Parent FAQ

Questions parents ask before starting.

Everything about the Child Development Check, therapy direction, Dr. Aaditya's Method, branches, progress updates, and parent support — so you begin with confidence, not confusion.

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Everything parents need to know before, during, and after starting at DARC — organised by category.

Category

Getting Started

6
Is the Child Development Check a diagnosis?

No. It is only a starting point to help the DARC team understand your concerns. A consultation or assessment may be needed for deeper understanding.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. Parents can directly begin with the Child Development Check or book a consultation without any referral.

What should I bring to the first consultation?

Bring any previous reports, school observations, therapy notes, medical history, and your main concerns as a parent. If your child has a diagnosis, bring those documents too.

How is the therapy direction decided?

The therapy direction is decided after understanding the child's developmental, sensory, motor, communication, behavioural, and functional needs through Dr. Aaditya's Method — not by guessing or offering generic sessions.

How long is the initial assessment?

The initial consultation typically takes 45–60 minutes. The team uses this time to understand the child's history, observe patterns, and guide the right next steps.

Does Dr. Aaditya personally take the consultation?

Yes. Dr. Aaditya Malathy personally leads every initial consultation for new families. Families do not meet a junior staff member first — the consultation is directly with Dr. Aaditya.

Category

Sessions & Progress

8
How soon will we see changes?

Every child is different. Progress depends on the child's needs, consistency, home support, and therapy direction. Many families notice early shifts in regulation and participation within the first few weeks.

How many sessions per week will my child need?

This is recommended after consultation. DARC does not suggest therapy frequency without understanding the child. Most children begin with 3–6 sessions per week depending on the goals.

Do parents receive progress updates?

Yes. DARC focuses on parent communication and progress clarity through monthly progress reviews, session notes, and direct guidance on what comes next.

Do you provide home activities?

Where suitable, parents receive simple home guidance with 2–3 activities to practice daily. These fit into natural routines like mealtimes, bath time, and play.

Can parents sit in during sessions?

Yes, parent involvement is encouraged at DARC. Therapists guide parents on what to observe, what to practise, and how to carry the therapy direction into daily life.

How do you track progress?

Progress is tracked through structured goal-setting, regular therapist observations, and monthly progress reviews shared with parents. Goals are updated as the child develops.

How long is each therapy session?

Each therapy session at DARC is 45 minutes — structured, goal-directed, and focused. This applies across OT, Speech, Sensory Integration, and Special Education sessions.

How long before we see clear progress?

Progress timelines vary by child. Many families begin noticing early regulation and engagement shifts within 4–6 weeks. Skill-level improvements in communication, movement, and learning typically become measurable within 10–16 weeks of consistent sessions.

Category

Therapy & Approaches

7
What is Dr. Aaditya's Method?

Dr. Aaditya's Method is DARC's approach to understanding why a child may be struggling. Rather than responding to surface behaviours, it studies the child's sensory, motor, reflex, communication, behavioural, and functional patterns to build the right foundation before targeting skills.

Do you provide OT and Speech Therapy?

Yes. DARC provides paediatric Occupational Therapy led by Dr. Aaditya and Speech-Language Therapy led by Vasudharany, Head SLP.

Do you provide Sensory Integration Therapy?

Yes. Sensory Integration Therapy is a core part of Dr. Aaditya's Method. It addresses how the brain processes sensory information — touch, movement, sound, and body awareness — to support regulation and participation.

Do you provide Special Education?

Yes. DARC supports school readiness, reading, writing, math, study skills, and functional academic participation where suitable.

Do you use ABA therapy?

DARC does not use traditional ABA. Dr. Aaditya's Method is rooted in Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, and functional communication — focusing on the child's neurological foundations rather than behaviour modification alone.

Can therapy be done online?

Yes. DARC supports families in 20+ countries through online guidance, parent coaching, communication strategies, and follow-up sessions. Families from the UAE, UK, USA, Singapore, Australia, and across India access DARC online. In-person sessions are recommended for direct therapy when possible.

Do you coordinate care across therapy areas?

Yes. DARC connects OT, Speech, parent guidance, and progress review rather than treating each area in isolation — this connected approach is central to Dr. Aaditya's Method.

