Research Therapy

Over the years, given the large number of people who were coming to our Institute, we were requested by several reputed doctors to start a section, which could conduct Research on the causes of `mental retardation’ as well as its `prevention’. So we started undertaking different research projects from 1966 onwards and in 1974 we formally set up Smt. Motibai Thackersey Institute of Research in the field of Mental Retardation (MTI) and it is one of the pioneering institutes in India and performs the following functions:

1. We have a Multidisciplinary team approach towards the management of a child with mental handicap and associated conditions

• Our Social Worker interviews the parents to get the family history
• Medical and Genetic investigations are carried out a Pediatrician and Geneticist to diagnose the cause of Mental Retardation.
• A Psychological assessment is done by a Clinical Psychologist to determine the degree of retardation which could range from mild, moderate, severe to profound
• Speech and Audiology Assessment is also done to rule out any speech abnormalities and language delay/disorder
• Occupational Therapist assess the child to rule out motor, sensory motor, sensory integration and or percepto motor problems, and if needed occupational therapy is given for developing motor skills , sensory motor skills , cognitive percepto motor skills, sensory integration skills etc.

Based on the above assessments an Individualized Program for Therapeutic Intervention and Training of the affected child is formulated, which also covers Special Schooling for the child depending on his/her verbal & performance IQ. We have a large team of qualified professionals and honorary visiting faculty working with us and are also linked to major hospitals

1. Research
We also carry out research in the following areas of Mental Handicap/ Retardation
Epidemiological Studies.
Diagnosis oriented Genetic and Clinical research
Psychological Aspects
Speech and Audilogical Studies.

Occupational therapy related studies
Studies in psycho social aspects
Developing educational models and studying them in detail

Conduct correlated studies based on the findings from the above mentioned topics

We have been able to detect many genetic abnormalities which are rare like Phenylketonuria, Alkaptonuria, Mucopolysaccharidosis and have helped detect a large number of children with Fragile X Syndrome, a chromosominal abnormality.

A large number of our research studies have been published in International and National Journals. The research studies and its subsequent publication gives us an opportunity and platform to interact with professionals from all over the world and enables us to bring the best available interventions for the child who needs special treatment because of his/her special needs.

2. Workshops & Training
We conduct and participate in various workshops and seminars to upgrade our knowledge about the latest technical and theoretical developments in the field of Developmental delay Disabilities.

3. Home Bound Program
We provide a ‘Home Bound Program’ for children who come from outside Mumbai. The children and their parents can stay on our campus while the children are being assessed and tested by our multi disciplinary team. Based on the report, an individual therapy and education program is drawn up which they can take back to their home town and implement with the help of their local teachers. While they are here, the parents are taught how to handle their children as well.

The Home Bound Program is typically for 3-4 months after which it is desireable for them to come back to us for a follow up. Based on the re-assessment done, a modified program will then be given to them.

4. Spreading Awareness & Prevention

40% of the causes of Mental Retardation can be prevented. The first step here is spreading awareness by conducting awareness and sensitization programme for different stakeholders through out Maharashtra as well as some parts of India. The different causes are:

• Environmental Causes – e.g. Central Nervous System infections like T.B and meningitis in a child can result in Mental Retardation. If the mother gets rubella infection (German Measles) during pregnancy the child can be born with Mental retardation
• Genetic Causes – e.g. Fragile X Syndrome, which is a chromosominal disorder. This can be prevented by providing genetic counseling
• Tertiary Level Prevention – this is through therapeutic intervention and/or surgery. Providing barrier free environment to the affected child also helps improve the quality of their life and prevents their condition from getting worse.
• Immunization, banning of marriage melas, scans during pregnancy etc also go a long way in prevention and early detection.

We (MTI) is recognized by
The Government of Maharashtra as a State Resource Centre.
Department of Science & Technology, Government Of India as Scientific & Industrial
       Research Organisation (SIRO)