Category: Children Occupational Therapy in Dubai

Improving Children’s Mental Health with Shared Book Reading
In recent years, novel therapy treatments have arisen to help children’s mental and emotional well-being. Sharing a book in “Shared Book Reading” and practicing “Mindfulness” are two very successful methods. These approaches engage children while simultaneously creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for therapeutic growth.

Shared Book Reading

Shared book reading is when parents, caregivers, or therapists read aloud to youngsters. This approach extends beyond simple storytelling to an engaging an interactive experience that can benefit a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. The advantages of group book reading in therapy include:
- Language and Literacy Development: Reading together enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills. It helps target reading and spelling goals in a fun and interactive way. The participatory nature of shared book reading enables youngsters to ask questions, make predictions, and compare the story to their own experiences.
- Emotional Expression and Regulation: Books frequently cover themes like fear, rage, grief, and joy, giving kids from different ages a platform to express their own emotions. This can be especially effective in therapy, when children may struggle to express their emotions directly and have trouble in emotion regulation.
- Strengthening Relationships: The intimate, collaborative aspect of shared book reading promotes a sense of comfort and trust between the child and the reader. This tie is especially important in therapeutic settings, where a strong, supportive relationship can considerably improve the therapy’s effectiveness.
Mindfulness practices

Mindfulness practices are exercises that help people focus on the present moment, fostering awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings. When utilized with children in treatment and therapy sessions. The main mindfulness practices are mindful breathing, mindful listening and mindful looking. These mindful exercises can provide several benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Mindfulness strategies like deep breathing, guided visualization, mindful listening and body scans teach children how to relax their minds and bodies. This is especially helpful for children who have anxiety, tension, or emotional dysregulation. It will help children be more at ease and less overwhelmed.
- Improved Attention and Focus: Regular mindfulness practice can help a youngster or teenager concentrate and remain engaged in tasks. This can be especially beneficial for children with attention-related issues, such as ADHD.
- Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness practices educate children to examine their thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing them to build healthy responses to emotional issues and to deal with negative emotions in a proper way that leaves them feeling better. Self- awareness and self-regulation are essential abilities for maintaining emotional well being.
- Empathy and Compassion: Mindfulness techniques frequently involve activities that develops empathy and compassion for oneself and others. This can help children form
  positive relationships and develop a more sensitive attitude toward life.
Integrating Shared Books Reading and Mindfulness in Therapy

Combining Shared book reading with mindfulness practices whether with a group or 1 on 1 situations, yields an effective and potent therapeutic tool. Books may explain mindfulness
concepts in a relatable and interesting manner, making it easier for youngsters of different ages to comprehend and apply these approaches. For example, a story about a character who overcomes fear by deep breathing can be both a narrative and a practical guide for the child.

Therapists can also utilize mindfulness exercises before or after reading sessions to help children concentrate and think on the text. This integrated approach can enhance the therapy experience, making it more effective and pleasurable for the child.

To conclude, shared book reading and mindfulness practices offer valuable benefits in child therapy. By integrating these methods in speech therapy and other type of therapy such as
occupational and psychomotor therapy can help improve various skills mentioned above such as emotional regulation, attention and listening skills and work on therapy goals in a more effective and engaging way. These methods create a holistic approach to supporting children’s cognitive skills, emotional skills and mental health.

Conclusion:

To conclude, shared book reading and mindfulness practices offer valuable benefits in child therapy. By integrating these methods into speech therapy and occupational therapy, therapists can help improve various skills such as emotional regulation, attention, and communication in a more effective and engaging way. These holistic approaches support children’s cognitive, emotional, and mental health.
June 13, 2024
How to Manage Coordination Difficulties Caused by Dyspraxia
What is Dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that primarily affects motor planning, coordination and motor skills that include fine and gross motor skills. It typically becomes evident around 5 years and it occurs at 5 to 6 percent of the pediatric population and approximately 10 percent of the overall population.

What are the main symptoms of dyspraxia?

The main symptoms of Dyspraxia in children are:
- Delayed milestones (e.g., lifting the head, rolling over, sitting up), although children may eventually reach early milestones.
- Other signs include:
  - Unusual body positions
  - General irritability
  - Sensitivity to loud noises
  - Feeding and sleeping problems
  - High level of arm and leg movement
- As children grow, they may experience delays in:
  - Crawling
  - Walking
  - Potty training
  - Self-feeding
  - Self-dressing
- Dyspraxia makes it challenging to organize physical movements, leading to difficulties like tripping, bumping into objects, or dropping items.
In addition, it can also affect cognitive skills; individuals with dyspraxia find it challenging to plan and execute tasks, which make them appear clumsy and inaccurate. As well, it can cause speech difficulties related to challenges in oro-motor sequencing. All these symptoms, significantly impact daily living skills, school productivity, leisure, and play.

