• Chandigarh | Mohali | Patiala
Schedule an Appointment

School Readiness Program for Children with Autism & Developmental Delay

Bridging the path to mainstream school with confidence, support & inclusion

Enquire Now

About the Program

At Act for Autism, our School Readiness Program is purpose‑built for children on the autism spectrum and those with developmental delays who are preparing to join mainstream (regular) school environments. Our mission is to equip children with the foundational skills, confidence, and tailored supports to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally in a school setting.
We blend evidence‑based interventions and strategies—drawing on applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, and executive function supports—to deliver a holistic preparation experience.

How Our School Readiness Program Supports Your Child

The transition into school is a critical developmental phase. Our program builds the essential skills, behaviors, and strategies children need before formal schooling:
  • Strengthens communication, expressive and receptive
  • Cultivates social and peer interaction skills
  • Teaches regulation and coping with sensory demands
  • Introduces classroom routines, transitions, and structure
  • Builds early literacy, numeracy, and cognitive readiness
  • Fosters independence, self‑direction, and confidence
By doing so, we support a smoother entry into the classroom and set the stage for ongoing success academically and socially.

Why It Matters for Children with Autism & Developmental Delays

Children with autism or developmental delays often face extra challenges when entering school, even after therapy gains. Some common difficulties include:
  • Grasping implicit classroom rules and sequences
  • Managing sensory input (noise, light, movement) in group settings
  • Following multi-step instructions, adapting to schedule changes
  • Engaging in peer play, group tasks, sharing, turn‑taking
  • Maintaining emotional self-regulation, impulse control
  • Navigating the “hidden curriculum” (unspoken social norms in school)
If these readiness skills are lacking, children may struggle academically, socially, or behaviorally, sometimes leading to isolation or labeling. A structured readiness intervention helps mitigate these risks and supports each child to enter school with greater resilience and capability.

Top Benefits of a Strong Start with School Readiness

A well-designed school readiness program offers lasting advantages, giving children a foundation for ongoing growth and success. Here are five key benefits:
1

Stronger Academic Foundations

Children step into school already familiar with pre‑literacy, number sense, pattern recognition, and learning routines.
2

Better Long-Term Educational Outcomes

Early readiness sets children on a trajectory of confidence, engagement, and positive academic progression.
3

Closing Early Learning Gaps

The program helps reduce disparities by addressing delays or developmental differences before they widen.
4

Greater Self-Confidence & Independence

Mastering routines, transitions, and decision-making builds autonomy and self-assuredness.
5

Enhanced Social & Emotional Skills

Children learn to communicate, share, manage emotions, and adapt to group norms—skills essential for school life and relationships.

Who Can Join / Eligibility

The program is open to children who:
  • Are aged approximately 2 to 6 years
  • Have a diagnosis of autism, developmental delay, or are under evaluation for neurodevelopmental conditions
  • Are preparing to join, or already in, mainstream school settings
  • Experience challenges with attention, behavior, social skills, or academic readiness
  • Benefit from structured support, even if they struggle to remain seated or engage fully in class
  • Have learning or skill gaps compared with peers
We strongly encourage caregiver involvement and commitment to home‑based generalization.

Intervention Approaches We Use

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles to teach skills, reduce challenging behavior, and support generalisation
  • Speech and Language Therapy (receptive, expressive, pragmatic language)
  • Occupational Therapy / Sensory Integration for regulation, fine motor, sensory support
  • Social Skills Training (structured play, peer interaction, role‑play)
  • Executive Function / Cognitive Flexibility Exercises
  • Visual Supports & Scaffolding (visual schedules, timers, task breakdowns)
  • Parent Coaching & Home Intervention
  • School Transition support

Transition to Mainstream School

We support the move from readiness to full inclusion with:
  • Meetings with the prospective mainstream school and relevant staff
  • Orientation visits for the child & therapist in the school environment
  • Creation of a School Transition Pack (visual supports, behavior plan, accommodations)
  • Teacher training / coaching on autism-friendly practices
  • Follow-up support, check-ins, troubleshooting during the first school term

Assessment & Outcome Monitoring

We use a data-driven approach to measure progress and guide adjustments:
1

Baseline assessment before the program starts

2

Mid-term reviews to refine goals and strategies

3

Post-program assessment to evaluate gains

4

Session-level tracking (behavior incidents, trial mastery, participation)

5

Parent / teacher feedback surveys

5

School-based follow-up (how the child adjusts in the real classroom)

Key measures include social initiations, reduction in behavior disruptions, improvement in communication, smoother transitions, and classroom adaptation.

Why Choose Act for Autism’s School Readiness Program?

