Qualifications of a therapist for children with disabilities

Where to start: Understanding the role of therapists for your children

When a child is diagnosed with an intellectual disability or developmental disability, families often hear the word “therapy” a lot. But with so many types of therapists and services, it’s natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed.

Therapists can play a key role in supporting your child’s growth – but not every child needs every therapy. The right approach depends on your child’s needs, interests, age, and comfort. This guide is designed to give you a quick overview of common professionals families may encounter, and how they might support different areas of a child’s development.

It’s okay not to have all the answers right away. The goal is not to “fix” your child – but to help them thrive, learn practical skills, and express who they are in their own way.

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities may benefit from support from various therapists. However, understanding which professionals to reach out to and their qualifications can feel overwhelming. Nayi Disha aims to simplify this process by providing clear information on different therapists and their roles.

Types of therapists and medical professionals and their qualifications

Here’s a quick guide to the professionals you might meet in your journey, along with their typical qualifications. These experts support your child’s growth, learning, health, and well-being in different ways.

Audiologist

Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Audiology or Speech & Hearing (BASLP/MASLP)
Role: Supports individuals with hearing-related needs and auditory processing issues. They help with hearing aids and listening therapies.

Behavioral therapist

Qualification: Training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or related fields (may hold degrees in psychology, special education, or social work)
Role: Helps build positive behaviors, self-regulation, and coping skills, especially for children with autism or ADHD.

Counselor

Qualification: Postgraduate diploma or Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Mental Health Counseling
Role: Offers emotional support, guidance, and safe space to process feelings and build resilience.

Dermatologist

Qualification: MBBS + MD in Dermatology
Role: Treats skin conditions like eczema, rashes, or fungal infections.

Developmental pediatrician

Qualification: MBBS + MD/DNB in Pediatrics + additional fellowship in Developmental Pediatrics
Role: Assesses and supports developmental delays, autism, ADHD, learning differences, etc.

Dyslexia therapist

Qualification: Certified in structured literacy programs like Orton-Gillingham, Barton, or similar; may also be trained educators or remedial therapists
Role: Supports children with reading, writing, and spelling challenges.

Endocrinologist

Qualification: MBBS + MD in Internal Medicine + DM in Endocrinology
Role: Manages hormonal issues such as growth concerns, thyroid conditions, and diabetes.

Financial consultant

Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or relevant financial certifications
Role: Helps plan for your child’s future needs—savings, insurance, legal guardianship, etc.

Gynaecologist

Qualification: MBBS + MD/MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Role: Supports menstrual health, puberty concerns, and reproductive wellness.

Homoeopathic physician

Qualification: BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
Role: Offers homeopathic remedies for various physical or emotional concerns.

Neurologist

Qualification: MBBS + MD in Medicine + DM in Neurology
Role: Diagnoses and treats brain and nervous system conditions like seizures, movement issues, or neurodevelopmental differences.

Nutritionist/Dietician

Qualification: BSc/MSc in Nutrition or Dietetics; Registered Dietitian (RD) certification
Role: Provides meal plans and nutrition guidance for allergies, picky eating, growth, and energy needs.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Qualification: BOT/MOT (Bachelor/Master of Occupational Therapy)
Role: Helps build daily life skills like feeding, dressing, writing, and sensory regulation.

Paediatric ophthalmologist

Qualification: MBBS + MS in Ophthalmology + Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Role: Treats vision concerns in children like squint, lazy eye, or refractive errors.

Paediatrician

Qualification: MBBS + MD/DNB in Pediatrics
Role: Provides overall health care, vaccinations, and developmental check-ups for children.

Physiotherapist

Qualification: BPT/MPT (Bachelor/Master of Physiotherapy)
Role: Improves movement, posture, balance, and strength in children with physical challenges.

Psychiatrist

Qualification: MBBS + MD in Psychiatry
Role: Diagnoses and manages mental health conditions; can prescribe medication and offer therapy.

