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What is tongue thrusting and how can speech therapy help to fix it?
What is tongue thrusting and how can it be fixed?

Ever wondered why some people have misaligned teeth, difficulty speaking, or irregular facial structures? The answer may lie in a seemingly harmless but impactful condition called “tongue thrust.” This oral condition can significantly affect dental alignment and overall oral health. In this article, we will explore tongue thrusting, including its definition, impact on dental alignment, different types, potential causes, and the symptoms that orthodontists and speech therapists look for during diagnosis. We will also discuss available treatment options such as speech therapy and orthodontics and provide simple exercises to address tongue thrusting at home, especially for children. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of tongue thrusting and its impact on our oral well-being.

What is tongue thrust?

Tongue thrust is defined as a forward placement of the tongue in between the front (anterior) teeth and against the lower lip during the swallowing process. Tongue thrust is present if the tongue is observed thrusting between, and the teeth do not close in centric occlusion during swallowing. It is considered an orofacial myofunctional disorder, a deficit that includes orofacial and oral muscles and can interfere with structural growth, function, or development.

How tongue thrust affects dental occlusion?

The tongue is a very powerful muscle and is strong enough to push our teeth out of their natural position, which causes loss of equilibrium. An individual swallows around 2000 times a day. In tongue thrusting, the improper swallowing becomes more apparent when it is persistent for a longer duration of time. It can also lead to open bite and malocclusion, in which only your back teeth touch together when you swallow, and anterior teeth will not touch. In addition, increased overbite, bruxism, unilateral or bilateral crossbite may be observed.

What are the types of tongue thrusting?

There are different types of tongue thrusting:
- Anatomic Type – Persons who have huge tongue might be associated with tongue thrusting habit.
- Habitual Type – The habit of tongue thrust swallow remains as a habit even after the malocclusion has been corrected.
- Functional Type – A functional tongue thrust habit happens when the tongue thrust mechanism is an adaptive behaviour developed to achieve the oral seal.
- Physiological Types – This comprises the normal tongue thrust swallow of infancy.
What causes tongue thrusting?
- Retained infantile swallowing pattern in children.
- Bottle feeding of children.
- Upper respiratory tract infection such as chronic tonsillitis & allergies.
- Tongue size which is abnormally large (macroglossia).
- Tongue tie (ankyloglossia).
- Thumb or fingers sucking habit.
- Large tonsils.
- Hereditary factors.
What can the orthodontist or the speech and language therapist observe in a person having a tongue thrust?

There are several symptoms that can be used to diagnose a person with tongue thrust:
1. Extra-oral symptoms:
  - The gap between upper and lower lip is bigger than normal (greater lip separation).
  - The movement of the lower jaw is more erratic during the process of swallowing.
  - Speech disorders such as lisping & sibilant distortions.
  - Problems in the pronunciation of the certain sounds such as “s”, “n”, “t”, “d”, “l”, “th”, “v”, “z.”
  - Anterior facial height is greater than normal.
2. Intra-oral symptoms:
  - The swallowing sequences are jerky and irregular.
  - Increased proclination of upper front teeth.
  - Greater spacing between the teeth.
  - Retroclination or proclination of lower front teeth.
  - Decreased width of upper jaw.
  - Anterior or posterior open bite.
  - Posterior cross bite.
  - A difference in the way you eat, chew, or speak compared to others could indicate a possible neuromuscular condition.
  - The teeth becoming misaligned or gapped. The continuous gradual pressure moves your teeth and may require orthodontic treatment for optimum performance.
3. A difference in the way you eat, chew, or speak compared to others could indicate a possible neuromuscular condition.
4. The teeth becoming misaligned or gapped. The continuous gradual pressure moves your teeth and may require orthodontic treatment for optimum performance.
5. A narrow face and larger tongue may be the cause or result of tongue thrust.
How tongue thrust is treated?

There are several treatment options for tongue thrust depending on the case:
- Speech Therapy: The therapist will provide a training of correct swallowing technique and posture of the tongue during the deglutition (swallowing) by various myofunctional exercises. In addition, exercises that retrain and strengthen facial and oral muscles to move differently are also applied.
  For younger patients also that often hold their tongues in an unhabitual pattern because of thumb sucking, pacifier use, or mouth breathing, changing the tongue’s behavior through exercises and conscious observation can alleviate tongue thrust. The treatment can work in adults as well.
- Orthodontia: The most common conditions tongue thrust cause tooth misalignment or crookedness. With orthodontic treatment, traditional braces can correct extreme cases of misaligned smiles. In addition, the correction of malocclusion is required if there is an open bite or posterior cross bite. Both fixed and removable dental appliances can be used to restrain the anterior tongue movement during the process of deglutition (swallowing).
Tongue thrusting exercise to try at home for children:
1. Place a sugar-free candy, like a lifesaver, on the tip of your tongue.
2. Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
3. Make sure that your tongue is pushing against the lifesaver.
4. Bite your teeth together and keep your lips apart.
5. Swallow, but be sure to keep your teeth together and lips apart.
Transforming Smiles with Speech Therapy at Talking Brains Center, Dubai

