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Parent Resource Centre

Free guides for parents — in your language

Practical, clinician-reviewed guides in English, Malayalam and Arabic.

Speech & language

Is my child's speech delayed? A parent checklist

Simple age-by-age signs that tell you when to wait and when to ask a speech therapist.

  • 12 months: no babbling, pointing or response to name.
  • 18 months: fewer than 10 words.
  • 2 years: not joining two words ("more milk").
  • 3 years: family members can't understand most of what the child says.
  • Any age: losing words or skills the child already had — seek help now.
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Assessment

Preparing for your child's first developmental assessment

What to bring, what happens in the room and what you'll take home.

  • Bring previous medical, hearing and school reports.
  • Record 2–3 short home videos of play, talking or the behaviour that worries you.
  • Bring a favourite toy and snack; schedule when your child is usually rested.
  • Write down your top three questions before you arrive.
  • You'll receive findings, a written plan and home strategies.
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Autism

Autism or speech delay? Understanding the difference

Both can look alike at age two. Social connection is usually the key difference.

  • A late talker usually still points, shares interest and uses gestures.
  • Autism signs include limited eye contact, repetitive play and strong routines.
  • Only a developmental assessment can tell them apart — not a checklist alone.
  • Early support helps in both cases; you don't need to wait for a label.
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Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy for children, explained simply

OT helps with handwriting, dressing, eating, attention and sensory sensitivities.

  • Signs: poor pencil grip, clumsiness, avoiding messy play or loud places.
  • Sessions look like play — swings, puzzles, obstacle courses — with clear goals.
  • Home tip: playdough, pegs and tearing paper build hand strength.
  • Progress is reviewed with parents every few weeks.
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Early intervention

Early intervention: why the first five years matter

The young brain changes fastest before five — early, family-centred support uses that window.

  • If in doubt, check early — waiting rarely helps.
  • Parents are coached to practise strategies in daily routines.
  • One plan combines speech, OT, behaviour and play goals.
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Everyday parenting

Screen time and your child's language

Practical limits and swaps that give your child more real conversation.

  • Under 2: avoid screens except video calls with family.
  • 2–5 years: under one hour a day, watched together and talked about.
  • Swap screens at meals and in the car for songs and naming games.

Multilingual families

Raising a child with Malayalam, English and Arabic

Multiple languages do not cause speech delay. Here's how to support each one.

  • Speak the language you're most fluent in — rich language beats 'correct' language.
  • Count words across all languages when judging milestones.
  • Mixing languages is normal and a sign of skill.
  • Our therapists work in Malayalam, English, Arabic, Hindi and Kannada.

GCC / NRI families

Planning an assessment in Kerala during your Gulf holiday

A step-by-step planner so your visit to our Thamarassery centre is well used.

  • Contact us 3–4 weeks before you travel to reserve assessment slots.
  • Send reports and short videos on WhatsApp beforehand.
  • Leave with a written plan and home programme you can continue abroad.
  • Living in Saudi Arabia? Our Al Khobar centre is also open Sat–Thu.
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These guides are general information, not a diagnosis. Please book an assessment for advice about your child.

Concerned about your child's development?

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