ed or M.Ed in Special Education, or relevant SEN certifications<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> BASLP\/MASLP (Bachelor\/Master in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology)<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Diploma or certification in Adaptive Physical Education or Special Needs Coaching<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Optometrist or ophthalmologist with additional training in visual therapy<\/span> \u092f\u094b\u0917\u094d\u092f\u0924\u093e:<\/b> Certified Yoga Therapist with training in therapeutic applications for children with special needs<\/span> For more information, you can also explore <\/span>Alternative Therapies in Autism.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Choosing the right therapist can feel daunting. Here are a few gentle tips to help guide your decision:<\/span><\/p>\n You can also speak with your child\u2019s pediatrician or a developmental specialist for referrals and guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n Building a relationship with your child\u2019s therapist takes time. Here\u2019s what a supportive therapy experience may include:<\/span><\/p>\n Remember: therapy is not a race. It\u2019s about co-creating a safe, encouraging space where your child can grow at their own rhythm.<\/span><\/p>\n Therapies often focus on areas of difficulty – but don\u2019t forget to celebrate your child\u2019s unique gifts too. Many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities show deep empathy, strong memory skills, creative problem-solving, or a great sense of humor. These strengths can be the foundation of how they learn, grow, and relate to the world.<\/span><\/p>\n Ask therapists to build on your child\u2019s strengths\u2014not just work around their challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s common to feel nervous or unsure before your child\u2019s first therapy session – many families wonder if they\u2019re saying or doing the \u201cright\u201d thing. You\u2019re not alone in this. Therapists don\u2019t expect you to have everything figured out. It\u2019s okay to say, \u201cI\u2019m not sure what to ask,\u201d or \u201cCan you help me understand what\u2019s going on?\u201d You can also begin by asking:<\/span><\/p>\n These questions can help you feel more supported and better informed.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have questions about Autism<\/a>, Down Syndrome<\/a>, ADHD<\/a>, or other intellectual and developmental differences, or if you\u2019re concerned about a child\u2019s development, the Nayi Disha team is here to help.<\/span><\/p>\nTypes of therapists and medical professionals and their qualifications<\/h2>\n
\u0911\u0921\u093f\u092f\u094b\u0932\u0949\u091c\u093f\u0938\u094d\u091f<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Supports individuals with hearing-related needs and auditory processing issues. They help with hearing aids and listening therapies.<\/span><\/p>\nBehavioral therapist<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Helps build positive behaviors, self-regulation, and coping skills, especially for children with autism or ADHD.<\/span><\/p>\nCounselor<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Offers emotional support, guidance, and safe space to process feelings and build resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n\u0924\u094d\u0935\u091a\u093e \u0935\u093f\u0936\u0947\u0937\u091c\u094d\u091e<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Treats skin conditions like eczema, rashes, or fungal infections.<\/span><\/p>\nDevelopmental pediatrician<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Assesses and supports developmental delays, autism, ADHD, learning differences, etc.<\/span><\/p>\nDyslexia therapist<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Supports children with reading, writing, and spelling challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n\u090f\u0902\u0921\u094b\u0915\u094d\u0930\u093e\u0907\u0928\u094b\u0932\u0949\u091c\u093f\u0938\u094d\u091f<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Manages hormonal issues such as growth concerns, thyroid conditions, and diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\nFinancial consultant<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Helps plan for your child\u2019s future needs\u2014savings, insurance, legal guardianship, etc.<\/span><\/p>\nGynaecologist<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Supports menstrual health, puberty concerns, and reproductive wellness.<\/span><\/p>\nHomoeopathic physician<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Offers homeopathic remedies for various physical or emotional concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n\u0928\u094d\u092f\u0942\u0930\u094b\u0932\u0949\u091c\u093f\u0938\u094d\u091f<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Diagnoses and treats brain and nervous system conditions like seizures, movement issues, or neurodevelopmental differences.<\/span><\/p>\nNutritionist\/Dietician<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Provides meal plans and nutrition guidance for allergies, picky eating, growth, and energy needs.<\/span><\/p>\nOccupational therapist (OT)<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Helps build daily life skills like feeding, dressing, writing, and sensory regulation.<\/span><\/p>\nPaediatric <\/span>ophthalmologist<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Treats vision concerns in children like squint, lazy eye, or refractive errors.<\/span><\/p>\n\u092c\u091a\u094d\u091a\u094b\u0902 \u0915\u093e \u091a\u093f\u0915\u093f\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0915<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Provides overall health care, vaccinations, and developmental check-ups for children.<\/span><\/p>\n\u092b\u093c\u093f\u091c\u093c\u093f\u092f\u094b\u0925\u0947\u0930\u0947\u092a\u093f\u0938\u094d\u091f<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Improves movement, posture, balance, and strength in children with physical challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n\u092e\u0928\u094b\u091a\u093f\u0915\u093f\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0915<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Diagnoses and manages mental health conditions; can prescribe medication and offer therapy.<\/span><\/p>\nPsychologist<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Offers assessments (IQ, learning, emotional), therapy, and emotional support. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.<\/span><\/p>\nRecreational therapist<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Uses play, art, music, and sports for healing, social skill-building, and joy.<\/span><\/p>\nRemedial educator<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Offers one-on-one academic support for reading, writing, math, and classroom challenges.<\/span><\/p>\nShadow teacher<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Supports children within regular classrooms to follow along and participate with peers.<\/span><\/p>\nSocial worker<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Connects families to services, schemes, therapy referrals, and advocacy support.<\/span><\/p>\nSpecial education needs (SEN) teacher<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Designs Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and teaches children with learning and developmental needs.<\/span><\/p>\nSpeech therapist\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Supports speech clarity, understanding language, communication devices, and feeding\/swallowing.<\/span><\/p>\nDisability sports coach<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Facilitates physical fitness, teamwork, and self-esteem through inclusive sports.<\/span><\/p>\n\u0926\u0943\u0937\u094d\u091f\u093f \u091a\u093f\u0915\u093f\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0915<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Works on visual tracking, eye-hand coordination, and visual-motor skills, especially in learning or sensory challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n\u092f\u094b\u0917 \u091a\u093f\u0915\u093f\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0915<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Role:<\/b> Uses movement, breathwork, and relaxation to support physical and emotional well-being.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to choose the right therapist for your Children with Disability<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWorking with therapists: What to expect<\/h2>\n
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What to ask in your first session?<\/h2>\n
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Need support?<\/h2>\n