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.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy? A Parent’s Guide to "Rewiring" the Brain for Success.

Team Pranaah
2 days ago
4 min read

Does your child cover their ears, spin in circles, or refuse to touch certain textures? Learn how Sensory Integration Therapy at Pranaah CDC (Kollam & Kottarakkara) helps children with Autism and ADHD focus, calm down, and thrive.

What is Sensory Integration Therapy? A Parent’s Guide to "Rewiring" the Brain for Success

Imagine trying to read a book while a fire alarm is ringing, a strobe light is flashing, and your shirt feels like it is made of sandpaper. Could you focus? Could you sit still?

Probably not.

For many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this is what daily life feels like. Their brain receives information from their senses (sight, sound, touch, movement) but gets confused about how to organize it. This leads to meltdowns, hyperactivity, or withdrawal.

The solution isn't just "better behavior"—it is Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT).

At Pranaah Child Development Centre, with specialized sensory gyms in Kollam and Kottarakkara, we use this therapy to help children make sense of their world. But how exactly does it work?

What is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory Integration Therapy is a specialized form of Occupational Therapy (OT). It is often called "brain work disguised as play."

The goal is simple: to expose the child to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way so that the brain learns to process it correctly. Over time, this "rewires" the brain (thanks to neuroplasticity), allowing the child to feel calm, regulated, and ready to learn.

Does My Child Need Sensory Integration? (The Red Flags)

In our clinics in Thevally (Kollam) and Pulamon (Kottarakkara), we often see parents who are confused by their child's reactions. Look for these two main patterns:

1. The "Sensory Avoider" (Over-Responsive)

Covers ears at loud noises (mixer grinder, pressure cooker).
Hates getting their hands dirty (refuses sand, clay, or paint).
Picky eater (dislikes specific textures like mushy bananas or crunchy toast).
Dislikes tags on clothes or hair cutting.

2. The "Sensory Seeker" (Under-Responsive)

Constantly moving, jumping, or spinning.
Crashes into walls or people on purpose.
Chews on shirt collars, pencils, or toys.
Loves being squeezed tight or sleeping under heavy blankets.

How Does It Work? (Inside a Session at Pranaah)

At Pranaah CDC, we don't force a child to sit at a table. Our therapy rooms are designed as "Sensory Gyms" equipped with specialized tools.

Here is what happens inside a session:

1. Vestibular Input (The Sense of Movement)

The Problem: A child who can't sit still or feels dizzy easily.
The Therapy: We use Therapy Swings, spinning boards, and balance beams. Controlled swinging helps "reset" the inner ear, helping a hyperactive child calm down or a lethargic child wake up.

2. Proprioceptive Input (The Sense of Body Position)

The Problem: A child who plays too rough, breaks toys, or stomps their feet.
The Therapy: We use "Heavy Work."
- Pushing a heavy therapy ball.
- Crawling through a lycra tunnel.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Why it works: Heavy work releases calming chemicals (like serotonin) in the brain, instantly reducing anxiety and aggression.

3. Tactile Integration (The Sense of Touch)

The Problem: A child who screams during a haircut or refuses to wear socks.
The Therapy: We introduce textures gradually—shaving foam, kinetic sand, or dried rice bins—until the brain learns that these sensations are safe, not dangerous.

The Benefits: Why Parents in Kollam Choose Pranaah

Sensory Integration is not just about playing on a swing. It translates to real-life improvements:

Better Focus: A regulated child can sit in a classroom and listen to the teacher.
Fewer Meltdowns: When the brain isn't overwhelmed, the child doesn't need to scream to escape.
Improved Coordination: Catching a ball, holding a pencil, and buttoning a shirt become easier.

Why Pranaah CDC?

You shouldn't have to travel to Trivandrum or Kochi for world-class sensory care. Pranaah Child Development Centre brings certified Occupational Therapists and state-of-the-art sensory equipment right to your doorstep.

Multidisciplinary Team: Our OTs work alongside Speech Therapists and Psychologists to ensure holistic growth.
Custom "Sensory Diets": We don't just treat your child in the clinic; we give you a plan (a "Sensory Diet") to practice at home using simple items.

Take the First Step

If you recognize your child in the descriptions above, do not wait. Sensory issues rarely go away on their own; they just change form as the child grows.

Help your child feel at home in their own body.

Book a Sensory Evaluation at Pranaah CDC Today.

Kollam Location: PIBSAR Campus, Thevally Market Jn.
Kottarakkara Location: Near MGM School Mylom Kottarakkara.
Phone: +91 94460 10728 / +91 90373 47726
Email: pranaahwellness@gmail.com

Located in Kollam (with a presence in Kottarakkara), Pranaah CDC has established itself as a key player in the region's pediatric healthcare. It is not just a clinic; it is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between diagnosis and intervention.

Pranaah Child Development Centre is a trusted paediatric therapy and early intervention centre associated with Pranaah Counselling Centre in Kollam, Kerala. We support children with developmental delays, communication challenges, behavioural concerns, sensory needs, autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. Moreover we provide mental health support to all age groups since 2013.