Meet Your Multidisciplinary Team of Professionals for Learning Disabilities

Who Are the Professionals That Treat Learning Disabilities?

Professionals for learning disabilities are a group of highly trained specialists who diagnose, assess, and provide targeted therapy for challenges in reading, writing, math, and reasoning. This multidisciplinary team for learning disabilities often includes child psychologists, clinical psychologists, special educators, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who collaborate to create a holistic support plan. At Cadabam’s Child Development Center, our 30+ years of experience in evidence-based care ensure your child is guided by the right experts from assessment to achievement.

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A Collaborative & Compassionate Approach to Your Child's Development

Why choose Cadabam’s when you need to find a learning disability expert? Because we understand that true progress doesn't come from isolated therapies. It comes from a unified team that sees your child as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Our philosophy is built on creating a supportive ecosystem where your child can thrive, leveraging a neurodiversity-affirming model that celebrates their unique strengths while systematically addressing their challenges.

Truly Multidisciplinary Team for Comprehensive Care

At Cadabam’s, our professionals don't work in silos. A child’s difficulty with writing, for instance, is rarely just a handwriting issue. It can be linked to motor planning (the domain of an Occupational Therapist), language formulation (addressed by a Speech-Language Pathologist), and academic anxiety (managed by a Child Psychologist). Our strength lies in our structured, collaborative framework. We hold weekly case conferences where our team of learning disabilities specialists convenes to discuss your child’s progress, share insights, and refine their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This ensures a 360-degree view, preventing gaps in care and creating a powerful, synergistic therapeutic effect.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for Effective Therapy

The right environment is a catalyst for growth. Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support every facet of learning disability therapy. This includes:

• Sensory Integration Labs: Fully equipped spaces where Occupational Therapists help children regulate their sensory systems, which is crucial for focus and learning. You can learn more about sensory integration therapy.
• Dedicated Therapy Rooms: Quiet, distraction-free rooms for one-on-one sessions with psychologists, speech therapists, and special educators.
• Resource Libraries: Stocked with the latest evidence-based learning materials, games, and tools tailored to different learning styles. This purpose-built environment empowers our professionals for learning disabilities to deliver the most effective interventions, leading to better outcomes for your child.

Seamless Therapy-to-Home Transition Support

Our work doesn't end when a therapy session is over. We believe in empowering you, the parent, to become a confident co-therapist in your child’s journey. Our professionals are dedicated to providing you with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to continue progress at home. This focus on parent training and support does more than just reinforce skills; it strengthens the parent-child bond, generalises learning to everyday situations, and creates a nurturing home environment where your child feels understood and supported.

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Identifying Early Signs: When to Consult a Learning Disability Specialist

Recognising the early signs of a learning disability is the first step toward getting your child the help they need. These challenges can manifest in various ways across different domains. If you notice a consistent pattern of the following difficulties, it may be time to consult with one of our professionals for learning disabilities.

Challenges in Academic Skills (Pre-school & School-age)

These are often the most noticeable signs, directly impacting school performance. Understanding the meaning of learning disabilities is crucial for parents.

• Dyslexia (Reading Disability):
  • Persistent difficulty connecting letters to their sounds.
  • Trouble rhyming, sounding out new words, or blending sounds.
  • Reading that is slow, effortful, and filled with guesses.
  • Poor reading comprehension despite understanding when read to.
• Dyscalculia (Math Disability):
  • Difficulty understanding basic number concepts like "more than" or "less than."
  • Trouble with counting, memorising number facts (like multiplication tables), or telling time.
  • Struggles with word problems and understanding the logic behind math operations.
• Dysgraphia (Writing Disability):
  • Extremely messy, slow, or inconsistent handwriting.
  • Awkward or painful pencil grip.
  • Difficulty with spelling, grammar, and organising thoughts on paper.
  • A large gap between spoken ideas and written output.

Difficulties with Language and Communication

Language is the foundation of learning, and challenges here can have a wide-ranging impact.

• Trouble following multi-step directions.
• Difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts (word retrieval issues).
• Using vague language (e.g., "the thing," "that stuff") frequently.
• Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or non-literal language.
• A limited vocabulary compared to peers.
• Struggles with the rhythm and flow of conversation. (For more information, explore our Speech and language development page)

Issues with Motor Skills & Coordination (Dyspraxia)

Often co-occurring with learning disabilities, motor skill challenges can affect both academic and daily life tasks. You can read more about learning disabilities vs developmental coordination disorder.