Category

Practical & Logistics

6
Which branches are available?

DARC has two branches in Chennai: Ashok Nagar (New No: 59, 7th Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai - 600083) and Pallikaranai (Maxworth Nagar, 2nd Street). Online guidance is also available for suitable families.

What are your working hours?

Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM. Sunday is closed.

Can I choose Ashok Nagar or Pallikaranai?

Yes. Parents can choose the preferred branch based on convenience, availability, and suitability. Both branches follow the same DARC care philosophy.

Do you show pricing online?

Therapy recommendations and fees are discussed after understanding the child's needs. We do not list generic pricing because every child's plan is different.

How do I book a consultation?

Start with the Child Development Check or use the Book Consultation form. The DARC team will confirm your appointment through WhatsApp within 24 hours.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

Contact the DARC team via WhatsApp or call as early as possible so the team can adjust scheduling and maintain continuity of care.

Category

Safety & Trust

4
Is parent information confidential?

Yes. All parent and child information is handled respectfully and confidentially. Details are used only to guide your child's care.

Are your therapists qualified?

Dr. Aaditya Malathy holds OT, MS (USA) qualifications. Vasudharany is a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist leading DARC's speech team. All therapists work under structured clinical oversight.

How do you keep sessions child-friendly?

DARC focuses on child-centred care, emotional comfort, readiness, regulation, and functional participation. Sessions are designed to be engaging and never forced.

What awards or recognition has DARC received?

DARC has been recognised as Best Child Rehab Centre (2025) and Dr. Aaditya Malathy was named Best Occupational Therapist (2025). These recognitions reflect family outcomes and peer acknowledgement in Chennai.

Category

Specific Concerns

11
My child is non-verbal. Can DARC help?

Yes. DARC supports non-verbal children through Speech Therapy, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), functional communication strategies, and parent guidance tailored to the child's profile.

My child has behaviour concerns. Where do we start?

Start with the Child Development Check. Behaviour is often connected to sensory, communication, routine, regulation, or developmental needs — Dr. Aaditya's Method helps identify the underlying cause.

Can you help with school readiness?

Yes. DARC supports attention, sitting tolerance, handwriting, fine motor skills, routines, communication, and classroom participation where suitable.

What if my child has multiple diagnoses or needs?

Many children have connected and overlapping needs. DARC's multidisciplinary approach helps identify the right starting direction and connects OT, Speech, and parent guidance as needed.

What if we already tried therapy elsewhere?

Parents can still book a consultation. Dr. Aaditya's Method reviews the child's current status and helps families understand what may have been missed and what the next direction could be.

Can you help with feeding and eating difficulties?

Yes. DARC supports feeding and oral-motor concerns through assessment-led therapy, sensory-based feeding approaches, and parent guidance — for children who have difficulty with textures, chewing, or mealtime routines.

Do you support children with ADHD?

Yes. DARC supports children with ADHD through OT-led regulation strategies, sensory diet planning, attention and executive function support, school readiness, and parent coaching. The focus is on building regulation from the inside rather than only managing behaviour.

Can DARC help with handwriting difficulties?

Yes. Handwriting support is part of DARC's OT programme — covering pencil grip, fine motor strength, pre-writing skills, letter formation, and seated posture. The underlying sensory and motor causes are addressed, not just the handwriting itself.

Do you do home visits?

DARC's primary services are delivered at the Ashok Nagar and Pallikaranai clinic branches. Parent coaching, online guidance, and home strategy support are available. For families unable to travel, online sessions are an option.

Does insurance cover DARC therapy?

DARC does not directly bill insurance. Families receive receipts that may be submitted to their insurer depending on the policy. Please check with your insurance provider on OT and Speech Therapy coverage terms.

Is there a waiting list?

Waiting times vary by branch and therapist availability. Families are encouraged to book early. Starting with the Child Development Check helps the team prepare before the consultation slot is confirmed.

We're here to help

Still unsure? That's exactly where DARC begins.

Parents don't need to arrive with perfect answers. The Child Development Check is a calm, structured starting point that helps the team understand your concerns and guide the right next step for your child.

Start Child Development Check

Not a diagnosis. A calm, structured starting point — free to complete, takes a few minutes.

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Prefer to speak directly? Call the DARC team and they'll guide you to the right first step.

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Ready to take the next step?

Still have questions? Let's talk.

Our team is happy to answer any questions before you book. Start with the Development Check or reach us directly.