1. Introduction: Addressing Concerns About Child Development
Yuganti: Welcome to the Ananya Child Development Center podcast. I'm Yuganti, a clinical psychologist and behavior therapist at Ananya Madhapur, Hyderabad. Today, I'm with Madhavi ma'am, the founder of Ananya CDC, to discuss a common parental concern: that gut feeling that something might be different about their child's development.
2. The "Something's Not Quite Right" Feeling
Yuganti: Ma'am, you've worked with families for over two decades. What's the most common concern you hear?
Madhavi: Across Hyderabad, the most common phrase I hear is, "I feel something is not quite right, but everyone tells me I'm overthinking." It's that parental instinct, often dismissed by others. Listen to your gut; it often picks up on subtle developmental differences. If you have concerns, you can learn more about child development on our blog.
3. Early Signs to Pay Attention To
Yuganti: As a psychologist, I see parents struggling with this uncertainty. What early signs should they pay attention to?
Madhavi: Just last week, a mother came to our Banjara Hills Center worried about her 18-month-old. Everyone told her she was paranoid, but her daughter wasn't responding to her name consistently, wasn't pointing, and preferred spinning objects over typical play. These are subtle but important signs. You can find more information on our podcast about early intervention.
4. Developmental Milestones and Red Flags
Yuganti: Could you elaborate on more signs that parents might dismiss?
Madhavi: Across our five centers in Hyderabad, we've seen patterns. By 12 months, children typically engage in joint attention—looking where you point and sharing interests. By 18 months, they use several words. By 24 months, they combine two words. But it's not just communication. Difficulty with transitions, unusual sensitivity to sounds or textures, or lack of pretend play compared to peers can also be signs. For more details on developmental milestones, check out our podcast.
Help Your Child Thrive
5. Navigating the Child Development Landscape in Hyderabad
Yuganti: Parents often get confused about who to approach first. Can you guide them?
Madhavi: It's confusing. Parents often start with their pediatrician, then get referred to various specialists, leading to frustration. That's why we created Ananya. With five centers in Madhapur, Banjara Hills, Alkapur, Kokapet, and Nallagandla, we bring all specialists under one roof: developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special educators. This integrated approach ensures holistic care.
6. Understanding Different Therapy Approaches
Yuganti: Could you clarify the different therapies for our listeners?
Madhavi: Think of child development like a puzzle. Speech therapists focus on communication. Occupational therapists work on sensory processing, motor skills, and daily living skills. Behavior therapists, like yourself, address social skills, behavior, and emotional regulation. Special educators bridge learning gaps. At Ananya, we use evidence-based practices and customize our intervention based on each child's needs. You can read more on our Therapies page. Also, our podcast provides further insights into different therapeutic approaches.
7. Addressing Concerns About Labels and Stigma
Yuganti: Parents often delay seeking help due to worries about labels or stigma. What would you say to them?
Madhavi: This is important. We actively address the stigma around developmental concerns at Ananya. Early intervention isn't about labeling; it's about understanding your child's needs and supporting their development. The earlier we identify concerns, the better the outcomes. For example, a three-year-old who wasn't speaking at all is now using three-word sentences after six months of integrated therapy at Ananya. His parents only regret not coming sooner. For more success stories, listen to our podcast.
8. The Investment in Therapy: Time and Finances
Yuganti: Could you address the investment aspect of therapy, both time and finances?
Madhavi: At Ananya, we believe in transparency. We provide clear information about assessment and therapy costs upfront. Therapy isn't just about sessions at our center; it's about empowering parents with strategies for home use. While we understand parents in Hyderabad are busy, even 15-20 minutes of focused practice at home can make a significant difference. We also have a podcast episode dedicated to guiding parents on supporting their child's development at home.
9. What Makes Ananya Different?
Yuganti: What makes Ananya different from other centers in Hyderabad?
Madhavi: Our comprehensive, family-centered approach sets us apart. We work with the entire family. Our assessments are thorough, our intervention plans individualized, and we regularly track progress. We invest in our team's professional development to ensure we use the latest evidence-based practices. I was probably the first person to start an early intervention center 20 years ago in Hyderabad after returning from the UK. It's about my 25 years of experience with my own son, plus 20 years of running a center, watching thousands of children improve. We understand Hyderabad families. We provide support in multiple languages and are sensitive to cultural contexts. We are always available to address parent's concerns. For instance, we've had parents request therapy in Bangla, Tamil, or Malayalam, and we've been able to accommodate them. We believe in hiring a diverse team from all over India. We prefer hiring freshers because they're eager to learn, and we provide extensive training. Beyond all this, we understand Hyderabad families. We provide support in multiple languages, are sensitive to cultural context, and are always available to address parents' concerns. For instance, we have offered therapy in Bengali, Tamil, and Malayalam to accommodate families' needs. We believe in having a diverse team from all over India, and while we prefer hiring freshers for their eagerness to learn, we ensure they receive comprehensive training.
10. A Message to Parents
Yuganti: As we wrap up, what's your message to parents who might be listening and wondering if they should seek help?
Madhavi: Trust your instincts. If you're concerned, don't wait. Early intervention can make a remarkable difference. Visit any of our five centers in Hyderabad or call us at 98485 13192. You can also visit our website, "asap.org.in," to learn more. Seeking help isn't a sign of failure; it's a proactive step for your child's development. At Ananya, we're partners in your child's journey. For more information about our approach, listen to our podcast on navigating from diagnosis to therapy.
11. Conclusion
Yuganti: Thank you, Madhavi ma'am, for these invaluable insights. To our listeners, if you have concerns about your child's development, reach out to Ananya. With five centers across Hyderabad, we are here to help you and your child reach their full potential.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns about your child's health or development.
Our Locations in Hyderabad
Ananya Child Development Centre has five convenient locations in Hyderabad to serve you:
- Banjara Hills: 101 Orion Plaza, Rd No. 3, Resham Bagh, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, Telangana | Tel: +91 98485 13192
- Manikonda: Rd Number 25, next to Crayons Preschool, opposite Anuhar Nature Walk Apts, Alkapur Twp, Manikonda Jagir, Hyderabad, Telangana 500089 | Tel: +91 98485 13192
- Kokapet: 3rd Floor, Plot 21, Gandipet Main Rd, above Vijetha Supermarket, Narsingi, Kokapet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075 | Tel: +91 98485 13192
- Madhapur (Head Office): Hightech Chambers, 55/A, Jubilee Enclave, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081 | Tel: +91 98485 13192
- Nallagandla: First Floor, Plot 169/34, Nallagandla Huda Extension layout, Nallagandla, Hyderabad – 500 019, Telangana | Tel: +91 98485 13192
Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with Ananya Child Development Centre today.
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