At Talking Brains Center in Dubai, we’re here to address the impact of tongue thrust on dental health and speech. If you or your child is facing these challenges, our dedicated team offers tailored trilingual speech therapy solutions in Arabic, French and English. By retraining tongue behavior, we’re committed to improving your child’s oral health and boosting confidence. Contact us today to embark on your journey to a brighter, healthier smile.
September 26, 2023
Announcing our partnership with The Blossom Nursery

Announcing Our Partnership With The Blossom Nursery

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In an innovative collaboration, Talking Brains Center is partnering with Blossom Nursery to create a powerful alliance. Bringing together a team of dedicated professionals including neuropsychologists, speech and language pathologists, psychotherapists, and psychomotor therapists in Dubai, this partnership seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of children who are dealing with communication difficulties, neurological conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, or psychological challenges.

This promising collaboration holds great potential for individuals seeking support and aspiring young leaders. Keep an eye out for more updates on this transformative partnership!

September 24, 2023
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Cleft lip and cleft palate are two congenital conditions that can have a significant impact on a child’s life. These birth defects, also known as orofacial clefts, occur when the baby’s mouth or lip doesn’t form properly during pregnancy. While these conditions come with various challenges, the positive news is that children born with cleft lip and cleft palate can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate care and support.

This blog post delves into the complexities of cleft lip and cleft palate, offering insights into their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. It emphasizes the critical role that speech therapy and speech pathologists play in helping children overcome these challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of finding top-notch speech therapists in Dubai for those seeking support in that region.

What is cleft lip?

A baby’s lip forms between the fourth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. As the baby develops, body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow towards the center, forming the face. A cleft lip occurs if the tissue does not join completely before birth, resulting in an opening in the upper lip.

What is cleft palate?

The roof of the moth-palate-forms between the sixth and ninth weeks of pregnancy. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that forms the palate does not join completely before birth.

What causes cleft palate?
- Smoking: Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with orofacial clefts.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes have an increased risk of having a child with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
What are the symptoms of cleft lip and cleft palate?
- A split in the lip and roof of the mouth (palate) that affects one or both sides of the face.
- A split in the lip that appears as only a small notch in the lip or extends from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the bottom of the nose.
- A split in the roof of the mouth that doesn’t affect the appearance of the face.
- Children with cleft palate and cleft lip have difficulties feeding and speaking clearly. They can also have chronic ear and dental problems and a nasal speaking voice.
How is cleft palate treated?

A cleft palate is treated by a surgical process called palatoplasty when the baby is 10-12 months old. The goals are to:
- Close the opening between the nose and mouth.
- Help create a palate that works well for speech.
- Prevent food and liquid from leaking out of the nose.
What does the child need after the surgery?

After the surgery, a speech and language therapy is recommended to assist the child’s speech and language development and to monitor the feeding problems that may occur.

In addition, a monitoring hearing is important; a baby born with cleft palate has a high risk of forming glue ear, which can severely affect hearing. Hearing aid or grommets may be fitted in the ears to drain the fluid.

Tips for feeding
- To be on a liquid diet for about 1-2 weeks, then eat soft food for several more weeks before switching to a regular diet.
- To be in a special position when being breastfed or may need to be fed food via a special bottle.
In conclusion, with the right support and care, individuals can overcome cleft lip and cleft palate. We have discussed the causes, symptoms, and surgical treatments associated with these conditions. However, it is important to emphasize the significant impact that speech therapy has in transforming lives. Expert centers like Talking Brains Center play a crucial role in providing this essential therapy.

If your child is dealing with these conditions, Talking Brains Center can provide specialized speech therapy services. Our therapists will help unlock clearer speech, address feeding issues, and monitor hearing concerns. With improved communication skills, you or your child can gain more confidence in daily interactions.

If you’re looking for a reputable speech therapist in Dubai, Talking Brains Center is an excellent option. With their expertise and your determination, individuals with cleft lip and palate can flourish and discover their unique voice while overcoming obstacles.
September 24, 2023
Understanding Dyscalculia: Unlocking the Challenges of Math Learning
Understanding Dyscalculia: Unlocking the Challenges of Math Learning

What exactly is dyscalculia? Despite being an important learning disorder, many people remain unfamiliar with it. Dyscalculia affects individuals’ ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematics. Unlike their peers who don’t have this disorder, individuals with dyscalculia face specific cognitive challenges when it comes to math-related concepts. In this post, we will explore the nature of dyscalculia, discuss its symptoms across different age groups, examine crucial developmental milestones for early math skills, and most importantly, provide guidance for parents, educators on how to support children with dyscalculia in their journey to master the world of numbers. Join us on this informative journey as we uncover the intricacies of dyscalculia and discover effective strategies – including speech and language therapy – to help those affected thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

What is dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand number-based information and mathematics. People who have dyscalculia struggle with numbers and math because their brains don’t process math-related concepts unlike the brains of people without this disorder. 