What is the difference between Dyspraxia and Apraxia?

Dyspraxia is present from birth, affecting motor skills and coordination. It persists into adolescence and adulthood, potentially leading to learning difficulties and low self-esteem.

Apraxia can develop after a stroke or brain injury at any age. However, it may go away especially if it results from a stroke.

How Dyspraxia is treated?

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure, but effective strategies, can help manage dyspraxia. Occupational/Psychomotor therapy and other interventions such speech and language therapy play a crucial role in managing dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), presents several challenges for students in the school environment:
1. Motor Coordination Difficulties:
  - Slouching, slumping, and poor core strength are common among students with dyspraxia due to inadequate muscle strength.
  - Fine motor skills, such as gripping a pencil or crayon, are challenging because of weak hand muscles.
  - Basic tasks like printing, playing ball, and tying shoes require significantly more effort and practice.
2. Clumsiness and Learning Disabilities:
  - Students with dyspraxia often appear clumsy due to difficulties in small muscle movements.
  - Embarrassment related to physical limitations can lead to learning disabilities.
  - Speech difficulties (slow and unclear speech) further impact communication.
3. Executive Function Challenges:
  - Tracking instructions, especially those with multiple steps, can be problematic.
  - Organization, planning ahead, and managing materials pose additional challenges.
4. Social and Emotional Impact:
  - Poor coordination limits participation in sports and complex schoolyard games.
  - Social awkwardness arises from struggles with basic tasks and physical limitations.
  - Students may become unwilling to engage in social interactions.
What are the most effective strategies used with Dyspraxia?
1. Cognitive Motor Therapy: The psychomotor therapist focuses on teaching movement patterns to children struggling with specific tasks. It aims to instill essential skills for coordinated movement, including planning, execution, and self-evaluation.
2. Sensory Integration Therapy: For children who are overly sensitive to stimuli, the therapist helps them cope while engaging in motor activities. It also involves modifying the environment to provide an appropriate level of sensory stimulation. Conversely, those who are less responsive to stimuli gradually receive increased sensory input.
3. Improved Sensory Integration: Over time, the occupational therapist enhances sensory integration that leads to better-regulated motor responses.
4. Kinesthetic Therapy: By increasing awareness of motion in space, this therapy enhances overall motor control.
5. Integration of primitive reflexes: The psychomotor therapist aims to inhibit persistent primitive reflexes and abnormal muscle contraction patterns. Simultaneously, it encourages the development of age-appropriate reflexes and a normal sequence of muscle activation.
6. Assistive Technology: Utilizing technology, such as computer aids, facilitates effective communication and appliance use for patients. Alternate learning methods involving repeated practice are essential.
Conclusion

Despite these obstacles, with appropriate support and understanding, students with dyspraxia can thrive in mainstream school settings. It’s crucial to foster an inclusive environment that recognizes their unique needs and strengths. An early intervention in psychomotor and speech therapy contribute to better functioning and quality of life for individuals with Dyspraxia.
May 30, 2024
How can parents best support a child with Traumatic Brain Injury?
Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their children’s well-being, and understanding Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is paramount in this journey in case your child ever experiences a head injury. TBI occurs when the brain sustains sudden trauma from an impact to the head, such as during accidents or sports activities. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of TBI, its signs, preventive measures, and delve into the significant role psychomotor therapy plays in aiding recovery.

There are two main types: closed head injury, when the brain moves around inside the skull, causing bruising or swelling and penetrating head injury, when something pierces the skull and harms the brain, like a bullet or sharp object.

If your child has a head injury, watch out for these signs:
- Headaches
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- Feeling dizzy or off-balance
- Feeling sick or throwing up
- Mood changes or acting differently
- Problems with seeing or hearing
Treatment depends on how bad the injury is. Mild cases might need rest and pain medicine, while severe cases might need surgery or therapy. Recovery can take time. Your child may need help relearning things they used to do easily, like walking or talking.

