Ananya Child Development Center presents a podcast exploring the life-changing impact of speech therapy for children with special needs in Hyderabad. Join our experts as they discuss early intervention, personalised care, and supporting children with Autism, Development delays and ADHD.
1. Introduction
Welcome to the Ananya Child Development Center podcast. I’m Madhavi Adimulam, founder and director of Ananya Child Development Center, located right here in Hyderabad. Today, I’m joined by Jewel, one of our young and talented therapists who holds a PT diploma in early intervention and an MA in clinical psychology.
2. Supporting Children with Special Needs in Hyderabad
In this podcast, we aim to provide valuable insights and information for parents of children with special needs in the Hyderabad area. At Ananya, we offer a wide range of therapies to support children with various conditions, including Autism spectrum disorder, Learning delays, ADHD, and more. Our experienced team of therapists, like Jewel, work tirelessly to provide the best possible care and support for your children. To learn more about how we approach these and other conditions, visit our Conditions page.
3. Focus on Speech Therapy in Hyderabad
In today’s episode, we’ll be focusing on the state of speech therapy in Hyderabad as a vital aspect of child development. Speech therapy plays a crucial role in helping children with special needs improve their communication skills and overall quality of life. If you’re interested in learning about the different therapies we offer in Hyderabad, take a look at our Therapies page. We’ll discuss the current landscape of speech therapy services in the city, the challenges faced by both therapists and parents, and the ways in which Ananya is working to make a positive impact.
4. Jewel's Journey into Early Intervention
Madhavi: Jewel, can you share with our listeners how your journey began and what motivated you to specialize in this field?
Jewel: So my journey started with a keen interest in being a clinician, thanks to the movies and the field of psychology. Then I entered the field of early intervention with the purpose of seeing joy on the faces of children. It is more like play for us when we work with these children, and the smiles they give always motivated me on a daily basis. Slowly, understanding their needs and challenges, and helping them out made me want to specialize in this field even more. I wanted to understand the challenges better and give them even more smiles.
5. The Importance of Early Intervention in Child Development
Madhavi: What is the importance of early intervention as a trained RCI-certified professional?
Jewel: Early intervention is as crucial as it can get. Parents dream of their child doing simple activities, like playing football with them or having a conversation. But when a child is unable to meet these milestones, it can be incredibly disappointing. Often, parents are clueless about how to handle these situations. To learn more about taking the first steps, read our blog post “Taking the First Steps: Consultations & Assessments for Your Child’s Development“.
Awareness and Support: Early intervention begins by raising awareness among parents about how they can support their child in reaching their developmental milestones. It’s about providing them with the tools and knowledge to help their child thrive.
Unlocking Potential: Early intervention focuses on addressing developmental delays and challenges early on, enabling children to unlock their full potential in areas such as cognition, language, and social skills. This, in turn, sets them up for success in academics and life.
6. Finding Motivation in the Daily Work
Madhavi: So it’s clear that you have a passion for early intervention and to make a difference in children’s lives. As a young therapist working here in Hyderabad, what motivates you to overcome the challenges you face at work daily?
Jewel: By the end of the day, after finishing the activities, when a child gives me a high five—and I might even try to playfully steal it away, making them jump to reach me—and they give me back a smile, that’s enough motivation for me to come back and do it all again the next day.
7. Challenges Parents Face Accessing Quality Speech Therapy in Hyderabad
Madhavi: What would you say are the biggest hurdles parents encounter, especially when trying to access quality speech therapy in our city, Hyderabad?
Madhavi: The first and foremost challenge parents face is that they don’t know where to go or who to see for speech therapy. They may not even recognize that their child needs speech therapy in the first place. If this resonates with you, take a look at our post “Navigating Diagnosis to Therapy for Child Development Challenges” for some helpful guidance.
Lack of Awareness: Sometimes, parents need to start with other therapies first, such as occupational therapy or behavior therapy, before considering speech therapy. This lack of awareness can be a significant obstacle, especially for young parents.
Shortage of Qualified Therapists: There’s a massive demand for speech therapists in Hyderabad, but very few graduates emerge from our colleges and universities in India.
Let’s explore some of the reasons behind this shortage:
Demands of the Profession: Many graduates gravitate toward audiology instead of speech therapy because speech therapy is labor-intensive, requiring immense dedication and patience to see tangible results.
Language Barriers: Another challenge is finding speech therapists who are fluent in English. Many therapists have studied in Telugu medium and may not be comfortable working with English-speaking children. This poses a problem in Hyderabad, a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population.
The Need for Specialized Autism Support
In cases of autism, many children don’t necessarily need a traditional speech therapist; they need someone who understands the unique ways children with autism learn language. As an early interventionist or a special educator, you can teach language to these children if you possess the right understanding and approach. They may not need a speech therapist unless they have specific oral motor issues.
