Children learn by interacting with the world around them. By speaking with others, playing with toys and engaging in fun activities, children develop skills that help them learn and grow.
When a child finds it difficult to engage with others due to challenges such as poor communication skills, poor coordination skills, low attention span, or behavioral issues, their ability to learn and acquire important skills may be compromised.
Ummeed’s Clinical Services are designed to help children and families address these challenges by fostering children’s independence and creativity, while helping them climb the developmental ladder.
Schedule a meetingTo schedule an initial meeting with a developmental pediatrician (DP), parents can phone or email Ummeed.
Parents should be prepared to answer the following questions:
What are your family's concerns?
For example: Child having trouble in school, difficulty socializing, difficulty expressing feelings, low self esteem
Has your family sought help elsewhere?
For example: Local clinic, other pediatricians or doctors
How do you see the Ummeed Child Development Center being of assistance to you?
For example: Need a second opinion on a diagnosis, need to inquire about therapies
Fees for Ummeed’s services operate on a sliding scale depending on the family’s financial situation. This can be discussed further with the Scheduling Team.
Pediatric AssessmentA pediatric assessment is an evaluation done to assess a child’s physical, cognitive, or social growth. A pediatrician will look at the mental and physical factors in the child, family and environment that affect his or her development.
Therapy Our developmental therapy and intervention programs help children develop a wide variety of skills and provide them with tools to help them navigate their social and physical world. Therapists and doctors employ a team-based approach to discuss each child’s case.
At Ummeed, we offer the following services:
Assess the child and the family
The therapist will carry out an assessment of the child (through observation and play) to determine the child’s current skills
Develop goals and timelines
The therapist and family work together to identify mutually agreed-upon goals to be achieved within a certain time frame
Attend therapy sessions at Ummeed
Therapists will help schedule therapy sessions at Ummeed according to the child’s needs
Develop home program
The therapist will develop simple activities with the parents targeted to each goal that the families can do at home
Ummeed makes arrangements for therapy consultations on call or in person
Develop home programs
The therapist will help the family develop a plan of action for the child that can be done at home
Provide local resources
If the family cannot visit the Center, Ummeed will provide contacts for therapy services closer to where the family stays if possible
Schedule follow ups
Families can schedule follow up appointments with Ummeed every 3-6 months
Periodic Follow-ups In order to monitor the child’s developmental progress, the therapist and family can arrange for follow ups throughout the year.
Check-in with therapist
At regular intervals, families can meet therapists to evaluate progress and determine the way forward.
Check-in with DP
The family may meet again with the DP for additional consultation (generally six months after the initial DPA).
The following tests are unavailable at Ummeed, but DP’s will refer families to specific specialists or places near families’ homes where they can get tested: blood, urine, vision, hearing, brain imaging/CT/MRI.