What are the symptoms of dyscalculia?
- Young children in pre-K and kindergarten have trouble with:
- - Counting upward.
  - Connecting a number to that many of an object (for example, connecting the number 4 to that many marbles in front of them).
  - Recognizing numbers and math symbols.
  - Organizing numbers, such as largest to smallest or first to last.
  - Recognizing and using number lines.
  - Learning using money (such as coins or bills).
- School-age children have trouble with:
- - Still counting on fingers with small numbers
  - Identifying small quantities of items just by looking and instead counting each individually.
  - Doing simple calculations from memory.
  - Memorizing multiplication tables.
  - Recognizing the same math problem when the order of the numbers or symbols changes (struggling to understand that 1+7=8 is the same as 8=7+1).
  - Understanding word problems or more advanced symbols (such as > meaning “greater than” or < meaning “less than”).
  - Organizing numbers by scale (10s, 100s, 1,000s) or decimal place (0.1, 0.01, 0.001).
- Teenagers and adults have problem with:
- - Counting backward.
  - Solving word problems.
  - Breaking down problems into multiple steps to solve them.
  - Measuring items.
  - Measuring quantities (such as for cooking/baking recipes).
  - Using money (coins and bills) to pay for items, exchanging bills for coins (and vice versa) and making change.
  - Understanding and converting fractions.
What is the development milestones of early math skills over time?
- Infants: Distinguish between small groups of objects.
- Toddlers: Use numbers to label small quantities.
- 2-3 years old: Count objects by pointing at them.
- 3-4 years old: Quickly recognize objects without counting them.
- 4-5 years old: Begin to perform addition and subtraction.
How to help my child develop math skills?
- Turn math problems into play: Encourage your child to think and use their reasoning skills to find the answers. Parents can even create stories behind the math problems to encourage deeper involvement.
- Use math in real life situations: For example, when you are shopping with your child, you can discuss prices and quantities. This can improve your child’s mathematical reasoning. Encourage the child to use math concepts to describe any object they come across.
- Encourage mathematical communication: Focus should be placed on the language associated with numbers, symbols, and subjects in math problems. They should be encouraged to explain the solution to the problem, not just arrive at an answer.
- Play with dominoes: Use dominoes and dice to help your child better grasp simple math concepts. Parents should teach their child to recognize the number of dots in the domino or dice without counting.
- Do not use math worksheets: use play math games instead of using worksheets. Games are more interesting and engaging for kids and makes math problems more engaging as challenges to be overcome before progressing to the next level. If worksheets are used, parents should highlight important numbers, keywords, and instructions beforehand. Children can also use colored pencils.
- Use manipulatives: Seeing and handling a tangible object can help a child understand the abstract principles of mathematics. Legos and blocks can also be used to teach addition and subtraction.
- Create visual models: Parents can use and move large objects in a room or draw pictures to better explain math problems and concepts.
How to help a child with dyscalculia in the classroom?
- Review the old concepts before introducing new ones. Encourage the child to talk through the problem to find a solution. Use also real-life situations to connect to the problem.
- Let the student draw to solve problems.
- Give the student a formula sheet and a graph paper to line up numbers. Cover up problems the child is not working on to make it easier to focus on one specific problem.
- Create separate worksheets or assignments for word and number problems.
- Give the child more space and time to solve the problems. Children can also use calculators.
Empowering Minds with Talking Brains Center in Dubai

As we conclude our exploration of dyscalculia, it is important to highlight that knowledge serves as the cornerstone of empowerment. Dyscalculia poses a challenge for individuals across all age groups, but with access to accurate information and effective strategies, parents and educators have the power to make a profound impact on those who face this learning disorder.
Moreover, speech therapy plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges that dyscalculia presents. At Talking Brains Center, our team of experienced speech therapists in Dubai works alongside educators and parents to develop personalized strategies that empower students to overcome their difficulties with math-related concepts. Through a combination of therapy, specialized interventions, and a supportive environment, we aim to equip individuals with dyscalculia with the tools they need to thrive academically and in everyday life.
September 11, 2023
Spotting the Difference: Speech Delay vs. Autism – What You Need to Know
Spotting the Difference: Speech Delay vs. Autism – What You Need to Know

Speech delays and autism spectrum disorder can both impact language development. However, there are some notable differences between the two problems.

Speech delay is a problem where a child has difficulty developing speech and language skills. Children with a speech delay seek out close personal relationships with their parents and peers, respond positively to attention, and mimic the behaviours of people around them. They tend to naturally use body language and eye contact but will often have difficulty producing specific speech sounds. They may also have difficulty with gross and fine motor skills such as balance, writing or using scissors.

