Dr. Deepa Gautam Presents Paediatric Neurorehabilitation Case Study at INCOT 2026

Shares insights on how individualised occupational therapy can support functional development in children with developmental challenges

New Delhi, September 22, 2026: Dr. Deepa Gautam, Founder & Clinical Director of Growing Stars Child Development Centre presented a scientific paper and clinical presentation at the 4th Indian Neuro Rehabilitation Conference of Occupational Therapy (INCOT 2026), held recently in New Delhi.

The conference brought together occupational therapists, researchers and academicians to discuss clinical innovations, research findings and evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation. Dr. Gautam’s presentation focused on the role of occupational therapy in promoting motor and functional development in a child with Global Developmental Delay (GDD).

Titled “Role of Occupational Therapy in Promoting Motor and Functional Development in a Child with Global Developmental Delay,” the presentation was based on a single-case longitudinal study examining an individualised paediatric occupational therapy neurorehabilitation programme.

The presentation highlighted an occupational therapy approach that connects developmental abilities with meaningful activity and participation. The intervention incorporated motor development, postural control, visual attention, hand function, sensory play, cognition, functional activities and age-appropriate activities of daily living, along with parent training and a home programme.

According to the case documentation presented at the conference, functional improvements were reported across areas including gross motor milestones, fine motor and hand function, visual attention, cognition, sensory play and activities of daily living. The presentation, however, clearly notes that the work represents a single case without a control group, with qualitative functional outcomes, and therefore indicates an association rather than proof of treatment efficacy.

Speaking about her participation at INCOT 2026, Dr. Deepa Gautam, Founder & Clinical Director, Growing Stars Child Development Centre, said, “Every child has a unique developmental journey, and occupational therapy has an important role to play in helping children build functional skills that support participation in everyday life. Presenting this case at INCOT gave me an opportunity to share clinical observations and learn from fellow professionals working in neurorehabilitation. My focus has always been on individualised intervention, functional goals and involving families in the child’s developmental journey.”

Her INCOT 2026 presentation also reinforced the importance of early, individualised and family-centred intervention. The case study highlighted how structured therapy, repeated practice and caregiver involvement can work together to support a child’s developmental journey.

For Dr. Gautam, participation in a professional forum such as INCOT represents an opportunity not only to present clinical work but also to contribute to the wider conversation around paediatric neurorehabilitation and evidence-informed occupational therapy.

As awareness around developmental challenges in children continues to grow, specialists such as Dr. Gautam are contributing to greater understanding of the role of occupational therapy in helping children develop functional abilities and participate more meaningfully in everyday life.