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Children's rehabilitation

Developmental delay and autism. support

Developmental delay means a child reaches milestones, such as sitting, walking, talking or playing, later than expected. Some children with delay are later found to have autism, which is a difference in how a child communicates and experiences the world. At Rehabify in Bengaluru, Dr. Dharshan N A looks at your child's movement, motor skills and daily activities, and helps your family plan therapy with paediatricians, therapists and schools. Rehabify does not diagnose or treat autism itself; it supports the motor and daily living needs that can come with it.

On this page
  1. Common causes and links
  2. Who should see a doctor
  3. What happens at Rehabify
  4. Before and after your visit
  5. When to get help urgently
  6. Common questions
  7. Sources
  • Being born early or a difficult birth
  • Genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome
  • Low muscle tone or coordination difficulties
  • Autism, where motor delay, toe walking and sensory differences are common
  • Often no single cause is found, and many children catch up with support

Who should see a doctor

Signs to get checked

  • Not sitting alone by 9 months or not walking by 18 months
  • Persistent toe walking after age 2 to 3
  • Losing skills your child already had
  • Clumsiness, frequent falls, or trouble with buttons, pencils or feeding
  • A child with an autism diagnosis who needs help with motor skills or daily routines

What happens at Rehabify

  1. 01

    History

    Birth, milestones, health, current therapies, sleep, feeding and school.

  2. 02

    Examination

    Muscle tone, posture, balance, walking, hand skills and play, at your child's pace.

  3. 03

    Your plan

    Goals for physiotherapy and occupational therapy, a home activity programme, and orthoses or shoes if needed.

  4. 04

    Team links

    Referral to a developmental paediatrician, speech therapist or psychologist when needed, and a written plan for therapists and school with your consent.

The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for your child after examining them.

Before and after your visit

How to prepare

  • Bring birth records, milestone notes, and any assessment or therapy reports
  • Bring short videos of your child walking or playing at home

After your visit

You leave with a written plan, home activities and a review date. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.

When to get help urgently

Medical emergency

Call 108 or 112 or go to an emergency department if your child has a seizure, sudden weakness, a fall with a head injury, or is very drowsy and hard to wake.

Common questions

Do you treat autism?

No. Autism is not something to be treated away. Rehabify helps with the motor, posture and daily living needs some autistic children have, and works with the specialists who diagnose and support autism.

Will my child catch up?

Many children with delay make good progress, especially with early support. The doctor will explain what to expect for your child after the assessment.

Why does my child walk on their toes?

Toe walking is common in young children and often settles. When it continues, it can be linked to tight calves, low tone, autism or other conditions. The doctor checks for these.

How much therapy does my child need?

It depends on your child's goals. Short, regular home activities built into daily routines often help as much as clinic sessions.

Can you help with school?

Yes. With your consent, the doctor can suggest seating, handwriting aids, movement breaks and other supports.

Sources

  1. [1]

    American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Clinical report on identification, evaluation and management of children with autism spectrum disorder, 2020

  2. [2]

    National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline CG170. Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management

  3. [3]

    World Health Organization (WHO). Nurturing care for early childhood development

This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.

Book a consultation

Tell us where it hurts. We plan the way back.

Start with one consultation. Choose a clinic visit or a video consult, and the team confirms your time by phone or WhatsApp.

Prefer to call? +91 79048 42576

  1. 1

    You send a request

    Online, on WhatsApp or by phone.

  2. 2

    We confirm a time

    By phone or WhatsApp, for the clinic or a video consult.

  3. 3

    You meet your doctor

    Bring your reports and wear loose clothes.