Symptoms of speech delay
- 4-6 months: Not babbling.
- 12 months: Not stringing together consonant-vowel combinations (e.g., “da” or “ma”), not using gestures like pointing and waving.
- 18 months: Trouble imitating sounds; saying only a few words, not understanding what others say, and prefers to use gestures over vocalizing to communicate.
- 24 months: Difficulty understanding simple instructions and does not combine words together.
- 2 years: Using fewer than 50 words; having trouble playing with and interacting with other children.
- 3 years: Not speaking in brief, simple sentences; not using plural words or pointing out body parts.
- 4 years: Unable to share a simple story or form sentences 4-5 words in length. Difficulty understanding pronouns, such as “you” and “me.”
What can cause speech delay?

The most common factors that can cause speech delay are:
- Hearing loss, including children who have recurrent ear infections and those who are hearing impaired
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Genetic disorders such as Down’s syndrome
- Intellectual disabilities
- Brain Injury
- Premature birth or low birth weight
What is the difference between speech delay and autism (ASD)?

In contrast, autism spectrum disorder is a neurological disorder that affects social skills, learning, communication, and behavior. Autistic children may have trouble with social interaction, play skills, communication, adaptation to minor changes in their routine and prefer to be alone. They may also have trouble making speech sounds and they use persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia). Difficulties in motor skills and repetitive body movements such as hand spinning, flapping or spinning are also observed.

The following symptoms related to speech delay are observed when the child has ASD:
- Typically, slow in responding or shows no response to parents or caregivers calling their name.
- The toddler may not gesture (point) towards objects or people.
- Slower rate of language development. A one-year-old may coo and babble during the first year and then stop entirely.
- Signs of repeated words and phrases (echolalia).
- Speaking in single words only most of the times.
- Uses words and phrases that seem out of place or have meaning only the child and their caregivers understand.
How speech and language therapy can improve communication skills?
- Verbal communication: the speech therapist can help children increasing their vocabulary and extending their sentences through playing. In addition, she helps children articulate and verbalize sounds and words in giving strategies and mechanisms to better express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. As children become more effective communicators, it can also help reduce behavioral problems and develop social skills.
- Body Language: A speech therapist in Dubai can help match emotions with proper facial expressions and recognize subtle signals that can indicate whether a person is happy, sad, or angry. Facial expressions, hand movements, and gestures are some of the most expressive parts of language. Some children may have trouble interpreting their meaning.
- Grammar: Some kids with speech delay or autism may frequently make grammar mistakes or refer to themselves in the third person. A speech therapist in Dubai can help address these common issues and promote correct word tenses.
- Prosody: When we talk, the sound of our voice naturally goes up and down. Some children with autism have flat prosody, which can make their voice sound robotic and emotionless. A speech therapist can help children modulate the tone and volume of their voice when they speak.
To sum it up, understanding the difference between speech delay and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is vital for helping children effectively. If you’re looking for the right therapy for your child, Talking Brains Center (TBC) in Dubai is here to assist. TBC offers specialized help that can make a real difference in your child’s life. By recognizing these distinctions and seeking appropriate therapy, you’re giving your child the best chance to communicate, learn, and grow happily.

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August 31, 2023
10 Fun and Effective Gross Motor Skill Activities for Kids: Expert Tips from Talking Brains Center Dubai
10 Fun and Effective Gross Motor Skill Activities for Kids: Expert Tips from Talking Brains Center Dubai

In a world where screen time often takes center stage, finding engaging and beneficial activities for your children can be a challenge. If you’re seeking ways to keep your kids active, entertained, and promoting their development, look no further. The experts at Talking Brains Center (TBC), leading occupational therapists in Dubai, have curated a list of dynamic activities that not only keep boredom at bay but also enhance gross motor skills. These activities are designed to ignite creativity, improve coordination, and cultivate a strong foundation for physical development. From the classic game of Simon Says to the thrill of monkey bars, each activity offers a unique avenue for growth. Let’s dive into this collection of expert-recommended activities that are sure to make playtime both fun and rewarding.
1. Simon Says: “Simon Says” helps your child improve body awareness and planning. Start by having your child point to specific body parts by having them imitate you. Once they can follow the instructions, increase the challenge by just saying the action you want the child to execute.
2. Dancing: Dancing helps to develop gross motor skills while expressing freedom and creativity. It also helps to develop balance, coordination, sensory processing, motor learning, and body awareness. Choose songs and dance movements your child might like.
3. Homemade obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course with objects found around the house. Difficulty can be set depending on how much your child can handle.
4. Drawing on the ground: Ask your child to draw on the ground. Encourage them to bear weight on their non-dominant hand as they are drawing with their dominant hand to strengthen it. To make it easier, parents and child can draw together. To make it harder, ask your child to draw with their non-dominant hand.
5. Balance beam: Encourage your child to work on a balance beam without falling or stepping off. To make it hard, ask them to put one foot in front of the other. To make it tricky, ask them to put one heel in front of the other, while touching the back of the foot. Even more tricky, ask them to tap on red cups before progressing.
6. Hopscotch: This helps to improve balance, coordination, hopping, sequencing, and visual analysis. Give them specific instructions and change it accordingly to make it harder. For example, to make it harder, ask them to hop on one foot and then feet apart.
7. Racetrack: If there is a racetrack in the park, ask your child to ride their scooter or bike on it. This helps to improve motor planning and bilateral coordination for steering.
8. Catch: Ask your child to catch the balls that you throw. First start with large balls, then switch to smaller balls as your child’s skill level increases. Use balloons, deflated beach balls, and tennis balls.
9. Gardening: Ask them to pull weeds and dandelions. This helps to improve arm strength and expected postural responses to maintain balance. Ask them to pick up sticks as this would help strengthen your child’s legs.
10. Monkey Bars: Playing with monkey bars help to improve arm and core strength, coordination, and motor planning. First, allow your child to get used to the monkey bar. Swinging or counting to ten helps develop grip and arm strength to support their weight. Parents can help their child reaching the bar and swinging to the next one.
As caregivers, we understand the importance of nurturing holistic growth in our children. The activities we’ve explored, sourced from the expertise of occupational therapists at Talking Brains Center (TBC) in Dubai, provide more than just amusement; they pave the way for the development of essential motor skills. From the delight of dancing to the challenges of a homemade obstacle course, these experiences encourage body awareness, coordination, and balance. By embracing play as a means of learning, we can foster creativity, confidence, and physical prowess in our young ones. So, whether your child is tracing patterns on the ground, mastering the art of balance on a beam, or conquering the monkey bars, remember that these moments of movement are building blocks for a healthier, more capable future. Embrace the joy of play and witness the transformation in your child’s journey to growth.
August 21, 2023
Enhancing Fine Motor Skills at Home through Enjoyable Activities

