By Dr Dinesh Kumar, Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Founder – Future Wings Clinic, Delhi
In many Indian households, there’s a common scene that plays out quietly, sometimes over years — a child isn’t sitting up yet, doesn’t walk when others their age are running around, or keeps one hand clenched in a tight little fist. Initially, it’s brushed off with comments like “sab kuch time se hota hai” or “shaant nature ka baccha hai.” But when those missed milestones stack up, when walking, holding, even simple play becomes difficult — parents are left worried, confused, and alone with a diagnosis that sounds heavy: Cerebral Palsy.
So…What is Cerebral Palsy?
We have to start with understanding that Cerebral Palsy (CP) is not a disease — it’s a condition that affects muscle tone, posture, and movement due to early brain damage, often before or during birth. It can affect a child’s ability to walk, talk, eat, or even sit up. No two children with CP are the same. Some have stiff movements (spastic CP), others have shaky, uncoordinated motion (ataxic CP), and some show a mix.
The cause? Often, it’s oxygen deprivation during delivery, premature birth, jaundice that went unchecked, or an infection during pregnancy. But here’s what’s important: it’s not your fault — and no, it’s not something a nazar ka kala teeka could have prevented.
Early Signs Most Families Miss
- Stiff or floppy limbs
- Delayed sitting, crawling, or walking
- Poor coordination or balance
- Using only one side of the body
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
If you’ve seen Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par, you know how crucial early recognition and intervention is. CP doesn’t go away — but with the proper support, children can thrive.
The Role of Occupational Therapy
This is where Future Wings Clinic steps in. At our centre in Dwarka, Delhi, we don’t just offer therapy — we offer possibilities.
Occupational Therapy (OT) for Cerebral Palsy is about empowering kids to be as independent as possible. We help them:
- Improve balance and coordination
- Strengthen weak muscles and improve range of motion
- Learn how to feed, dress, or use the toilet on their own
- Use assistive tools like walkers, splints, or specialized cutlery
- Engage with play and develop confidence in social settings
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Our Approach at Future Wings Clinic
Under the guidance of Dr Dinesh Kumar, a leading Pediatric Occupational Therapist, our team uses a mix of evidence-based practices like:
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for posture and movement
- Sensory Integration Therapy for kids who are overly sensitive (or under-sensitive) to touch, sound, or light
- Visual-Motor and Fine Motor Training to assist with activities like writing or self-feeding
- Parent Coaching so that therapy continues at home, seamlessly
We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. For some kids, success is taking their first unaided step. For others, it’s simply holding a spoon and feeding themselves with pride. Every milestone counts — and we celebrate each one like it’s the climax of a Karan Johar movie.
Kids this age will learn to recognize, write, order, and count objects up to the number 30. They will be able to add and subtract small numbers (add with a sum of 10 or less and subtract from 10 or less); this focus on addition and subtraction will continue through second grade.
Why Future Wings Clinic?
Because we believe children with Cerebral Palsy don’t need sympathy — they need skills, support, and a team that says “You can.”
We work hand-in-hand with families, because parents are not just observers — they’re co-therapists. We make sure your home becomes a second therapy space, filled with patience, playful tools, and lots of hope.
At Future Wings Clinic in Delhi, we don’t “treat” a condition — we help children discover what they can do. And trust us, they can do a lot.
If your child shows signs of developmental delay or you have questions about Cerebral Palsy, reach out. Early support makes all the difference.
More Info: www.futurewingsclinic.com