• General clumsiness, frequently bumping into things or dropping items.
• Marked difficulty with fine motor tasks like tying shoelaces, buttoning, or using scissors.
• Poor hand-eye coordination, impacting sports or even catching a ball.
• Messy eating habits or difficulty using utensils.

Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties

The constant struggle and frustration of a learning disability can take a significant emotional toll.

• Low self-esteem or feelings of being "stupid."
• High levels of anxiety, especially around school or homework.
• Appearing unmotivated, lazy, or oppositional, which is often a coping mechanism for the underlying struggle. We can explore the comparison of learning disabilities vs behavioural issues in children.
• Difficulty reading social cues or interacting with peers.
• Acting out in class or withdrawing socially to avoid tasks that are difficult.

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A Clear Pathway from Assessment to Action Plan

The word "assessment" can sound intimidating, but at Cadabam’s, we view it as the first step towards clarity and empowerment. Our structured and empathetic diagnostic process is designed to understand your child's unique learning profile, not just to apply a label. It's about discovering their strengths and identifying the precise areas where they need support.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Developmental Screening

Your journey with us begins with a comprehensive initial consultation. You will meet with a senior Developmental Paediatrician or Child Psychologist. This is a safe space for you to share all your concerns, observations, and your child's developmental history. The specialist will engage with your child through observation and play-based interactions while conducting initial developmental screenings. This first meeting is about building trust and gathering the information needed to map out the next steps.

Step 2: Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation

Based on the initial consultation, if a learning disability is suspected, we proceed to a formal, in-depth evaluation. This is not a single test but a battery of standardised assessments administered by a Clinical Psychologist or Rehabilitation Psychologist. The evaluation is tailored to your child's specific needs and may include:

• Intellectual Assessments (IQ Tests): To measure cognitive abilities and rule out intellectual disability.
• Educational & Achievement Tests: To measure skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, identifying specific areas of weakness.
• Psychological Evaluations: To assess for co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or depression that can impact learning.
• Therapist-led Assessments: Specific evaluations by an Occupational Therapist (for motor and sensory skills) or a Speech-Language Pathologist (for language processing). (Learn more about our Psychological Assessment for learning disabilities)

Step 3: Collaborative Goal Setting with Your Family

The final, and most important, step in the assessment process is the feedback and planning session. Our multidisciplinary team for learning disabilities consolidates all the assessment findings into a comprehensive report. We then sit down with you to explain the results in clear, understandable language. Together, we co-create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This is a dynamic, collaborative document that outlines specific, measurable, and achievable goals for therapy, ensuring you are a central partner in your child's care plan from day one through family counseling.

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Meet the Types of Doctors and Therapists for Learning Disabilities

The strength of Cadabam’s approach lies in the diverse expertise of our professionals. Each therapist brings a unique lens to understanding and treating your child's challenges. Here is a detailed look at the core members of our multidisciplinary team for learning disabilities.

Child Psychologist

What is a Child Psychologist?

A Child Psychologist specialises in the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. They are experts in understanding how a child thinks, feels, and behaves, and they use talk therapy, play therapy, and behavioural strategies to address challenges.

When Should You Consult a Child Psychologist for a Learning Disability?

• If your child is showing signs of low self-esteem, school-related anxiety, or depression.
• If they are exhibiting behavioural issues like defiance or withdrawal that you suspect are linked to academic frustration.
• To help your child develop coping mechanisms and build resilience.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Child Psychologists work to address the emotional fallout of learning disabilities. They use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help children reframe negative thoughts about their abilities ("I'm bad at math") and equip them with strategies to manage anxiety before a test. They also foster self-advocacy skills, teaching children how to ask for help effectively.

Clinical Psychologist

What is a Clinical Psychologist?

A Clinical Psychologist has advanced training in diagnosing and treating mental, behavioural, and emotional disorders. In the context of learning disabilities, they are the primary professionals who conduct the comprehensive diagnostic assessments.

When Should You Consult a Clinical Psychologist?

• When you need a definitive diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD).
• To rule out or diagnose co-occurring conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Anxiety Disorders, which often accompany learning disabilities.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Clinical Psychologists are the architects of your child's diagnostic report. They expertly administer, score, and interpret a wide range of psychometric tests. Their detailed report provides the foundational blueprint that guides the entire therapeutic team, pinpointing the exact nature of the learning challenge.

