PUNE: Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Fatima Nagar, Pune, has launched “Roots to Wings”, a Child Development Department supporting children with developmental and learning difficulties under one roof. It brings together paediatric neurology, paediatrics, and multiple therapies for structured assessments, early intervention, and long-term follow-up, so families no longer need to move from clinic to clinic.
The centre is for all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences, and provides screening assessments in the early years to pick up delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic evaluation. Regular developmental check-ups help identify whether a child is on track or needs extra support. Children art artwork is displayed in the form of an activity sheet in sequence, creating a visual record of progress made by kids in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, giving clinicians and parents a simple way to follow the child’s journey. The Center also supports first-time parents in their parenting journey, helping them understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.
The Child Development Department, “Roots to Wings”, is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist *Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala. The core medical team includes **Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, **Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, *Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade, and Speech Therapist Ms Mrunmayi Londe, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.
The centre offers developmental and behavioural assessments; physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language therapies; psychological counselling and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed at regular intervals. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities help red flags be recognised early and children referred without delay. As part of this initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to recognise early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom, with some sessions held alongside group therapies to link classroom and clinical care.
Speaking about the vision behind Roots to Wings, Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala said, “Parents often tell us they felt something was ‘not quite right’ but did not know where to go or whom to ask. We want families to find accurate guidance, timely intervention, and a place where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.”
The team at Roots to Wings believes that developmental health is as important as physical health. They emphasise that neurodevelopmental differences – such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns – are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness”, and that many children do better when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding. They encourage every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development centre if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even when the signs are subtle, or everything seems normal, the reassurance and clarity can be a lifelong gift. The mission behind Roots to Wings is to support a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, so no one has to look back and wonder if a simple early visit could have given their child an easier, brighter start.