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Difference Between a Pediatrician and a Developmental Pediatrician: Who Should Your Child See?

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Choosing the Right Speech Therapist in Hyderabad: A Gentle Guide for Parents

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How Early Intervention Supports Communication, Behaviour and Learning in Children with Autism: A Varnam CDC Perspective

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Top Services Offered by Child Development Centers in Hyderabad: A Complete Guide for Parents

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Dr Hema Nalini

Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician

Dr Hema Nalini is a highly experienced developmental and behavioural paediatrician with 30 years experience. She completed her MBBS from Osmania medical college, post graduation in Paediatrics from Gandhi Medical college and Fellowship in Developmental & Behavioural paediatrics from The unit of Hope, St John’s medical college hospital, Bangalore. She worked in various hospitals including Femina, Motherhood as a Paediatrician before completing her fellowship.
She worked as a developmental paediatrician at Ankura CDC, Gachibowli before joining Varnam CDC. Dr Hema specialises in ASD, ADHD, developmental delays, high risk infant follow up.She is passionate about early identification and parent training. Dr Hema regularly conducts workshops for professionals and parents.

Keren Happuch

Behavioural Therapist

Keren Happuch is a licensed Clinical, Rehabilitation, and Counselling Psychologist with experience in Clinical Assessments, Diagnostics, and Psychotherapy.

With over a decade of practice, she has supported children and adults through Psychological Assessments, Psychotherapies, and Behaviour Modification Strategies.

Keren specialises in Neurodevelopmental Conditions, Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Grief therapy, and Parental Guidance and Counselling with a strong foundation and evidence-based practice in addressing and treating children and adults with Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Depression and other Mental Health Conditions.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, an RCI Licensed Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Osmania University. Her professional journey includes roles as a Clinical Psychologist (Associate), Psychotherapist, and Behaviour Therapist across leading centres.

Keren has conducted numerous mental health workshops and presented on topics such as Autism, ADHD, Adolescent development, Substance use, and Positive psychology. Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive mental healthcare and empowering families through compassionate, evidence-based practice.

Md. Zinnatullah

Lead Occupational Therapist

Md. Zinnatullah is a dynamic Occupational Therapist with a Master’s in Paediatric Occupational Therapy from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi and a Bachelor’s from NIOH under WBUHS, Kolkata. With over 6 years of experience, he brings a strong clinical foundation and a practical approach to child-centred therapy.

Zinnatullah is certified in oral placement therapy Level-1 and Basic psychometric assessments and has worked extensively in school-based and early intervention settings, including at the Indian Army’s DAPS-1 school. His career has spanned clinical, educational, and community outreach roles, reflecting his commitment to holistic development and rehabilitation.

An award-winning therapist, he has been recognised by TYCF and the Indian Army for his contributions. He is a registered practitioner under DCPTOT, AIOTA, and IOTR, and is passionate about advancing occupational therapy through teamwork, integrity, and continuous learning.

HARISH C

Behavioural Therapist

Harish is a dedicated Rehabilitation Psychologist with a decade of experience in psychological assessments, therapy, and mental health advocacy. He specialises in conducting in-depth evaluations and creating personalised treatment plans to support individuals’ and families’ therapeutic journeys. His expertise includes cognitive assessments, evidence-based interventions, and guiding clients toward positive mental well-being.

Harish holds an M.Phil in Rehabilitation Psychology from NIEPID, Osmania University, along with degrees in Psychology, Criminology, and English Literature. He is trained in the NIEPID Indian Test of Intelligence. He has participated in various mental health initiatives, including the 21st Post Graduate Continuing Medical Education at the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.

Committed to community engagement, Harish has contributed to awareness programs and advocacy efforts, earning recognition from the Government of Telangana for his mental health and social welfare service.

Amy Ann George

Speech and Language Pathologist

Amy holds a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology from the Dr S.R. Chandrashekar Institute of Speech and Hearing in Bangalore. She has extensive experience in both hospital and rehabilitation clinic settings.