Navigating this complex system can be very overwhelming for young parents who have a two-year-old child who is not speaking. Finding the right center with the right therapist for their child’s needs can feel like an impossible task. For those seeking guidance specifically in Hyderabad, our post “Child Development Centers (CDC) in Hyderabad” might be helpful.
Help Your Child Thrive
8. Ananya's Approach to Addressing Speech Therapy Challenges in Hyderabad
Jewel: That’s a really important point. That brings me to the question, how is Ananya working to address these challenges?
Madhavi: When we were living in the UK, I remember they had this concept called a “catchment area.” A catchment area is a radius of three miles around a school, meaning children living within that three-mile radius should be able to walk to school without needing transportation.
Creating Accessible Centers: I thought we should implement the same concept for our centers in Hyderabad. I wanted parents to be able to walk their children to Ananya centers, no matter where they are in the city. We decided to focus on expanding our services within specific areas of Hyderabad, ensuring our centers are easily accessible and conveniently located, usually within five to seven kilometers of each other. For a full list of our locations, visit our Locations page.
Providing Multidisciplinary Expertise: To further enhance accessibility, our senior therapists travel to all our branches. This way, we can ensure that all our branches have access to professionals with expertise in various areas such as clinical psychology, early intervention, sensory integration, occupational therapy, and special education.
9. Ananya’s Focus on Autism and Developmental Disorders
Jewel: I wanted to touch upon something that sets Ananya apart from many other speech therapy centers. From what I understand, we primarily focus on providing speech therapy services to children with autism and other developmental disorders. Could you shed some light on why we have chosen this specific focus area?
Madhavi: Yes, and I have a personal reason for choosing this path. You know that I have a son with autism. He’s 25 years old now, and my journey with speech therapy and autism began 23 years ago. For a personal perspective on this journey, read “Ruby’s Autism Journey in India (and How You Can Help Your Child Thrive Too!)“.
- Personal Experience Driving a Mission: In those 23 years, I learned so much about communication-related issues in people with autism, whether they’re two years old or 25 years old. I’ve come to understand how this whole thing works.
Many young parents with two-year-old children diagnosed with autism are at a loss. They often say, “My child is not speaking,” but what they often mean is “My child is not communicating.”
Understanding the Nuances of Communication in Autism: Children with autism might be able to sing rhymes, recite the alphabet, and count numbers, but they’re not communicating in a meaningful way. They might not use language to connect with others, to express their needs, or to engage in social interactions. Parents need guidance and support to understand how to encourage true communication in their children.
My experience, along with my training as a specialist in autism and a Hanen-certified speech and language coach for parents, has taught me that parents of children with autism need coaching more than they need a traditional speech therapist.
Empowering Parents as Communication Partners: While speech therapy sessions are beneficial, they typically only last for 45 minutes. The child spends the remaining 23 hours of the day with their parents. What parents do with their children during those 23 hours is equally important, if not more so, than what happens in therapy.
Many speech therapists lack specialized training in autism and may not fully grasp the complexities of speech and language development in children on the spectrum.
Addressing the Need for Specialized Expertise: Unless a therapist has a deep interest in autism, they may not fully understand how to best support children with this diagnosis.
I’ve made it my life’s purpose to learn how to work with children who are preverbal, nonverbal, or minimally verbal. I am driven by a passion to help them progress to the next level in terms of speech, language, and communication. And I’ve successfully done this with my son, Varun.
Sharing Success and Inspiring Hope: Varun is a performing artist and a singer, and he communicates incredibly well, especially considering the diagnosis he received at the age of two. I thought if I could do it with Varun, I could do it with other children as well. His journey has given me the confidence and the blueprint to guide other families.
Beyond Traditional Speech Therapy
It’s important to remember that speech is not the only way to communicate. There are many alternative and augmentative communication methods (AAC) that can be incredibly effective for children with autism.
Exploring Diverse Communication Methods: We empower parents with the knowledge and skills to explore various communication approaches so they can find what works best for their child.
10. Challenges of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Speech Therapy
Jewel: Madhavi, as a seasoned professional who has worked with children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds in Hyderabad, I’m curious to hear your perspective. Have you faced any unique challenges in providing speech therapy services to such a diverse population?
Madhavi: Yes, we do cater to a very culturally and linguistically diverse population in Hyderabad. Our city has grown rapidly over the past decade, attracting families from all over India.
Embracing Diversity: We have therapists from different parts of India on our team—Bengali, Punjabi, Malayali, Tamil, Kannada, and, of course, Telugu therapists. This diversity allows us to pair therapists with children who speak their native language, which can be incredibly comforting and beneficial for the child.
We do conduct our therapy sessions in English, as most schools in India use English as the medium of instruction. However, we encourage parents to use their native language at home and incorporate it into their daily interactions.