While not all accidents can be avoided, you can do the following to prevent TBIs.
- Making sure they wear seat belts and helmets.
- Using safety gear during sports.
- Teaching them to be careful, especially around stairs and roads.
- Setting a good example by avoiding risky behavior like not wearing seat belts or helmets.
Psychomotor Therapy And TBI

Psychomotor therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Here’s how it can help:
1. Motor Skills Improvement: TBI often leads to physical impairments, including difficulties with movement and coordination. The psychomotor therapist focuses on improving these motor skills through targeted exercises and activities. This can include exercises to enhance balance, coordination and strength.
2. Cognitive Rehabilitation: Psychomotor therapy integrates physical movement with cognitive tasks, helping to stimulate brain function and promote cognitive rehabilitation. Activities that require problem-solving, memory recall, attention, and decision-making can all be incorporated into psychomotor therapy sessions, enhancing overall cognitive abilities.
3. Emotional Regulation: TBI can impact emotional regulation, leading to mood swings, irritability, and frustration. Engaging in physical activity through psychomotor therapy can help regulate emotions by releasing endorphins, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, psychomotor therapists can use movement-based techniques as well as relaxation techniques to teach coping strategies and emotional self-regulation skills.
4. Sensory Integration: Many individuals with TBI experience sensory processing difficulties, such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli. Psychomotor therapy incorporates sensory integration techniques to help individuals better process and respond to sensory information. By engaging in movement-based activities that stimulate various sensory systems, individuals can improve their sensory processing abilities and reduce sensory-related challenges.
5. Functional Independence: Psychomotor therapy aims to enhance functional independence by focusing on activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Psychomotor therapists work with individuals to improve skills necessary for tasks such as dressing, grooming, cooking, and household chores. By addressing physical and cognitive impairments, psychomotor therapy helps individuals regain autonomy and confidence in their daily activities.
6. Social Interaction: Psychomotor therapy often involves group activities, providing opportunities for social interaction and peer support. Engaging in movement-based exercises and games with others promotes socialization skills, teamwork, and communication. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with TBI who may experience social isolation or difficulty in social situations.
In summary, psychomotor therapy aids in the recovery of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by addressing various aspects of rehabilitation. It enhances motor skills, cognitive function, emotional regulation, sensory integration, functional independence, and social interaction. Through tailored exercises and activities, it helps individuals regain physical abilities, improve cognitive performance, manage emotions, adapt to sensory challenges, master daily tasks, and engage socially. Overall, psychomotor therapy plays a vital role in promoting holistic recovery and improving the quality of life for TBI survivors.
May 13, 2024
How can Occupational Therapy (Psychomotor) help with executive functioning?

Occupational therapy, often used interchangeably with psychomotor therapy, plays a pivotal role in enhancing various aspects of executive functioning in children. This multifaceted approach targets core areas such as motor planning and sequencing, problem-solving, emotional regulation, organization, and memory enhancement. Let’s delve into how occupational therapy can foster development in these critical areas, paving the way for children to achieve greater independence and confidence in their daily activities.

Motor Planning and Sequencing

One of the foundational elements of occupational therapy is its focus on motor planning and sequencing. This involves providing a multisensory environment that encourages children to interact with a diverse range of equipment and activities. Such environments are instrumental in building praxis skills, which are essential for conceptualizing, planning, and executing motor tasks. Activities like obstacle courses, multistep crafts, cooking, and baking not only engage children in novel ways but also promote the initiation and refinement of sequencing skills. Through repetition and parental encouragement, these motor tasks gradually become more automatic, enhancing the child’s ability to navigate their environment effectively.

Problem Solving

Occupational therapy also plays a crucial role in developing problem-solving skills. Engaging in games that require critical thinking, such as chess and Sudoku, encourages children to plan, strategize, and solve problems. This controlled challenge allows them to assess situations objectively, adapt their strategies, and achieve success, thereby boosting their self-esteem and confidence. Such skills are invaluable, not just in game settings but in real-life situations where critical thinking and adaptability are key.

Emotional Regulation and Interception

Another critical area where occupational therapy offers significant benefits is in emotional regulation and interception. The ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions is crucial for children’s social and emotional development. Occupational therapy employs strategies such as role-playing, which simulates real-life scenarios, allowing children to practice and prepare for emotional challenges. Additionally, the use of specific equipment and activities helps children learn about different emotions, build body awareness, and develop effective strategies for managing their feelings. This aspect of therapy is instrumental in helping children navigate their emotional landscape with greater ease and resilience.