Amy specialises in paediatric care and assesses and treats childhood language disorders, fluency, articulation, and paediatric feeding issues. Driven by a passion for enhancing children’s communication skills and quality of life, Amy’s expertise and compassionate approach empower children to reach their full potential.

N. B. Lavanya

Speech and Language Pathologist

With over 6 years of experience, Lavanya holds a Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech and Language Pathology from the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for Speech and Hearing Disabilities.

She is proficient in conducting thorough assessments and developing individualised treatment plans using evidence-based therapy to optimise communication skills. Lavanya is skilled in working within interdisciplinary teams, educating parents, and advocating for children’s needs. Her enthusiasm and dedication to working with children with speech and communication disorders are central to her approach.

D Srija

Clinical Psychologist and Behaviour Therapist

Srija is a registered Clinical Psychologist with an M Phil in Clinical Psychology from Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences, Secunderabad. She has over 2 years of experience and has worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist and ABA Therapist. She has experience with children and adolescents with Developmental, Behavioural, Emotional, and Academic Difficulties. Her core areas of expertise are clinical psychology. She is well-trained in Psychological assessments and Psychotherapies.

Nitesh S.K

Rehabilitation Psychologist and Behaviour Therapist

Nitesh is a licensed Rehabilitation Psychologist who holds an M. Phil degree from the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Secunderabad. He is well equipped with different psychometric assessments for the paediatric population and one of his areas of expertise is in creating individualized intervention programmes for challenging behaviours along with parental psycho-education. He has nearly a decade of experience working with children with Developmental Delays, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and other conditions. He inspires them to thrive.

MADHU JAIN

Occupational Therapist

Madhu is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience in creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. A Certified Sensory Integration Therapist, Licensed Brain Gym Movement Facilitator, and Reflex Integration Therapist, she has successfully established occupational therapy departments from the ground up and developed school readiness programmes for pre-primary children.

Passionate about early intervention, Madhu is committed to raising awareness among parents about developmental challenges in young children and ensuring timely support.
 

She holds a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from Indore Institute of Medical Sciences
(2002–2007) and has earned multiple international certifications, including:
● CLASI Certification in Sensory Integration Therapy (USA)
● Brain Gym Movement Facilitator
● Reflex Integration Therapy (RMTi – Rhythmic Movement Training International)

Her expertise is in promoting holistic child development through movement-based therapies,
empowering children to reach their full potential.

Sreelatha Siddamsetty

Remedial Therapist/ Special Educator

Sreelatha Siddamsetty has a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialisation in Autism. She has undertaken numerous courses, including training from the Asian College of Teachers and Jolly Phonics, to support children with special needs better. She completed an internship at Krishna Children’s Hospital, focusing on childhood neurodevelopmental disabilities under Dr Jagadish. With over 10 years of teaching experience, including five years in the field of special needs education, Sreelatha has worked with children aged 2.5 to 15 years, addressing autism spectrum disorders, specific learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and developmental delays. Her objective is to ensure that every child receives a quality education and is supported to reach their full potential, regardless of their challenges.

DR P V CHAITANYA VARMA

Developmental Paediatrician

Dr Chaitanya Varma completed his MD in Pediatrics from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University and subspeciality fellowship training in Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics from Sethu, Goa . For the past 13 years, he has been working as a clinician and an academician in some of the best medical colleges and corporate hospitals, both in India and abroad. He has to his credit more than 30 publications in International scientific journals.

His main fields of interests are Autism, ADHD, Intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, genetic syndromes, and parent counselling

ANJLI DHIR

Occupational Therapist

Anjli Dhir is a passionate Occupational Therapist with a Master’s from ISIC – IRS, Delhi, and a Bachelor’s from SVNIRTAR, Cuttack. Skilled in collaborative care, adaptability, and time management, she is DCPTOT registered and certified in Basic Wheelchair Skills Training. Committed to enhancing mobility and independence, she takes a patient-centred approach to rehabilitation. With a keen interest in paediatric therapy and early intervention, she is dedicated to helping children develop essential skills for independence and well-being.