Importance of the Home Language: We believe that a child’s mother tongue plays a vital role in their overall language development, and we encourage parents to nurture their home language.
11. Fostering Collaboration Among Therapists at Ananya
Jewel: I’m interested in understanding how Ananya ensures effective collaboration, especially among our team members. Can you tell me more about the strategies we use to foster cooperation between speech therapists and other professionals so that we can provide well-rounded care for the children we work with?
Madhavi: At Ananya, we believe in a collaborative approach. We don’t want our therapists to work in silos. We want them to understand and appreciate each other’s roles and expertise.
Integrated Goals: We integrate goals across different therapy areas so that a child is working on multiple skills simultaneously. For example, while a child is engaging in occupational therapy activities, we incorporate opportunities for speech and language development.
Cross-Specialization Training: We have weekly cross-specialization training sessions to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration.
This approach helps our therapists develop a holistic understanding of each child’s needs and work together to create the most effective treatment plan.
12. Common Speech and Language Disorders in Hyderabad
Jewel: That’s amazing that having a holistic approach fosters child development at its best. In your years of experience, what would you say are the most prevalent speech and language disorders you have encountered among children in Hyderabad? I’m curious to know if there are any patterns or common issues that stand out.
Madhavi: We are known for specializing in autism, so naturally, we see a lot of children with ASD and other developmental delays.
We primarily focus on:
Expressive Language Issues: Difficulties with speaking and expressing oneself verbally.
Receptive Language Delays: Challenges in understanding language.
Social Pragmatic Difficulties: Struggles with the social use of language, such as understanding nonverbal cues, taking turns in conversation, and using appropriate language in different social situations.
We welcome any family seeking help in these areas.
13. The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development
We’ve observed a concerning trend in recent years, the impact of excessive screen time on children’s language development. To learn more about navigating screen time, check out our blog post “Virtual Autism: Myth or Reality? Navigating Screen Time and Child Development“.
Mechanical Language and Lack of Intonation: Children who are heavily exposed to screens often display mechanical speech patterns and lack natural intonation. This is because they are mimicking what they hear on screens rather than engaging in meaningful conversations with real people.
We strongly encourage parents to:
Reduce Screen Time: Limit screen time as much as possible.
Prioritize Real-Life Interactions: Engage in face-to-face conversations and interactive play.
Create a Language-Rich Environment: Read to your child, sing songs, and talk to them throughout the day.
Human interaction is crucial for natural and meaningful language development.
14. The Importance of Early Intervention for Speech and Language Development
Jewel: As someone who has been in this field for a long time, can you help our listeners understand the crucial role that early intervention plays in achieving better outcomes in speech therapy?
Madhavi: Early intervention is critical, no matter what the diagnosis. The earlier you address developmental concerns, the better the outcomes. For parents who are concerned about their child’s development, our blog post “When Diagnosis Feels Like a Dead End” offers advice and support.
Neuroplasticity: Young children’s brains are incredibly adaptable (neuroplasticity). Early intervention takes advantage of this window of opportunity when the brain is most receptive to change.
Preventing Deep-Rooted Challenges: If you wait too long to address speech and language delays, the challenges can become more ingrained, making them harder to modify.
We encourage parents to:
Seek Help Early: Don’t wait to seek help if you notice any developmental concerns. Talk to your pediatrician, a child development center, or a qualified professional.
Trust Your Instincts: Don’t dismiss your parental instincts. If you feel something isn’t right, seek professional guidance.
15. Strategies for Effective Speech Therapy
Jewel: I’m sure you have faced your share of challenges while providing speech therapy to children in Hyderabad. Can you share some of the strategies you have found to be most effective in ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care?
Madhavi: I’ve encountered countless challenges over the past 23 years, starting from the moment my son was diagnosed with autism. That’s when my journey began—my search for a good speech therapist. When I couldn’t find the right fit, I decided to pursue training and become that therapist myself.
A Personal Quest Leading to Professional Growth: That’s how I discovered many organizations worldwide that train parents and professionals to support families and children with speech and language challenges.
I obtained my RCI certification, pursued my BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) in autism spectrum disorder, and immersed myself in understanding language acquisition in autistic children.
Combining Expertise to Create Solutions: I realized that I could combine my background in English language teaching, my knowledge of language learning theories, my expertise in autism, and my experience as a parent to create effective solutions for children with communication challenges.
Empowering Parents to Become Language Facilitators
My journey led me to a profound realization: Parents don’t necessarily need a speech therapist with a traditional BSLP degree to effectively teach speech and language to their children, especially those with autism.
Unlocking the Potential Within Parents: Early interventionists, psychologists, occupational therapists—anyone who understands how a child’s mind works, particularly a child with autism, can facilitate language development.