Enhancing Fine Motor Skills at Home through Enjoyable Activities

Developing fine motor skills is an important facet of child growth, particularly within the context of psychomotor and occupational therapy. By integrating engaging activities into your child’s routine, you can contribute to their development while fostering an enjoyable learning experience. Here are some activities that promote fine motor skill development, with a focus on psychomotor and occupational therapy:

Playdough Creations: Utilize playdough to create a sensory-rich experience that enhances fine motor skills. Incorporate various tools such as knives, cookie cutters, and rolling pins to encourage exploration and skill development.

Drawing Progression: Drawing serves as a foundation for pre-writing skills. As children practice drawing, they gradually acquire the control necessary for forming letters and sentences.

Finger Rhymes and Coordination: Introduce finger rhymes to improve finger dexterity and coordination. This rhythmic practice not only supports psychomotor growth but also adds an element of enjoyment.

Threading Adventures: Threading activities require coordination and contribute to refining hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Encourage your child to create necklaces or bracelets with beads to further their psychomotor development.

Creative Paper Play: Engage children in paper tearing and crumpling activities, fostering hand strength and control. These torn pieces can be used to create collages, turning entertainment into a skill-building exercise.

Origami Exploration: Origami, a fundamental fine motor skill, offers a bridge between play and learning. Supply paper for folding, allowing creative expression while enhancing psychomotor development.

Puzzle Engagement: Puzzles offer cognitive benefits, enhancing cognitive development, visual perception, and focus. As children become more adept, their ability to manipulate puzzle pieces improves, supporting psychomotor skills.

Constructing with Blocks: Block play provides a multi-dimensional learning experience, aligning well with the principles of occupational therapy. It nurtures both fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial understanding.

Lego Learning: Within the realm of psychomotor therapy, Lego becomes a valuable tool for refining fine motor skills. Encourage children to explore creative possibilities using Lego, fostering creativity and manual dexterity.

Artistic Collages: Cutting and pasting activities refine hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. Grant children the freedom to unleash their creativity by crafting captivating collages, supporting their artistic and psychomotor development.

Incorporating these activities into your child’s routine aligns with the principles of psychomotor and occupational therapy. At Talking Brains Center in Dubai (TBC in Dubai), our psychomotor and occupational therapists offer a dedicated environment for nurturing these skills. By combining fun and education, you lay the foundation for robust fine motor skill development and overall growth.

August 15, 2023
What makes kids picky eaters, and what may help them …
What makes kids picky eaters, and what may help them …

As parents, we have all experienced the frustration of dealing with a picky eater at some point in our journey of raising children. Picky eating is a common phase that usually starts during the toddler years and can persist well into adolescence and adulthood for some individuals. It often leaves parents wondering what causes this selective eating behavior and how it can be effectively managed.

In this blog post, we will explore the various factors contributing to the development of picky eating habits, including normal developmental phases, medical conditions, anxiety, and even the impact of eating disorders. We will delve into the symptoms of picky eaters and discuss the potential consequences of their limited dietary choices.

But fret not, dear parents and caregivers, for we are not only here to shed light on the problem but also to provide you with practical solutions and guidance. One effective approach in dealing with picky eaters, particularly for children with neuro-developmental differences, is occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy for children has emerged as a valuable tool in helping children overcome sensory issues, oral-motor challenges, and other difficulties that may contribute to their picky eating tendencies. We will explore how occupational therapy can be a game-changer in managing picky eating and enhancing your child’s relationship with food.