Debasmita Mishra

Occupational Therapist

Debasmita completed her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy (BOT) from SVNIRTAR, Cuttack, and has over two years of experience working with children with special needs. Her expertise spans Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, learning disabilities, developmental delays, Down Syndrome, and muscular dystrophy. Her main goal is to provide therapeutic interventions that enable children to achieve the highest possible level of independence in their daily activities.

Nisha Printer

I-Can India Hub Coordinator

With over 30 years of experience, Nisha’s professional career has been primarily as a Clinical Therapist in the areas of Rehabilitation and Counselling in India and the UK. As Head of the Rehabilitation Department at HOSMAT Hospital, Bengaluru, and Deputy Director of the Indian arm of Action on Disability & Development, a U.K-based NGO, she has acquired experience in strategic planning and managing rehabilitation programs in the healthcare and social service sectors. She has completed her Master’s in Applications of Psychology from the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and is a certified counselor. Nisha set up the Fernandez Child Development Centre, Hyderabad, and now provides Program Development and Strategic Planning for the same. She is also the Coordinator for the Indo-Canadian Autism Program at Fernandez CDC.

DR. RAVIKANTH

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr Ravikanth Tangella has 9 years of experience in various government and private psychiatric institutions. He has completed his super-specialization from PGIMER, Chandigarh and trained with the National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NIEPID) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore. He exclusively focuses on children and adolescents with mental health needs. His areas of expertise are Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Behavioural problems, Childhood-onset Mental Health Issues, Preventive and Promotive Child Mental Health. He is a visiting consultant at several child development centres and children’s hospitals across the twin cities.

Apeksha Agarwal:

Educational Therapist

Apeksha Agarwal is an educational therapist at Fernandez Child Development Centre. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from St. Francis College, Hyderabad and has done Tutor Training in Specific Learning Difficulties from Alpha to Omega, Chennai. She has also done a wide range of Instrumental Enrichment Program from Feuerstein Institute, Israel. Apeksha has been working in the field for over six years and has experience working with children having neurodevelopmental disorders.

She is a passionate educator who is calm and well organised, which is demonstrated through her emotional connection as she works along with children and their parents.

MULUKUNTLA VASUNDHARA

Coordinator

Vasundhara is a social worker at Fernandez Child Development Centre. She obtained her Master’s degree from Sri Venkateswara University and is certified in Child Development. She has 11 years of experience in the social service sector.

Jerusha Isaac

Speech Therapist

Jerusha holds a Master’s in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from Helen Keller’s Institute. With over six years of experience across various hospital and clinical settings, she has also led the speech department at Hope Children’s Hospital, contributing significantly to improving therapeutic outcomes. Jerusha is deeply passionate about working with children who face challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech articulation difficulties, fluency disorders, and phonological issues. Her dedication to enhancing communication skills and improving the quality of life for her young patients is unwavering.

POONAM KHAPARDE

Remedial Therapist

Poonam holds a B.Ed in Special Education and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Psychology. She was trained at the Madras Dyslexia Association (MDA). She is a passionate teacher with 7 years of experience and has worked with students having diverse learning needs.

K KARUNIKA

Speech and Language Therapist

Karunika has completed her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the All-India Institute for Speech and Hearing, Mysuru. She is a certified Level-A in Indian Sign Language and has the “Becoming a Behavioral Detective” course by Dr Kim Barthel to her credit. She has worked closely in various clinical settings including government hospitals and other private rehabilitation centers. She has a passion for various areas of child disorders, phonological disorders, and alternative augmentative communication for children with severe impairments.