Developmental Paediatrician

What is a Developmental Paediatrician?

These are medical doctors who have specialised training in the developmental, behavioural, and learning aspects of paediatric care. They look at the "big picture" of a child's development through developmental paediatrics.

When Should You Consult a Developmental Paediatrician?

• As the first point of contact when you have broad concerns about your child's development.
• To rule out any underlying medical or neurological issues that could be impacting learning.
• To manage medication for co-occurring conditions like ADHD, if required.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Developmental Paediatrician often acts as the team coordinator. They conduct the initial developmental overview, refer the child to other specialists as needed (like a neurologist or SLP), and monitor the child's overall health and well-being throughout the treatment process.

Paediatric Neurologist

What is a Paediatric Neurologist?

A Paediatric Neurologist is a medical doctor who specialises in conditions of the brain, spine, and nervous system in children.

When Should You Consult a Paediatric Neurologist?

• If there is a suspicion of seizures or epilepsy.
• If the learning difficulties are accompanied by physical symptoms like headaches, tics, or significant motor impairments.
• To investigate rarer genetic or neurological conditions that can present with learning challenges.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

While not every child with a learning disability needs to see a neurologist, their expertise is vital for complex cases. They can use tools like an EEG to rule out seizure activity that might be disrupting attention and learning, providing crucial medical clearance for the therapeutic team.

Child Psychiatrist

What is a Child Psychiatrist?

A Child Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in children, with the ability to prescribe and manage medication.

When Should You Consult a Child Psychiatrist?

• If your child's learning disability is accompanied by severe anxiety, depression, or ADHD that significantly impairs their daily functioning.
• When therapeutic interventions alone are not sufficient to manage the emotional or behavioural symptoms.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Child Psychiatrist works in close collaboration with the Child Psychologist. While the psychologist provides therapy, the psychiatrist evaluates the need for medication, carefully prescribes it if necessary, and monitors its effectiveness and side effects, ensuring a balanced approach to treatment.

Special Educator

What is a Special Educator?

Special Educators (or Remedial Therapists) are the frontline academic interventionists. They are trained in evidence-based teaching methods designed specifically for children with learning disabilities.

When Should You Consult a Special Educator?

• This is a core professional for every child with a diagnosed learning disability.
• When your child needs direct, one-on-one instruction to build skills in reading, writing, or math. This is a form of special education.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Special Educators are masters of differentiation. They break down complex concepts into manageable steps using multi-sensory teaching techniques (e.g., using sand trays to trace letters for dyslexia or using blocks to teach math concepts for dyscalculia). They create and implement the academic goals of the IEP, tracking progress meticulously and adapting their methods to your child's unique learning style.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

What is an Occupational Therapist?

An OT helps children participate in their daily "occupations," which for a child includes playing, self-care, and schoolwork. They focus on the underlying sensory and motor skills needed for learning.

When Should You Consult an OT?

• If your child has very messy handwriting (dysgraphia) or an inefficient pencil grip.
• If they are easily overwhelmed by sensory input (lights, sounds, crowds) or seem to constantly seek it (fidgeting, moving).
• If they struggle with motor coordination, organisational skills, or daily tasks like buttoning a shirt.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our OTs address the foundational skills that allow for learning to happen. For dysgraphia, they work on fine motor strength, hand-eye coordination, and visual-motor integration. For sensory processing issues, they design "sensory diets"—a personalised plan of activities to help a child stay calm and focused. They are essential professionals for learning disabilities that have a motor or sensory component. (Explore our dedicated Occupational Therapy services)

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

An SLP, or speech therapist, is an expert in all aspects of communication—from articulating sounds to understanding and using complex language.

When Should You Consult an SLP?

• If your child has difficulty with phonological awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words), a core deficit in dyslexia.
• If they struggle to understand what they read or hear (receptive language).
• If they have trouble organising their thoughts to speak or write (expressive language), which can be related to a social communication disorder.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

The role of our SLPs goes far beyond correcting lisps. They are language detectives. They provide targeted speech therapy to build the phonological processing skills necessary for reading, expand vocabulary, improve reading comprehension strategies, and enhance narrative skills so a child can express their ideas clearly and coherently, both verbally and in writing.

Rehabilitation Psychologist

What is a Rehabilitation Psychologist?

A Rehabilitation Psychologist helps individuals with disabilities achieve optimal psychological, social, and vocational functioning. They focus on helping people adapt and thrive despite their challenges.