So, if you have a picky eater at home or wish to gain a deeper understanding of this complex behavior, keep reading, as we embark on a journey to decode the mysteries of picky eating and uncover the potential of occupational therapy in transforming mealtimes for the better.

How picky eating is developed?

Picky eating usually begins between 18 months and 2 years of age, when toddlers’ cognitive development is becoming more sophisticated and they’re better able to process characteristics like colour, texture, and taste. The picky eating phase usually ends by age 5, but for some children it continues into the elementary school years. And for others, it may even last through adolescence and into adulthood.

What are the symptoms of a picky eater?
- Refuse to eat specific foods (pears, ham, strawberries, peas, beans, etc).
- Refuse to eat entire food groups, like vegetables or fruits.
- Refuse to eat foods that aren’t a certain color or texture (only eating foods that are white or soft, etc).
- Unwilling to try new food.
Why kids can become picky eaters?

Children can become picky eaters for several reasons.
- Normal development: picky eating often develops during the toddler years for two main reasons:
- After the rapid growth of infancy, a toddler’s growth rate and appetite start to slow down, so they’re less interested in eating than before. Toddlers are trying to establish a sense of independence, so refusing to eat certain foods is an easy way to have a sense of control. Other children develop picky eating habits by modelling their parents’ eating habits.
- Eating disorder: eating disorders are dysfunctional eating behaviours that harm a person’s health and ability to function. Picky eating that begins in early adulthood can also be a sign of the eating disorder called “orthorexia nervosa.” These individuals will avoid and refuse to eat any foods that are deemed “unhealthy” and develop very rigid dietary restrictions. Orthorexia can lead to serious health problems like malnutrition and other mental health disorders such as anxiety associated to eating.
- Medical conditions: Certain neuro-developmental differences such as Autism, developmental delay or psychological issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause picky eating. These include:
- - Sensory processing differences, including sensory modulation issues, sensory discrimination concerns, and sensory-based motor disorders.
  - Gastrointestinal issues with pain and motility problems
  - Allergies
  - Cardiac or respiratory issues
  - Differences in muscle tone (hyper or hypotonicity)
- Anxiety: Anxiety can suppress a person’s appetite. In addition, having a bad experience, such as vomiting, that happened while eating a certain type of food can lead to avoidance of that food or more general picky eating. Symptoms of anxiety during mealtimes include:
- - Anxiety at mealtimes
  - Fear of choking or vomiting
  - Fear of allergic reaction with eating
What are the consequences of picky eating?

Picky eaters may not get enough vitamins such as Vitamin C or Vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency. Parents can give their children multi-vitamins. If a picky eater is starting to lose weight, it is cause for concern. Falling off a pediatric growth chart or having a body mass index (BMI) that’s too low is a sign that picky eating may be affecting a child’s growth and development.

How to help your child if he’s a picky eater?
- Start “no-pressure” meals: When you have a meal ready for your child, let him decide how much or whether he wants to eat. This choice helps him to learn to like more foods over time. The goal is to create a pleasant and inviting eating environment for your child where they he earns to like new foods.
- Encourage him to eat his meal whenever he’s ready: Children love to tell you their opinions about meal options. It’s easy to jump into the fight with them and force them to eat a certain amount. Instead, encourage them to eat their meal whenever they feel like it. Sometimes they aren’t hungry. Encourage them to eat to their appetite instead of telling them to finish their meal.
- Have specific timings for the kitchen: It might be tempting let your child eat food all day but letting him eat freely like this can backfire for a child who is already considered picky, as he is less likely to feel hunger and therefore much less willing to try new foods. Instead of letting him decide to eat whenever he wants, open the kitchen at certain times then close the kitchen when snack time or mealtime is over. Having a toddler eating schedule or a schedule for older kids, can make a huge difference. Kids need three meals and 0-3 snacks per day, depending on the child and the family circumstances. Serving kids meals and snacks on a routine every 2-4 hours can go a long way in improving picky eating.
- Sit down to eat: Have specific eating places and have kids sit down to eat. It helps prevent choking, and it also can help kids slow down and listen to their bodies, which allows them to eat better. Avoid distractions like cell phones, toys, books, TV, or other screens during mealtimes.
- Offer a variety of foods: Make sure to serve a few things your child likes at every meal. Even if he doesn’t eat everything that’s available, he’ll surely eat something.
  His food intake over the entire week matters more than what he eats at each individual meal. It tends to all balance out, so kid get the nutrients his body needs.
- Shop and cook with your kid: Even though parents are the ones buying and serving the food, children can be part of the process. Bring your kid to the grocery store and let him choose a new fruit or vegetable to try. Find a recipe your child likes and cook together.
What therapies can help picky eaters?
- Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for phobias. The person is exposed to the source of the fear in a controlled setting, which allows the effect of the fear to lessen over time.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This form of therapy focuses on identifying negative thoughts, dysfunctional beliefs, and harmful reactions and changing them into positive views and feelings. It helps control symptoms and helps patients manage their anxiety.
Picky eating with ASD children (autistic spectrum disorder)

Handling picky eating in neurodivergent children can be a bit more complicated so it’s best to consult your child’s doctor, a dietitian, or a speech language pathologist who specializes in working with kids on the autism spectrum. The important first step is to determine the root cause of the pickiness, which may be due to a digestive issue, such as underdeveloped oral-motor muscles, acid reflux, or chronic constipation. Other times, sensory issues with the taste, texture, temperature, or smell of certain foods might be another factor.

