How do we start getting our 4 year old assessed? Kompally side

maroon_kite_889 Oct 2026

My son is 4. He says only a few words and doesn't look at us much when we talk to him. His preschool teacher brought it up gently last month, and we've been reading things online since, which has mostly made us more anxious. We haven't seen anyone yet. I'd like to understand the actual steps. Do we go to our regular paediatrician first, or straight to a developmental paediatrician? How long did you wait for an appointment, and what happened at the first one? We're in Kompally. My wife is at home with him right now, so weekday appointments are possible. I'm not asking anyone to tell us what it is, just how to begin.

6 comments

plum_camera_11909 Oct 2026
A colleague went through this with their daughter a couple of years ago. What they told me afterwards was that the weeks of reading online were the worst part, and the actual appointments were calmer than they expected. The first one was mostly the doctor watching her play and asking them a lot of questions. One thing they were wary of, and I'd pass on: a couple of centres offered them a full therapy package before anyone had assessed her. Get the assessment first, then decide.
peach_rain_59209 Oct 2026
Nothing useful from experience, my daughter is only one. But your post made me wonder about playschools in general: do the smaller ones have teachers who've worked with children who need extra support, or is that only the bigger schools? Hope you get some proper answers here.
- teal_sandal_27249 Oct 2026
  It varies far more school to school than by size or area. The question I'd put to any playschool is a plain one: which of your staff has had a child needing extra help in their class before, and what did they actually do day to day? A vague answer tells you something. And a school that asks to see an assessment report early is usually a good sign, not a warning.
plum_pebble_90489 Oct 2026
Before the first appointment, write down what you see. Which words he uses and when, whether he turns when you call his name, what he does when he wants something. A week of notes on your phone. Online checklists are too general; the doctor will want specifics about your son.
hazel_river_48759 Oct 2026
No experience with this myself. One practical thing from any long hospital visit with a small child: when you book, ask how long the first appointment usually runs, pick a slot when he's normally rested, and carry snacks and one favourite toy. If both of you can go, it helps to have one person answering questions and one keeping an eye on him.
dusk_rain_424910 Oct 2026
I'm a physician, though not in this field, and in Pune, so I can't suggest names. Generally your regular paediatrician is a sensible first stop. They know his history and can refer you on. Many will also arrange a hearing check early, simply to rule it out. And book now even if the wait is long; you can always cancel.
quiet_pebble_37111 Oct 2026
ours is 1 so nothing to add. just wanted to say thank you for asking this so plainly. saved the thread. hope the first appointment goes ok