Choosing the Right Therapy Center for Your Differently-Abled Child: A Parent’s Guide to Vigilance and Responsibility

Choosing the Right Therapy Center for Your Differently-Abled Child: A Parent’s Guide to Vigilance and Responsibility

#5 mins read 

Choosing the right therapy center for your differently-abled child can be a daunting task for any parent. While therapy centers may promise the world, it’s crucial to remember that you, as a parent, are your child’s voice. As the voice for your child, it’s your responsibility to ensure that their well-being and development are always at the forefront. As the saying goes, ‘The best way to advocate for your child is to never forget that you are your child’s voice, and your child is counting on you to be their champion.’ With that in mind, let’s explore some key factors to consider when selecting a therapy center for your child. 

Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek information. Ask the therapist about the type of therapy they will provide and request a basic assessment in writing. Keeping a record of the therapy sessions can help you track progress and identify any areas that need improvement. 

Secondly, support the therapy with efforts at home. Use common sense to strengthen the muscles and skills your child is working on. For example, if your child is having fine motor skill concerns, spend time playing with play dough, gardening, and encouraging activities that require hand use. Thirdly, plan and allocate time at home to help your child instead of running from pillar to post. Show sincerity towards the therapy sessions at home by actively engaging with your child and teaching them from your own experiences. By doing so, you’ll not only help your child improve but also build a strong bond with them. 

Fourthly, look for a therapy center that offers a holistic approach to therapy. This means that they focus on the child’s overall development, including their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. A holistic approach also means that therapy is tailored to the child’s individual needs, interests, and strengths. Often a doctor will assess and give a copy-pasted road map for trainees to work with the child - this has no long-term impact as the program needs to be assessed almost after each therapy session to carve out the next step. 

There are no straight roads in life. 

You must consider the qualifications and experience of the therapists. The therapy center should employ qualified and experienced therapists who have specialized training in working with differently-abled children and are the ones who actually work with your child.  Additionally, the therapists should have experience working with children who have similar needs to your child. Lastly, observe your child and identify their strengths. Use their strengths to help them grow and develop further, all the while preparing them for school. 

Remember, choosing the right therapy center is only half the battle. 

Being vigilant and taking personal responsibility for your child’s progress can make all the difference in their development and well-being. It’s essential to remember that the purpose of therapy should be to help the child flourish and grow, not to force them into a predetermined mold. 

I have observed that these therapies may be implemented to help the child fit into a rigid education system that may not cater to their needs. In my experience, some therapy centers are using questionable methods to “train” and “correct” a child’s behavior, all in the name of helping them fit into a school’s demands. But these methods can be harmful to a child’s natural strengths, abilities, and nature. For instance, some centers may use techniques like “neutral bomb” where they wrap the child in a thick blanket and hold them down until they stop crying, or even lock a child in a dark room to teach them to be more receptive to learning. While almost all schools demand a Shadow teacher and that’s okay since the child in the initial stage gets support to learn to adjust to the demands of his peers and teachers and education, but don’t forget to look at the roles, responsibilities, and abilities of the shadow teacher before hiring one. More often than not these teachers are just acting like a wall instead of a filter between the school experience and the child’s learning.


As always, I would like to conclude by saying - be mindful, and aware - value the gift of God, and help nourish the child.