How do I know if my child needs evaluation?

If you notice delays in speech, social skills, behaviour, learning, motor skills, or if your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones, an evaluation is recommended. Early assessment helps identify developmental needs and ensures timely intervention.

Do you provide therapy services to very young children?

Yes. Pranaah Child Development Centre provides early intervention and therapy services for infants and toddlers. Early support can significantly improve developmental outcomes.

What should I do if I do not know which therapy is most appropriate for my child?

A comprehensive assessment is the best way to determine which therapy your child needs. At Pranaah, specialists evaluate your child's strengths and developmental challenges and recommend the right intervention plan.

Assessment is a structured evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to understand a child's developmental, cognitive, behavioural, speech, and motor abilities. It helps identify concerns and guides the therapy plan.

How long does an assessment take?

Most assessments take 45–90 minutes depending on the child's age, cooperation, and the type of testing required. In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed.

What do I need to bring for the evaluation of my child?

Parents are advised to bring the child's medical history, previous reports, school feedback, birth details, and any relevant documents. This helps specialists make an accurate developmental profile.

Can I bring other children to the assessment session?

For best results, it is recommended to attend the session with only the child being assessed. A quiet, distraction-free environment helps the therapist conduct accurate evaluations.

Should both parents attend the assessment session?

Yes, if possible. Both parents attending helps provide complete background information and ensures that everyone clearly understands the findings and recommendations.

Do I get a report after assessment, and can I submit it to my child’s school?

Yes. After the assessment, a detailed report is provided. This report can be submitted to your child’s school, paediatrician, or other professionals for support and academic planning.

How long is the assessment report valid?

Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on how quickly your child progresses. However, if there are major concerns or rapid developmental changes, an updated evaluation may be needed sooner.

Will the therapist discuss findings with parents after the assessment?

Yes. After the assessment, the therapist will explain the findings, discuss your child's strengths and needs, and recommend the best intervention or therapy plan.

Behaviour Therapy for Kids: When Should Parents Consider It?

Q: What is the best age to start behaviour therapy?

There is no 'wrong' age, but earlier is better. If you suspect developmental delays or behavioral issues, starting as early as age 2 or 3 (Early Intervention) yields the best long-term results.

Q: Do I need a referral to visit Pranaah CDC?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral. You can contact Pranaah CDC directly to schedule an assessment with Dr. Devi Raj or our multidisciplinary team.

Q: How long does therapy take to show results?

Behaviour modification is a process. Some families see changes in a few weeks, while others require support for several months. Consistency is key.

Dr Devi Raj
Dec 3, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Behaviour Therapy for Kids: When Should Parents Consider It?

By Pranaah Holistic Health Care

Parenting is often a guessing game. When your toddler throws a tantrum because their toast is cut into squares instead of triangles, you might laugh it off as the "terrible twos." But when outbursts become frequent, aggressive, or impact your child's daily life, the laughter often turns to worry.

A common question we hear from parents in Kollam is: “Is this just a phase, or does my child need professional help?”

Understanding when to seek Behaviour Therapy can change the trajectory of your child’s development. At Pranaah CDC, we believe in empowering parents with the right answers.

Behaviour Therapy for Kids: When Should Parents Consider It? By Pranaah child development center kollam Dr Devi Raj

Understanding the "Why" Behind the Behaviour

First, it is important to know that behavior is communication. When a child acts out, withdraws, or refuses to follow instructions, they are often trying to communicate a need or a struggle they cannot verbally express.

Behaviour Therapy is not about "fixing" a "bad" child. It is a structured, compassionate approach to help children unlearn negative behaviors and replace them with positive, functional skills.

5 Signs You Should Consider Behaviour Therapy

While every child develops at their own pace, there are specific red flags that indicate professional support might be needed. You should consider booking a consultation if you notice:

Safety Concerns: Your child engages in self-harm (head banging, scratching) or is physically aggressive toward others (hitting, biting) past the age where it is developmentally common.
Disruption of Daily Life: Tantrums or meltdowns last longer than 10-20 minutes and happen multiple times a day, making it difficult to go to school, visit family, or go to public places.
Regression: Your child seems to be losing skills they previously had (such as toilet training or language).
Social Struggles: Significant difficulty making friends, sharing, or understanding social cues compared to peers.
School Issues: Consistent reports from teachers regarding inability to sit still, follow instructions, or impulse control issues.

Note: Early intervention is the gold standard. Waiting for a child to "grow out of it" can sometimes allow negative behaviors to become deeply partial habits.

The Pranaah Advantage: Pioneer Care in Kollam

When it comes to your child's mental health, experience matters.

Pranaah CDC holds the distinct honor of being the First Established Counselling Centre in Kollam City, serving our community since 2013. For over a decade, we have been the trusted partner for parents navigating child development challenges.

Leadership You Can Trust

Our department is guided by the expert leadership of Dr. Devi Raj. As a renowned Psychologist and Licensed Early Interventionist, Dr. Devi Raj brings a wealth of clinical experience to every case. Her philosophy is simple: treat the child, support the family.

Under her guidance, Pranaah has built a robust multidisciplinary team. We don't just look at one aspect of your child. Our team includes:

Psychologists (for assessment and therapy)
Behaviour Therapists (for skill building)
Counselors (for family support)
Speech & Occupational Therapists (for holistic development)

This integrated approach ensures that if your child’s behavioral issues are linked to speech delays or sensory processing issues, we catch it and treat it all under one roof.

How Does Behaviour Therapy Work?

At Pranaah, we use evidence-based techniques tailored to your child's age.

For Younger Kids: It looks like play! We use games to teach impulse control, turn-taking, and emotional regulation.
For Older Kids: We use talk therapy and structured activities to help them understand consequences and manage their emotions.
For Parents: We train you. We give you the tools to manage behaviors at home so the progress doesn't stop when you leave our clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best age to start behaviour therapy?

There is no "wrong" age, but earlier is better. If you suspect developmental delays or behavioral issues, starting as early as age 2 or 3 (Early Intervention) yields the best long-term results. However, therapy is effective for school-aged children and adolescents as well.

2. Do I need a referral to visit Pranaah CDC?

No, you do not need a doctor's referral to book an appointment with us. You can contact Pranaah CDC directly to schedule an assessment with Dr. Devi Raj or our multidisciplinary team.

3. Is behaviour therapy only for children with Autism or ADHD?

No. While it is a primary treatment for Autism and ADHD, behaviour therapy is highly effective for children with anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or children simply going through significant life changes (divorce, relocation) who are acting out.

4. How long does therapy take to show results?

Behaviour modification is a process, not a pill. Some families see changes in a few weeks, while others require support for several months. Consistency is key. Our team at Pranaah monitors progress regularly to ensure the plan is working.