  • Specialized in bridging therapy and mainstream schooling
  • Multidisciplinary team of experienced therapists and educators
  • Emphasis on inclusion, generalization, and real-world readiness
  • High fidelity, data-driven practice with continuous improvement
  • Full transition support and school liaising
  • Tailored yet scalable to children’s individual strengths and needs

Frequently Asked Questions

No—if your child can engage in supported learning, we tailor scaffolding and adapt goals to suit their beginning level.
No. Our program complements and consolidates skills from ongoing therapy and is specifically oriented toward school readiness.
While we can’t guarantee placement, our robust transition planning, advocacy, and collaboration with schools significantly improve the child’s chances.
We offer teacher training, consultation, and advocate for your child’s inclusion and support needs.

What Is Our Autism Intervention Program — and Why It Matters

Children with autism often face challenges across multiple domains — speech and language, sensory processing, motor coordination, behavior, social interaction, and daily living skills. A piecemeal approach (just speech or just behavior) is rarely enough. 

Our Autism Intervention Program in Act For Autism in Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala, Punjab weaves together the most effective, evidence-informed therapies into a single, cohesive, adaptive program. We assess your child comprehensively and then provide interventions tailored to their unique profile — ensuring synergy, consistency, and maximum impact. 

Key features:

  • Multi‑disciplinary team working in coordinated fashion
  • Personalized therapy plans evolving with your child’s progress
  • Parent training, home programs, and carryover strategies
  • Integration of advanced therapies (reflex work, astronaut training, dance, yoga) in a child-friendly environment
helping-children-thrive-with-autism-intervention-program-scaled
holistic-approach-to-autism-therapy-scaled

Our Expertise & Approach in Punjab

  • Clinicians with 20+ years’ experience in autism intervention across North India
  • Teams in Mohali, Chandigarh & Patiala providing in‑center and home/online support
  • Child-centric, warm environment with sensory gyms, play zones, dance & movement studios
  • Evidence-based protocols: NDT, NDBI, DIR/Floortime, structured therapy, reflex integration, feeding therapy, OPT, art/music/dance, yoga
  • Rigorous assessment systems to track progress across all domains ● Emphasis on early intervention (especially 0–5 years) leveraging neuroplasticity

At Act For Autism, we don’t just offer therapies — we deliver autism intervention program for autism in Chandigarh / Mohali / Patiala Punjab with a systems‑level view of child development.

What Goes into the Autism Intervention Program?

Our holistic program includes:

  • Speech & Language Therapy (receptive, expressive, articulation)
  • Occupational Therapy (fine motor, visual-motor, self-care)
  • Sensory Integration Therapy (Ayres)
  • Reflex Integration Therapy
  • Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)
  • Feeding Therapy & Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)
  • Tactile / Touch Therapy
  • Vestibular & Auditory Integration (Astronaut Training)
  • Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT)
  • Vision Therapy
  • Cognitive, Behavioral Therapies (CBT, ABA)
  • Relationship-based interventions (DIR/Floortime, RDI, JASPER, NDBI)
  • Music, Dance, Yoga as therapeutic modalities
  • Sensory Diets, Home Programs & Environmental Modifications
  • School readiness, social skills & life skills modules

When we say “Comprehensive Autism Intervention Program in Act For Autism,” it truly covers everything — all therapies working together to support your child’s development.

How the Program Supports Brain, Speech & Learning

Neurodevelopment & Plasticity

Because the brain is highly plastic in early years, interventions that integrate movement, sensory input, communication, reflex work, and cognition can reshape neural circuits. Our program builds from the ground up — reflexes, sensory systems, motor foundations — then scaffolds into language, cognition, and social skills.

Pyramid of Learning / Development

We use a layered framework:

1

Reflex Integration / Sensory Regulation

2

Posture, Body Awareness, Motor Control

3

Attention, Emotional Regulation, Engagement

4

Language, Cognition, Communication

5

Academic, Social, Life Skills

Each therapy within our program bolsters one or more levels, ensuring growth in a stable, interrelated way.

Speech & Communication Enhancements

By integrating OT, sensory work, and reflex integration, children become more physically stable, better regulated, more attentive — making speech therapy and OPT highly effective. For many of our children, vocalizations, clarity, and conversational attempts increase as sensory and motor systems stabilize.

Conditions We Serve

Our Autism Intervention Program is designed to help children with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Speech delays, apraxia of speech
  • Developmental Language Disorders
  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
  • Down Syndrome
  • ADHD and attention/self-regulation challenges
  • Emotional/behavioral dysregulation
  • Feeding difficulties / oral motor challenges

Regardless of diagnosis, if a child has developmental needs, our integrated program can be adapted and tailored.

How the Program Works — Step-by-Step

You contact us; we collect developmental history, concerns, goals. 2.

