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Empowering Lives through Occupational Therapy – Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day

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 By Dr. Pranita Nitnaware, B.O.Th, Director, Raising Child Development Centre, Nagpur Every year, 27th October is celebrated worldwide as World Occupational Therapy Day, a day that honors the remarkable contribution of occupational therapists in improving the quality of life for individuals across all age groups. This day reminds us that health is not merely the absence of disease, but the ability to live life with purpose, independence, and dignity — and this is precisely what occupational therapy strives to achieve. Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic, evidence-based healthcare profession that focuses on enabling people to participate fully in the activities of everyday life — what we call occupations. For a child, these occupations may include playing, learning, writing, and dressing, feeding, socializing, and developing emotional control. When a child faces developmental challenges, these simple tasks can become major struggles. Occupational therapy bridges that gap — helpi...

How Occupational Therapy Can Help Your Child Succeed in School

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  How Occupational Therapy Can Help Your Child Succeed in School By Dr. Pranita Nitnaware, B.O.Th Director, Raising Child Development Centre As a parent of a special child, you already know that school can be a challenging place. The classroom environment—structured, demanding, fast-paced—may not always meet your child’s individual needs. When a child has autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or a learning disability, they often struggle with basic school tasks that other children do with ease. But here’s the good news: Occupational Therapy (OT) can help bridge that gap. It gives your child the tools they need to participate meaningfully in school—academically, socially, and emotionally. At Raising Child Development Centre , led by Dr. Pranita Nitnaware , we specialize in helping children with special needs develop the foundational skills needed for school success. With personalized OT programs, we’ve seen children grow from frustrated and dependent to conf...

Learning Disabilities: Early Signs and How to Help

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  Learning Disabilities: Early Signs and How to Help Every child learns in their own unique way. Some children, however, face challenges that go beyond typical learning differences. These may be signs of a learning disability —a neurological condition that affects how the brain receives, processes, or communicates information. At Raising Child Development Centre , under the expert care of Dr. Pranita Nitnaware , we understand that early recognition and intervention can make a world of difference in helping children overcome these challenges.   What Are Learning Disabilities? Learning disabilities are not a reflection of a child's intelligence. Instead, they affect the brain’s ability to process information in areas such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), and attention (ADHD). These difficulties can impact academic performance, self-esteem, and everyday functioning. But with the right support, children with learning disabilities can lea...

Is My Child Ready for School? – Key Developmental Skills to Know

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  Is My Child Ready for School? – Key Developmental Skills to Know By Raising Child Development Centre | Dr. Pranita Nitnaware (B.O.Th) Introduction Starting school is a major milestone—for both children and their parents. But how do you know if your child is truly ready for this big step? At Raising Child Development Centre , we often meet parents wondering whether their child has the necessary skills to begin formal schooling confidently and successfully. School readiness is about much more than age or academic knowledge. It includes a range of developmental skills across physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains. As a parent, understanding these key areas can help you make informed decisions and support your child’s smooth transition into school life.     What Does 'School Readiness' Mean? School readiness means a child is developmentally prepared to learn, interact, and cope in a structured school environment. This doesn’t mean your child must...

Signs of Autism in Toddlers Parents Shouldn't Miss

Signs of Autism in Toddlers Parents Shouldn't Miss Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often shows signs as early as 12 to 24 months. Recognizing these signs early helps parents access the support their child needs during the most critical years of development. Every child is different, but some behavioral and developmental patterns are common among toddlers with autism. Parents may notice that their child is not meeting communication, social, or behavioral milestones. While not all signs confirm autism, being aware of them allows timely intervention. Let’s explore what to look for and when to take action.   Why Early Detection Matters Early diagnosis of autism is crucial. The earlier the signs are recognized, the sooner intervention can begin. Between birth and age 3, a child's brain is rapidly developing. This period offers the highest potential for improvement with the right therapies. Research shows that early behavioral interventions can improve communic...

Celebrating the Unique Strengths of Individuals with Autism

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Celebrating the Unique Strengths of Individuals with Autism   Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not just a collection of challenges; it's also a spectrum of unique strengths and abilities. While individuals with autism may face certain obstacles in their daily lives, they also possess remarkable talents, perspectives, and qualities that deserve recognition and celebration. In this blog, we'll explore some of the exceptional strengths commonly found in individuals with autism, highlighting the diversity and richness they bring to our world. 1. Exceptional Attention to Detail: Many individuals with autism have a remarkable ability to notice and focus on small details that others might overlook. This attention to detail can be advantageous in various fields, including science, engineering, art, and technology. Their keen observational skills and ability to detect patterns can lead to innovative problem-solving and creative insights. 2. Unique Perspective and Creativity: Autistic i...

How to Protect Children and Parents from the Heat Wave in Nagpur

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  How to Protect Children and Parents from the Heat Wave in Nagpur Nagpur is currently experiencing a heat wave, which poses significant health risks, especially for children. As a pediatric occupational therapist   , it's important to provide guidance to both children and parents on how to stay safe during these extreme temperatures. Here are some tips to help protect against the heat: Understanding Heat Waves A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. This can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially in vulnerable populations like children.  Tips for Parents and Children 1. Stay Hydrated    - Ensure children drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty.    - Offer fluids like water, fresh fruit juices, and oral rehydration solutions.    - Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, as they can lead to d...