DIPA PRIYA PRASAD

Occupational Therapist

Dipa Priya Prasad completed her Master’s in Occupational Therapy (Orthopedics) from the National Institute of Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata. Dipa has also undertaken courses like Continuing Occupational Therapy Education [COTE] on ‘Sensory Integration: Occupational Therapy Perspective,’ NILD, Kolkata. As an occupational therapist, she has conducted various evaluations to identify clients’ specific needs to devise individualized rehabilitation plans.

SIVA PRIYA

Physiotherapist

Sivapriya completed her Masters in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and is a certified manual therapist. She has trained in PNF techniques, Hand Therapy and Sensory Integration, and has also specialized in post-surgical splints.

Sivapriya has worked with children who have developmental delays, paediatric orthopaedic conditions and children in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is passionate about working with children with multiple disabilities and designing specialized programs for them.

SHABEENA FERNANDES

Head of Speech and Language Therapy

Shabeena Fernandes has over 20 years’ of experience in both clinical practice and academia. She completed her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Mumbai.

She has also trained in Autism Spectrum Disorder for Coordinators of DSE, Makaton Sign Language and the Infant Program. Shabeena’s area of expertise are in motor speech disorders, articulation, phonological disorders, and fluency. She has completed her M.A.Linguistics and MSc.Psychology (BRAOU).

She is a certified Hanen trainer for parent-mediated therapy programs. She has been a guest faculty at Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities over 16 years, for both their bachelor’s and master’s courses.

SANDHYA VARUDHINI

Head of Audiology

Sandhya graduated from Manipal University with a Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology and obtained her Master’s in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from Osmania University. She has over 9 years of experience in teaching, training, and research in audiology. She has worked as an audiologist in several hospitals and hearing aid clinics. She specializes in infant and pediatric assessment, middle ear testing, childhood hearing screening, auditory cortical potentials, and vestibular testing. She was a resource person at NISHD and is particularly interested in Special Pediatric Populations, Auditory Processing Disorders, Educational Audiology, Family Centered Care and Cochlear Implant technology.

SANDESH M

Senior Executive

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SALEEM UNNISA

Remedial Therapist and Special Educator

Saleem Unnisa has 22 years of experience in education of which 7 years are in the field of special
needs. Saleem has worked in the United States, with Savannah Chatham County as a special
educator, and in India. She was the Head of the Department for Special Needs in Meridian School,
Hyderabad and is experienced in handling students with diverse developmental needs which include
autism spectrum disorders (ASD), dyslexic SLD and hyperactivity, and developmental delays in the
age group of 2.5 to 19 years. Saleem holds master’s degrees in Education, Psychology and English, a
diploma in LD and B.Ed in Special needs (MR).

RAFIA AHMED

Senior Occupational Therapist

Rafia Ahmed obtained her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, specializing in Orthopaedics. Rafia has worked extensively with children with different learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders, ASD and down syndrome. Her work includes programs such as forming groups of children with multiple disabilities to help them enhance their social interaction and designing economically viable tools for children with learning disabilities to use at home. Her focus of interest lies in enabling a child to become functionally independent in society.

G. Jyoti

Yoga Therapist

Jyoti has completed her training from Vivekananda Institute, Bengaluru and Yocures Yoga Institute, Hyderabad. She also has a certificate from Prafull Oorja Yoga for Special Needs Children, Bengaluru. She is a passionate yoga instructor with over 15 years of training experience. Besides providing assistance to children with special needs she also conducts yoga classes for an MNC in Hyderabad.

Ms. Hemalatha

Billing Executive

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Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, “Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..”, comes from a line in section 1.10.32.

RIDIMA

Head of Occupational Therapy

Ridima obtained her master’s degree from Manipal University and is certified in Brain Gym and
Handwriting Without Tears. She has extensive experience in working with children with special
needs and her innovative therapy approaches have brought her many awards.

She brings with her over 10 years of work experience.