  • Reflex screening
  • Sensory profile / processing tests
  • Motor, posture, coordination evaluation
  • Oral-motor & feeding assessment
  • Speech & language baseline
  • Cognitive, attention, behavior screening
  • Social interaction and emotional regulation baseline

We formulate a multi-modal plan, selecting which therapies to emphasize, scheduling, intensity, and home program elements.

  • Sessions in clinic (and some home/online)
  • Therapies flow seamlessly (e.g. child moves from reflex or sensory station to speech task)
  • Use of dance, yoga, movement, music to reinforce therapies
  • Therapists observe, adapt, and push just-right challenges
  • Monthly/quarterly re-assessments
  • Parent progress reports
  • Adjustments to therapy mix, intensity, goals
  • Home practice programs
  • Coaching parents
  • Embed strategies into daily routines, school, play, community

Parent Involvement & Training

Parental engagement is at the heart of our success:

  • Regular parent workshops (understanding autism, sensory strategies, behavior tools)
  • Home program modules to continue work outside the clinic
  • Live coaching during sessions so caregivers can replicate techniques
  • Tele-consultation / video support for remote or rural families
  • Parent support groups to share stories, challenges, tips

Success Stories & Testimonials

“We traveled from Himachal each month to Act For Autism in Chandigarh. The progress in our daughter’s speech, social interaction, and self-esteem has been life-altering.” 

— Parent, Shimla 

“The autism intervention program in Act For Autism in Patiala combined OT, sensory, reflex work, and yoga. Our son who didn’t speak now uses simple sentences and interacts with his sister.” 

— Parent, Patiala 

“We live in Haryana. Act For Autism’s holistic approach (ABA + OT + speech + dance) made a big difference. Finally, a center that treats the whole child.” — Parent, Panchkula

FAQs: Autism Intervention Program in Mohali / Punjab

As early as infancy—many of our most dramatic gains come when we intervene between ages 0–5.

We customize intensity: start slow and scale based on tolerance, progress, and the child’s readiness.

Changes in attention, behavior, and engagement may appear in weeks. Speech, cognition, and functional gains often require months. The journey is gradual.

Yes. While early intervention offers greater plasticity, older children also benefit, with adjustments to therapy pace and goals.

We offer in-person therapy at all three centres. For families farther away, we provide tele-therapy, coaching, and home-based plans. However, in‑center sessions yield maximum benefit.

Absolutely — this is what makes our program unique. Every assessment includes reflex integration, sensory profiling, and motor/speech evaluation so that therapies

Feeding Therapy in Chandigarh, Mohali & Patiala – ACT for Autism

Helping Children Eat, Speak & Thrive Through Oral Motor and Sensory Support

Is Your Child Struggling with Eating, Speech Delays, or Oral Sensory Challenges?

Whether your child refuses food, gags at certain textures, or has difficulty chewing and swallowing — these feeding issues could also be affecting their speech development.

At ACT for Autism, we provide specialized Feeding Therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Patiala, Punjab, that supports both nutrition and communication.

Because feeding and speaking use the same oral muscles and neurological pathways, our therapy addresses both challenges — helping children eat better, speak clearer, and grow with confidence.

Book a Feeding & Speech Assessment Today

Available at our centers in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Patiala.

I don't like a broccoli!
unique-features-and-proven-approaches-for-the-feeding-program

What Is Feeding Therapy — and Why It Matters

Feeding therapy is a specialized intervention focused on helping children develop the skills needed to eat safely, effectively, and confidently. This includes working on oral motor coordination, chewing, swallowing, and reducing food aversions.

Feeding skills and speech development are deeply connected.

 The same muscles your child uses to chew, suck, swallow, and blow are also essential for producing clear speech sounds. If your child has difficulty managing food in the mouth, they may also struggle with speech clarity, expressive language, or even become non-verbal due to oral motor issues.

Why Choose ACT for Autism for Feeding Therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh & Patiala?

At ACT for Autism, we bring over 20 years of expertise in developmental therapies for autism and communication disorders.

What Sets Us Apart:
1

Integrated Speech and Feeding Therapy

We combine oral placement therapy, speech therapy, and sensory integration to treat both feeding and communication challenges holistically.
2

Experienced, Certified Therapists

Our team includes speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, oral motor specialists, and feeding interventionists trained in evidence-based methods.
3

Child-Friendly, Sensory-Safe Environments

Every therapy session is designed to be fun, engaging, and comfortable, reducing stress around mealtime and oral tasks.
4

Accessible Therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh & Patiala

Parents from across Punjab trust our centrally located therapy centres for consistent, high-quality intervention.