Organization

Organizational skills are essential for success across various environments, from school to home and beyond. Occupational therapy aids in the development of these skills by implementing systems and creating aids such as visual schedules and checklists. These tools promote independence by helping children understand and manage their daily tasks and responsibilities more effectively. By fostering organization, occupational therapy contributes to a child’s overall productivity and sense of accomplishment.

Memory Enhancement

Finally, occupational therapy addresses memory enhancement through engaging games and activities that challenge and stimulate the brain. Games like “Let’s Go To The Market,” “Clue,” and “Memory Match” require the use of working memory, a critical component of executive functioning. These activities not only make the learning process fun but also significantly improve the child’s ability to recall and apply information in various contexts.

In conclusion, occupational therapy offers a comprehensive approach to improving executive functioning in children. By addressing motor planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, organization, and memory, occupational therapy equips children with the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence. Through playful engagement and targeted strategies, children can achieve remarkable progress, setting the foundation for lifelong success and independence.

At Talking Brains Center, we are proud to offer specialized occupational and psychomotor therapy services for both children and adults across the UAE. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to fostering the development and well-being of each individual who walks through our doors. We understand the unique challenges faced by those seeking to improve their executive functioning skills, emotional regulation, and overall developmental progress.

Our center provides a supportive and nurturing environment, where clients are encouraged to explore their potential and overcome obstacles. With a focus on personalized care, we tailor our therapeutic interventions to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Whether you are seeking assistance for yourself or a loved one, our goal is to deliver effective and compassionate therapy solutions that make a meaningful difference.

For more information about our services and how we can support your journey towards greater independence and confidence, please visit our website or reach out to us directly. At Talking Brains Center, your development and well-being are our highest priorities.

February 12, 2024
Navigating Screen Time During the Holidays: A Guide from Talking Brains Center in Dubai
As the holidays approach, families are gearing up for a season of joy, relaxation, and quality time spent together. At Talking Brains Center in Dubai, we understand the importance of striking a balance between holiday festivities and responsible screen use for children. In this blog post, we’ll delve into science-backed guidelines, dispel common myths, share alarming statistics, and shed light on the consequences of high screen exposure on children.

1. Dispelling Common Myths:

Myth 1: Videos Specifically Intended for Babies Boost Language Development.
Fact: Contrary to popular belief, studies show that videos targeted at babies, such as Baby Einstein®, do not necessarily enhance language development.

Myth 2: Digital Technologies in Infancy Enhance Child Development.
Fact: Using digital technologies in infancy doesn’t necessarily prepare a child for school. In fact, excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on various aspects of a child’s development.

Myth 3: Screens Calm Down Children.
Fact: While screens may provide a temporary distraction, they don’t teach children effective self-regulation. Relying on screens for calming may hinder the development of crucial emotional regulation skills.

Myth 4: Screens Improve a Child’s Eating Habits.
Fact: There is no substantial evidence supporting the idea that screens improve a child’s eating habits. In fact, mindful eating practices are essential for promoting healthy eating behaviors.

2. Eye-Opening Statistics:
- 1/3 of children in FS1 (Foundation Stage 1) struggle with communication skills, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to language development.
- 90% of children with learning difficulties have been exposed to screens, highlighting a potential correlation between screen time and academic challenges.
- Language development is affected six times more in children who watch screens, and three times more if accompanied by adults, emphasizing the importance of interactive, real-world communication.
- 70% of parents use screens as an educational tool for kids aged 2-5 years old, and 74% use screens to prepare their children for school, showcasing the prevalent reliance on digital devices for early education.
Consequences of High Screen Exposure on Children:
- Underdeveloped motor skills may result from a lack of physical activity associated with prolonged screen time.
- Poor social skills can develop when children spend more time interacting with screens than with peers.
- Lower cognitive abilities, particularly in short-term memory, language development, and learning, may be associated with excessive screen use.
- Poor control of emotions and behavior, including aggressiveness, difficulty calming down, and passivity, can be consequences of high screen exposure.
- Attention deficit, sleep problems, and various health issues, including excess weight, obesity, fatigue, headaches, myopia, poor posture, and poor diet, are linked to extended screen time.
- Poor self-esteem may develop as a result of reduced real-world interactions and the potential negative impacts on physical and mental well-being.
As we approach the holidays, let’s be mindful of the myths surrounding screen time, consider the eye-opening statistics, and acknowledge the potential consequences of high screen exposure on children. At Talking Brains Center in Dubai, we advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes real-world interactions, physical activity, and age-appropriate educational activities to foster healthy development and well-being in the digital age.
December 10, 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