Pune: When Parents Worry in Silence, ‘Roots to Wings’ Listens to Every Child

Pune, 26th November 2025: Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Fatima Nagar, Pune, has launched “Roots to Wings”, a Child Development Department designed to support children with developmental and learning difficulties under one roof. The centre integrates paediatric neurology, paediatrics, and multiple therapy services for structured assessments, early intervention, and long-term follow-up, ensuring families no longer need to move from clinic to clinic.

The facility caters to all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences. Early screening assessments help identify developmental delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic support. Regular developmental check-ups track whether a child is on course or requires extra assistance. A “printing gallery” displays children’s artwork and activity sheets in sequence, providing a visual record of progress in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, allowing clinicians and parents to follow a child’s journey clearly.

Roots to Wings also supports first-time parents, guiding them to understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.

The department is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala, with a core medical team that includes Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, and Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade. They are supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

The centre provides developmental and behavioural assessments, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological counselling, and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed regularly. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities ensure early red flags are recognised and children referred promptly. As part of the initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to identify early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom. Some sessions are conducted alongside group therapies to link classroom learning with 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 emphasises that developmental health is as important as physical health. They note that neurodevelopmental differences—such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns—are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness,” and that many children thrive when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding.

The centre encourages every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development facility if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even subtle concerns or apparent normalcy can benefit from professional reassurance and guidance.

The mission of Roots to Wings is to nurture a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, ensuring no family has to look back and wonder whether an early visit could have provided a smoother, brighter start for their child.