We train all our therapists at Ananya to work with children’s language development, and the results have been phenomenal. Children are thriving, and parents are overjoyed with their progress.
Going Beyond the Textbook: We’ve proven that you don’t always need a traditionally trained speech therapist to help children with autism find their voice. With the right understanding, approach, and dedication, parents and professionals from various disciplines can make a world of difference.
16. Success Stories: Witnessing Transformations at Ananya
Jewel: I know we have had the privilege of working with so many amazing children and families at Ananya. Could you share a few success stories that really stand out in your mind—cases where speech therapy has made a significant difference in a child’s life?
Madhavi: Oh, Jewel, over the years, I’ve witnessed so many incredible success stories. Two that come to mind are Rahul and Priya.
Rahul’s Journey: Bridging the Language Gap
Rahul came to Ananya primarily speaking Telugu at home, with very little exposure to English. As a child with autism, he struggled to communicate his basic needs, and his parents were concerned about how he would cope in school, where English was the primary language.
A Bilingual Approach: Our team created a personalized therapy plan for Rahul that incorporated both Telugu and English. We used visual aids and social stories in Telugu to help him grasp key communication concepts before gradually introducing English.
Celebrating Progress: Through play-based activities and structured lessons, Rahul made remarkable progress in just a few months. He began understanding and using English, bridging the language gap that once seemed insurmountable.
Priya’s Story: Honoring Culture and Language
Priya, a young girl from a Bengali-speaking family, also had limited exposure to English and struggled to communicate effectively due to her autism.
Incorporating Bengali: Our team collaborated with Priya’s parents to include Bengali in her therapy sessions, using familiar songs, rhymes, and stories to make her feel comfortable and engaged.
Building Confidence and Skills: As Priya progressed, we gradually introduced English, always ensuring we connected new concepts and vocabulary back to her native language. We also coached Priya’s parents on strategies to support her communication at home, encouraging them to use both Bengali and English.
17. Advice for Parents: Supporting Speech and Language Development at Home
Jewel: As a parent yourself, what insights or advice would you offer to other parents who are looking to support their child’s speech and language development at home? Are there any specific activities or practices you would recommend?
Madhavi: Many young mothers ask me, “Why should I speak to my child when they don’t speak back to me?”
Recreating Language-Rich Environments: Today, many children live in quieter homes, with both parents working and fewer opportunities for social interaction. It’s easy to rely on screens for entertainment, but it’s crucial to prioritize face-to-face communication.
Here are some tips for parents:
Make Mealtimes Interactive: Turn off the screens during mealtimes and engage in conversations. Talk about the food, the day, tell stories, sing songs—make it a shared experience filled with language.
Embrace Play: Play is the language of children. Engage in imaginative play, read books together, build towers, and let your child lead the way.
Focus on Connection: Don’t worry too much about formal lessons. Focus on connecting with your child, following their lead, and making language a natural part of your daily routines.
Remember:
The Power of Mother Tongue: Exposing children to their mother tongue is essential for their overall language development. Don’t feel pressured to start with English right away.
Value Interaction Over Perfection: Children learn language through meaningful interactions, not just passive listening.
18. The Future of Ananya: Expanding Horizons
Jewel: Before we wrap up this fascinating discussion, I would love to get a sense of what the future holds for Ananya. Can you give our listeners a sneak peek into some of the plans we have in the works for expanding speech therapy services in Hyderabad?
Madhavi: The more I interact with parents, the more I realize the need for greater awareness and understanding of speech and language development. If you are interested in becoming a part of Ananya’s mission, visit our Work with Us page for open positions and our Franchise page for opportunities to partner with us.
Focusing on Parent Education: I want to prioritize parent coaching and education in the coming years. I plan to organize workshops and sessions to equip parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children’s communication journey.
Harnessing the Wisdom of Grandparents: I even want to involve grandparents in these sessions. They possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in raising children, and their insights can be invaluable.
19. Reflections on Success and the Importance of Personalized Care
Jewel: Madhavi, those stories about Rahul and Priya, they’re so powerful. It’s amazing to see how our approach can transform kids’ lives here in Hyderabad. I can only imagine the joy those parents felt seeing their children make such progress. What really hits home is how you talked about meeting each child where they are culturally and linguistically and working with their families, especially.
Madhavi: That’s at the heart of everything we do at Ananya—connecting with children, understanding their unique needs, and working hand in hand with their families to create a supportive and empowering environment where they can thrive. Every child deserves the opportunity to find their voice.
20. Connect with Ananya
Jewel: I’m so inspired by your words, Madhavi. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s doing such transformative work in our city. To our listeners, if you’re a parent or caregiver in Hyderabad looking for speech therapy, I highly recommend Ananya. Our multilingual team and culturally sensitive approach set us apart. We Are Here to Support You: We are here to support you every step of the way.
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