Psychologist

Qualification: Master’s or MPhil in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology
Role: Offers assessments (IQ, learning, emotional), therapy, and emotional support. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Recreational therapist

Qualification: Training in therapeutic recreation or child development; may be certified by relevant recreation therapy boards
Role: Uses play, art, music, and sports for healing, social skill-building, and joy.

Remedial educator

Qualification: Bachelor’s or diploma in Special Education, Remedial Education, or Learning Disabilities
Role: Offers one-on-one academic support for reading, writing, math, and classroom challenges.

Shadow teacher

Qualification: Background in psychology, education, or special education; on-the-job training
Role: Supports children within regular classrooms to follow along and participate with peers.

Social worker

Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Work (BSW/MSW)
Role: Connects families to services, schemes, therapy referrals, and advocacy support.

Special education needs (SEN) teacher

Qualification: B.Ed or M.Ed in Special Education, or relevant SEN certifications
Role: Designs Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and teaches children with learning and developmental needs.

Speech therapist 

Qualification: BASLP/MASLP (Bachelor/Master in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology)
Role: Supports speech clarity, understanding language, communication devices, and feeding/swallowing.

Disability sports coach

Qualification: Diploma or certification in Adaptive Physical Education or Special Needs Coaching
Role: Facilitates physical fitness, teamwork, and self-esteem through inclusive sports.

Vision Therapist

Qualification: Optometrist or ophthalmologist with additional training in visual therapy
Role: Works on visual tracking, eye-hand coordination, and visual-motor skills, especially in learning or sensory challenges.

Yoga Therapist

Qualification: Certified Yoga Therapist with training in therapeutic applications for children with special needs
Role: Uses movement, breathwork, and relaxation to support physical and emotional well-being.

For more information, you can also explore Alternative Therapies in Autism.

How to choose the right therapist for your Children with Disability

Choosing the right therapist can feel daunting. Here are a few gentle tips to help guide your decision:

• Start with your child’s most visible needs – for example, speech, motor skills, or emotional support.
• Ask about the therapist’s experience with children with similar needs or diagnoses.
• Observe how your child responds in early sessions – it’s okay to switch therapists if it’s not the right fit.
• Trust your instincts as a parent or caregiver. You know your child best.
  

You can also speak with your child’s pediatrician or a developmental specialist for referrals and guidance.

Working with therapists: What to expect

Building a relationship with your child’s therapist takes time. Here’s what a supportive therapy experience may include:

• Setting goals together – small steps tailored to your child’s pace.
• Regular check-ins to discuss progress and challenges.
• Flexible approaches based on your child’s strengths, interests, and comfort levels.
• Encouraging families to carry simple activities home for consistency.

Remember: therapy is not a race. It’s about co-creating a safe, encouraging space where your child can grow at their own rhythm.

Therapies often focus on areas of difficulty – but don’t forget to celebrate your child’s unique gifts too. Many children with intellectual and developmental disabilities show deep empathy, strong memory skills, creative problem-solving, or a great sense of humor. These strengths can be the foundation of how they learn, grow, and relate to the world.

Ask therapists to build on your child’s strengths—not just work around their challenges.

What to ask in your first session?

It’s common to feel nervous or unsure before your child’s first therapy session – many families wonder if they’re saying or doing the “right” thing. You’re not alone in this. Therapists don’t expect you to have everything figured out. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure what to ask,” or “Can you help me understand what’s going on?” You can also begin by asking:

• What do you notice about my child’s communication or behavior?
• How do you approach building trust with children?
• What kind of involvement do you expect from caregivers?

These questions can help you feel more supported and better informed.

Need support?

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual and developmental differences, or if you’re concerned about a child’s development, the Nayi Disha team is here to help.

FREE Helpline: 844-844-8996 (Call or WhatsApp)
Our counselors speak multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

Acknowledgment: We would like to thank experts Jitendra Solanki, Renu Manish, Farida Raj, Afshan Jabeen, Sana Smriti, Chitra Thadathil, and Rebecca for verifying the information in this article.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for proper guidance.