Here is something written and published for parents trying to come to terms with their child’s disability. Gift of Guidance - The Stories Hidden Inside Every Child is a guidebook for parents of children with autism and developmental challenges written by Sharanya Ravichandran, a child behaviour therapist.

Ideas put forth with simplicity and lucidity in a “chewable” format, the book draws upon Sharanya’s experiences in the field of early intervention. Every chapter ends with a message.

Sharanya runs the Sharanalaya Behavioural Therapy Centre in Villivakkam and has been growing in this field through practice. “Some experiences with children strengthened my clinical reasoning, some refined my intervention strategies and many highlighted the importance of patience, repetition and timing,” she says.

Stressing the role of parents in the progress possible for a special child, she writes: “You do not need perfect English or expensive toys. You need repetition, daily practice, simple routines and patience. Even 15 minutes a day can create change.”

Tantrums, she says, happen when children cannot express themselves and this could be the result of fatigue, hunger, confusion or sudden changes. In such situations, the caretaker must stay calm. Jumping, wall push, carrying objects, walking and swinging releases stored energy and prevents tantrums.

Ways to improving listening skills, teaching sharing skills, improving visual memory and building independent skills through daily tasks are featured in the book.

Gift of Guidance is written for parents who noticed something different in their child early on and who searched for answers quietly, says the Villivakkam resident.

The book is priced at ₹499 and special parents can have it at a discount. It can be bought from the centre in Villivakkam.

For details, email sharanalayabehaviouraltherapy@gmail.com or call 91591 11222

Published - August 22, 2026 10:23 pm IST