How Feeding Therapy Supports Speech & Language Development

Feeding therapy at ACT for Autism improves not just eating, but also speech by developing:

Shared Skill Relevance to Eating Relevance to Speech
Lip closure Drinking from straw, spoon feeding Making sounds like /p/, /b/, /m/
Tongue movement Chewing, moving food Producing /l/, /t/, /d/, /r/ sounds
Jaw stability Managing textures, biting Speech clarity, volume control
Breath control Safe swallowing Speech fluency, phrasing
Oral sensory regulation Reducing aversions Tolerance for sound production & brushing

Speech therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Patiala often begins with resolving oral motor or sensory feeding difficulties — especially for children with autism, apraxia, or developmental delays.

Services Offered: Feeding & Speech Therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh, Patiala

Comprehensive Assessments
  • Oral motor, sensory, and swallowing assessment
  • Speech-language screening for clarity, expression, comprehension
  • Feeding observation during mealtime or play
Speech and Language Support
  • Speech Therapy in Mohali for children with feeding delays
  • Articulation, breath support, clarity and expressive communication
  • AAC (PECS, communication boards) for non-verbal children
Oral Motor & Oral Placement Therapy (OPT)
  • Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, TalkTools™, SOS Approach
  • Strengthens jaw, lips, and tongue for both eating and speech
Sensory Integration for Oral Challenges
  • Helps children tolerate food textures, brushing, and oral contact
  • Reduces gagging, vomiting, and extreme aversions
Voice and Fluency Therapy (when needed)
  • Support for children with voice strain, stuttering, or inconsistent tone
Early Intervention (Ages 0–5 Years)
  • Crucial years for both feeding and speech development
  • Targets early chewing skills, babbling, oral exploration, and spontaneous language

Conditions We Treat with Feeding + Speech Therapy

Our integrated therapy programs are ideal for children experiencing:

  • Speech delays linked to oral motor dysfunction
  • Autism-related feeding and communication challenges
  • Oral apraxia or developmental verbal dyspraxia
  • Sensory processing disorders affecting food acceptance
  • Oral motor feeding difficulties: chewing, swallowing, pocketing
  • Limited speech clarity due to weak jaw or tongue coordination
  • Receptive and expressive language skill disorders
  • Non-verbal communication and vocabulary building needs
  • Delayed transition from purees to solids
  • Mealtime anxiety and behavior issues related to food

Step-by-Step: How Feeding Therapy Works at ACT for Autism

1

Initial Evaluation

Comprehensive oral motor and feeding assessment, speech screening, parent interview.
2

Individualized Therapy Plan

Based on your child’s needs — whether that’s overcoming sensory food aversions, strengthening oral muscles, or supporting speech clarity.
3

Therapy Sessions

Weekly or biweekly sessions at our centres in Mohali, Chandigarh, or Patiala. Sessions include: Oral exercises, Food play,, Sound integration, Parent observation & participation
4

Progress Tracking

Regular reports and re-assessments. Goals evolve with your child’s growth.
5

Home Practice & Parent Coaching

Mealtime strategies, oral motor tools, visual supports, home routines to support both feeding and speech.
Parent Support & Training

We believe parents are key to success. That’s why we offer:

  • Hands-on coaching during sessions
  • Visual aids, oral motor tools & home programs
  • Personalized feeding plans
  • Parent workshops on speech therapy & feeding strategies

Success Stories from Chandigarh, Mohali & Patiala

“We came to ACT for Autism Patiala thinking our son needed only speech therapy. Turns out his speech delay was due to oral motor problems linked to feeding. Within 3 months of feeding therapy, his speech improved too.” – Parent from Patiala

“My daughter wouldn’t chew anything but crunchy snacks. ACT’s feeding therapy in Chandigarh helped her try soft foods and even begin speaking words she had never said before.” – Parent from Chandigarh

“We live in Mohali and found ACT through a recommendation. The team is incredible — they helped with feeding, but also taught her to use PECS for communication. Life-changing.” – Parent from Mohali

FAQs – Feeding & Speech Therapy in Mohali, Chandigarh & Patiala

 Yes! Feeding therapy improves oral muscle control, which directly supports speech clarity and development — especially in children with autism or apraxia.

 The earlier, the better. We offer early intervention starting at 6 months, and up to 10+ years for older children with feeding or speech difficulties.

 Feeding therapy focuses on oral motor and sensory aspects of eating, but it often overlaps with speech therapy. Many children benefit from combined intervention, which we offer at ACT for Autism centres in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Patiala.

 This depends on the child. Some see progress in a few months; others may need longer-term support. We continuously assess and adjust therapy plans.

 We support non-verbal children with AAC tools (PECS, communication boards, voice-output devices) while also working on feeding and oral skills to develop speech readiness.

 Absolutely! Parent training is a core part of our program. We empower you to use effective strategies at home every day.