When Should You Consult a Rehabilitation Psychologist?

• For older children and teens who need help with vocational planning and life skills.
• To conduct comprehensive psycho-educational assessments.
• To help families adjust to the long-term realities of a learning disability.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Rehabilitation Psychologists are experts in both assessment and counselling. They administer portions of the diagnostic evaluation and work with families and older children to build coping strategies, improve social skills, and plan for a successful transition into higher education or the workforce.

Family Therapist / Counsellor

What is a Family Therapist?

A Family Therapist works with the entire family unit, viewing a child's challenges within the context of family dynamics.

When Should You Consult a Family Therapist?

• When a child's diagnosis is causing stress and conflict within the family.
• To help siblings understand and support their brother or sister.
• To improve communication and create a more supportive home environment for everyone, using family therapy.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our Family Therapists facilitate open communication, helping families navigate the emotional journey of a learning disability diagnosis together. They provide parents with tools to work as a unified team and help siblings feel seen and heard, strengthening the entire family system.

Play Therapist / Art Therapist

What is a Play/Art Therapist?

These therapists use creative and non-verbal methods like play, drawing, and sculpting to help children express feelings and resolve challenges they might not be able to put into words.

When Should You Consult a Play/Art Therapist?

• For younger children who struggle with traditional talk therapy.
• When a child has experienced significant emotional distress or trauma related to their learning struggles.
• To build self-esteem and emotional regulation through a creative outlet like art therapy.

How They Help: Our Approach at Cadabam’s

Our creative arts therapists provide a safe and engaging outlet for emotional expression. Through play and art, children can process their frustrations, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills in a low-pressure environment, which complements the work of the other learning disabilities specialists.

Insights From Our Experts

"The biggest breakthrough comes when we stop seeing a learning disability as a deficit and start seeing it as a different way of processing the world. Our job as professionals for learning disabilities is to build the right bridges for that child to learn and succeed." - Head of Child Psychology, from a child counsellor's perspective, Cadabam’s CDC

"Collaboration is non-negotiable. A child's writing difficulty (dysgraphia) isn't just a motor skill issue for an OT; it’s a language expression issue for an SLP and an academic confidence issue for a special educator. We solve it together as a multidisciplinary team for learning disabilities." - Lead Special Educator, from a special educator's perspective, Cadabam’s CDC

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Real Journeys, Real Progress

The true measure of our success is in the lives we touch. These anonymised case studies illustrate how our multidisciplinary team for learning disabilities works together to create meaningful change.

Case Study 1: Overcoming Dyslexia with a Coordinated Team

The Challenge: Aarav, an 8-year-old boy, was bright and articulate but dreaded reading aloud. His reading was slow and filled with errors, and his confidence was plummeting. His parents were told he was just "a late bloomer."

The Cadabam’s Approach: Aarav's assessment confirmed dyslexia along with performance anxiety. His team included:

• A Clinical Psychologist: Who diagnosed the specific learning disability and related anxiety.
• A Speech-Language Pathologist: Who worked intensively on phonological awareness and decoding skills.
• A Special Educator: Who used the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to make reading rules concrete.
• A Child Psychologist: Who used CBT to give Aarav strategies to manage his reading anxiety.

The Result: After a year of integrated therapy, Aarav’s reading fluency improved by two grade levels. More importantly, he started picking up books voluntarily at home, his confidence soared, and he no longer feared being called on in class.

Case Study 2: From Frustration to Focus for a Child with Dyscalculia & Sensory Needs

The Challenge: Priya, 10, a child with learning difficulties, found math class to be a source of extreme frustration and anxiety. She couldn't grasp multiplication, and the busy, noisy classroom often led to meltdowns. Her parents felt helpless.

The Cadabam’s Approach: Priya's assessment revealed dyscalculia and a sensory processing disorder. Her team included:

• An Occupational Therapist: Who implemented a "sensory diet" to help Priya regulate her nervous system. This included scheduled movement breaks and using noise-dampening headphones during independent work time.
• A Special Educator: Who discarded abstract worksheets and used hands-on manipulatives, games, and real-life scenarios (like shopping) to make math concepts concrete and meaningful.

The Result: The OT's interventions significantly reduced Priya's classroom anxiety and improved her ability to focus. The special educator's hands-on approach helped her finally understand multiplication and division. Today, Priya confidently approaches math problems, a transformation her parents once thought impossible.