Some advice for parents with picky neurodivergent children:
- Stay as calm as possible during meals, and don’t let it become a battle between parent and child.
- Carefully consider which offerings are accepted and which are rejected – is it based on the color, texture, or temperature. Serve more foods that are like the foods the child normally likes.
- Incorporate food into sensory games and playtime. Try finger painting with whipped cream or fill sensory bins with pieces of oat cereal.
- Be transparent. Repeat exposure of food may work well, while hiding foods or being tricky may not.
In conclusion, picky eating is a common yet multifaceted behavior that can be managed effectively with patience and understanding. From understanding its various causes to implementing practical strategies, we can help our children develop a healthier relationship with food.

For children with neuro-developmental differences or sensory challenges, occupational therapy can be a transformative tool. At TBC in Dubai, our experienced team is dedicated to supporting your child’s journey towards a positive and adventurous eating experience. If you need personalized guidance or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, let’s nourish our children’s bodies and minds with joy and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
August 2, 2023
What are motor skills and how many types are they?
What are motor skills and how many types are they?

As parents and caregivers, we observe with wonder as our children grow and achieve various milestones throughout their early years. From their first steps to their first words, each achievement signifies progress and development. Among these crucial milestones are gross motor and fine motor skills, which form the foundation for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.

Gross motor skills

Gross motor skills are movements that include movement and coordination of large core muscle groups such as the arms, legs, and other body parts. Involved in actions such as running, crawling, sitting, standing, walking, jumping, lifting, and kicking.

Fine motor skills

Fine motor skills activities involve manual dexterity and often require coordinating movements that occur in the hands and eyes, also known as hand-eye coordination. Movements are more controlled and precise and often a well-developed pincer grip is needed. A child would need fine motor skills for actions such as holding pencil or scissors, writing, cutting, threading beads, playing with Legos, and buttoning up their coats.

Why it’s important to have developed and adequate motor skills?

In life, both gross and fine motor skills are needed for several important aspects of a child’s life:
- Physical development: When children are young, they need to develop physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Fine and gross motor skills are crucial because academic success involves children having control over their muscles. They need a strong core and posture to sit at a desk for long periods of time, eye muscles that can track while reading, a good pencil grip, and finger control when writing.
Physical development includes: gross motor (large muscles), fine motor, eye-foot and eye-hand coordination, midline crossing, direction and orientation, dominance (left or right-handed or footed), body and spatial awareness.
- Independence: Having good motor skills gives children independence. Without that control, a baby relies on his mother to hold his bottle, a toddler can’t build her puzzle, and a preschooler can’t unzip his bag to take something out. Just like a child needs to develop language and vocabulary to be able to communicate his needs, building physical skills is the quickest route to independence and being able to do things for himself.
- Self-care: Self-care tasks rely on using the small muscles-especially the fingers of the body. Self-care includes tasks such as eating, dressing, tying shoelaces, brushing teeth, washing hands, going to the toilet, preparing simple foods, brushing hair.
- Play activities: During the preschool years, children are participating in all kinds of fine motor activities at home and at school. They need a level of fine motor control to be able to participate in these activities, and of course, these activities are further developing their skill in preparation for formal schooling later.
- Drawing: Drawing is crucial during the early periods of childhood. As children progress through the stages of drawing, they show their maturity and ever-increasing cognitive understanding through their drawings. Their drawings show their understanding of the world and its concepts, and their ability to hold and control drawing tools like crayons. Drawing a person, for example, is a fine motor milestone that shows a child’s level of body awareness.
- Learning to write: One of the most important reasons kids need fine motor control is to be able to learn to write. This is not a skill that should be pushed early but rather one that will develop when children have had years of exposure to play activities, as mentioned above. Teaching a child to write too early does not help them learn to write as their fingers are not even developed enough at a young age. Children need to first develop through play, and when they are mature enough and have the necessary physical control, learning to write will be easy and natural. Fine motor skills are needed for handwriting because children need finger strength and control to be able to hold writing tools and form letters carefully.
Developmental milestones for fine and gross motor skills that help you in tracking your child’s development.
- 1-2 years:
- - Stands and can pick up tiny objects.
  - Sitting, crawling, and walking independently.
  - Can turn pages in a book.
  - Can open a door.
  - Can walk up and down stairs.
- 2-3 years:
- - Can hold crayons.
  - Can jump with both feet.
  - Can draw lines, dots, and circles.
  - Can cut with scissors.
  - Can ride a bicycle.
- 3-4 years:
- - Can move fingers independently.
  - Can draw precisely.
  - Can dress themselves.
- 4-5 years:
- - Can copy shapes.
  - Can throw and catch a ball.
  - Can write numbers and names.
  - Can use buttons in clothes.
In conclusion, the development of gross and fine motor skills is a fundamental aspect of a child’s growth, shaping their physical abilities, cognitive capacities, and emotional well-being. As parents and caregivers, understanding the importance of these skills allows us to provide the necessary support and encouragement to help our children thrive.