K CELESTIAL LYDIA

Speech and Language Therapist

Lydia, has a specialization in Speech  Language Pathology from All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru. Pediatric population is one of her main interests. Her experience as a Speech therapist in Rajendra Institute of  Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi and a posting at Niloufer Hospital, Hyderabad widens the range of cases observed in children with multiple disabilities. She is energetic and passionate towards her work.  Lydia, has completed Level ’A’ in Indian Sign Language and has Bachelor’s in Audiology and Speech language Pathology from Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech & Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan)-SRC.

Dr. E Madhavi

Clinical Psychologist and Behaviour Therapist

Dr.E.Madhavi is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with the added expertise of a  Speech therapist and  Special Educator from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). She obtained a Diploma in Communication Disorders from Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing, a B.Ed. in special education (Hearing Impairment) from Andhra Mahila Sabha, Osmania University, a Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology from Sweekar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hyderabad and a Ph.D. from SV University, Tirupati. Madhavi has over 20 years of experience in working with children and adolescents with developmental, behavioural and academic difficulties. Her core areas of expertise are psychological assessment and diagnosis of children with developmental disabilities such as Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD & Specific Learning Difficulties, Interventions & Behaviour Modification and  Assessment & intervention of adults with mental disorders.

She has presented 11 papers at National and International conferences and received the best paper award for her presentation on Autism. She published 8 articles in National and International Publications.

Madhavi has conducted training programs for upcoming psychologists on assessments, counselling skills and has trained around 5000 software employees on stress and time managements. She has also conducted training programs for parents of children with special needs on behaviour modification techniques, speech and language stimulation, auditory training and special education.

DR. LATHA SASHI

Head of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Latha has over 18 years of clinical practice. She also teaches post-graduate students and serves as a research guide to PhD scholars.

Latha was selected for the Young Scientist Award by the Nutrition Society of India in 1997. She has earned  recognition at the National and International Fora, and has established herself in the academic circles as a passionate researcher.  She is a nominated member on the Board of PG Studies, Anwar Uloom College and Women’s College, Koti, Osmania University.  She has contributed immensely towards raising awareness on Diet and Nutrition as a panelist for various TV channels and print media, and her articles appear regularly in leading publications.

Dr Sandhya Rani Autupalli

Early Interventionist

Dr Sandhya, with eight years of experience, specialises in early intervention and developmental support for children aged 0 to 3 years. She holds a BAMS and a Master’s degree in Disability Studies and Early Intervention from NIEPID. Dr Sandhya is RCI Certified (RCI No: 79221) and is also certified in Bayley and DASII developmental assessments as well as Sensory Integration. Her work is focused on helping children reach their full developmental potential through personalised support.

PRIYANKA MUSALAY

Head of Operations

Priyanka Musalay is an Organizational Psychologist who has spent her career engaging with young people in developing their skills to work as a team. She has a specialization in Human Resource Management and is a certified Six Sigma Green belt. She is also a counsellor, a certified Motor Skills Learning Coach from the Motor Skills Learning Academy, Switzerland, and a certified Therapeutic Art Life coach.

Prior to Fernandez, Priyanka worked as a faculty member at St. Francis College for Women, as well as served as a Coordinator for the American Corner and PG Diploma Psychology Counseling Skills course. She was also a Project Manager for a specialized course on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults in collaboration with the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and St. Francis College.

As part of her leadership roles she has delivered several training interventions that included outbound training and community outreach programs, programs on stress management, personal branding, time management, Interpersonal Relations, Social Skills, Communication skills and Organization citizenship behavior.

DR. DEDEEPYA PUSKUR

Developmental Paediatrician

Dr Dedeepya completed her MD in Paediatrics and her Fellowship in Development and Behaviour Paediatrics from SRIHER, Chennai. Her interest lies in the field of early detection and early intervention of global development concerns.

While working with Neurology in her previous stint, she felt that there is a lacuna in the Development Sector and believes that she can contribute to this sector and become part of this change. Heading the clinical team in FCDC, her focus will be on existing concerns in physical/mental development, educating and counselling parents in early detection & intervention and providing suitable treatment options and follow through.