Remember, the journey to independence and success begins with honing motor skills during the early years. From holding a crayon to riding a bicycle, each achievement builds a strong foundation for future accomplishments. As children master these skills, they gain confidence and a sense of autonomy that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

If you ever find yourself seeking additional guidance or specialized assistance in fostering your child’s motor skills, consider exploring the services offered by Talking Brains Center (TBC) in Dubai. With our psychomotor sessions and occupational therapy, provided in English, French, and Arabic, TBC is dedicated to supporting children in reaching their full potential. Our experienced professionals can tailor interventions to meet your child’s unique needs, ensuring a nurturing environment for growth and development.
July 29, 2023
What is early intervention? Why it is important?
What is early intervention? Why it is important?

What is early intervention?

Early intervention is used to refer to a system of support to help babies and toddlers, usually between birth to 3 years. This includes speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, or any other help support the child needs. If the child has any form of developmental delay (speech, language, cognitive, or motor), early intervention can help building new skills targeting their weaknesses.

Why early intervention is important?

The earlier the intervention is, the more beneficial it will be for the child. In the first five years of life, experiences and relationships stimulate children’s development, creating every second million of connections in their brains. These connections are faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives; the brain is “flexible”. Sensory pathways like those for basic vision and hearing are the first to develop, followed by early language skills and higher cognitive functions.

How the brain’s flexibility enhances the academic skills?

Studies have shown that infants with higher cognitive flexibility demonstrate better academic outcomes in school with respect to their reading abilities, math skills and science-related task performance. Furthermore, this skill may transfer to emotional flexibility in terms of updating one’s thought processes to handle a difficult situation during the later stages of development. 

What can affect the brain development?

The brain can be affected by several factors:
- During pregnancy: drinking, smoking, high stress, folate deficiency, maternal infections
- At birth: Oxygen deprivation (Asphyxia), physical trauma (excessive force from the use of forceps or vacuum extractors), premature birth before the 37th week of pregnancy
- Post birth: head injuries, bacterial infections (meningitis or encephalitis), Immune disorder, lack of stimulation.
What are the therapies that could be done in early intervention?

Speech and language therapy
- If your child is having issues in interacting, communicating or understanding verbally, he may have a speech or language delay. Speech and language therapy can help determine the cause and improve communication and interacting skills.
- Through pretending play, respecting turn taking, listening to stories and playing, children will become able to imitate the sounds and when their vocabulary increase, they will be able to extend their sentences and speak easily. In addition, the speech therapist can help your child in having a better articulation of sounds by doing exercises that strengthen his oro-facial muscles.
Occupational/Psychomotor therapy
- If your child is showing motor or independency delay in his milestones such in walking, running, eating, dressing up, cutting or writing, he may have a psychomotor delay. In this case, the therapists aim to mainly advance the child’s motor skills through visual stimulations, sensory integration, muscle regulation and coordination exercises. In addition, if your child has attention and concentration problems, a psychomotor therapy is recommended.
Physical/physio therapy
- If your child hasn’t yet achieved key physical milestones, this may be an indication of having physical limitations. They could also require physical therapy if they have dealt with injuries or illnesses. Physical therapy can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and mobility. Physical therapists focus on regaining or constructing physical strength and movements through manual therapy like massages, stretches, or lifestyle modifications.
Behavioural therapy (Applied Behavioural Therapy/ABA)
- If your child has behavioural issues, ABA therapy involves many techniques for understanding and changing behaviour of individuals, through different techniques such as providing positive reinforcement, and understanding why a behavior may be happening and what are the consequences that could occurs. Nevertheless, a parental guidance done by a psychologist is a much recommended.
Babies are born ready to learn, and their brains develop with repetitive, consistent and familiar routines and practices. Stimulating and caring environments with a variety of different activities give children plenty of ways to play, develop and learn. In addition, children need many opportunities to practice what they are learning.

In case your child has any developmental delay, don’t hesitate to ask his pediatrician and to start the therapy as soon as possible. Always remember “the earlier, the better”.

At TBC, our Lebanese Therapists provide therapy sessions in Arabic, French, and English to help clients overcome mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as occupational therapy, psychomotor and speech therapy in Dubai.

Our speech therapist is Hanen certified.
July 16, 2023