Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Our highly trained pediatric occupational therapy staff utilizes an unparalleled array of equipment within our clinics. Our therapists have the ability to address the occupational therapy (OT) needs of the child in a unique and engaging environment.
Pediatric occupational therapy helps a child reach goals and developmental milestones that improve their daily life. It focuses on how your child moves, plays and communicates with the world around them and enhances their motor skills, cognitive abilities, social interaction, and ADL skills. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life.
Occupational therapists support children with developmental delays, physical impairments, or sensory issues by designing personalized interventions. These therapeutic activities promote improvements in motor skills, emotional regulation, and self-esteem, helping children succeed in school, at home, and in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
?What is pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need for daily activities (occupations) like playing, learning, and self-care. At The Speech Clinic Dubai, our occupational therapists work on:
- • Fine motor skills (writing, buttoning, using utensils)
- • Gross motor skills (running, jumping, balance)
- • Sensory processing and integration
- • Visual-motor skills and coordination
- • Activities of daily living (ADL)
- • Cognitive skills and executive functioning
- • Social skills and emotional regulation
We use advanced equipment and techniques including Interactive Metronome, Virtual Reality, and Brain Gym approaches.
?Which age groups do you work with for occupational therapy?
We see children from early childhood through to the age of 16. Our services are specifically designed for this age range to support developmental milestones and daily-living skills.
?What will happen during my child's first occupational therapy session?
During the first session, our therapist will:
- • Review your child's history
- • Observe how they play, move, and interact
- • Evaluate strengths and areas of need
- • Set meaningful goals together with you
We'll then design a personalised plan to support your child's development at home, school, and in the clinic.
?Will the occupational therapy be fun and engaging for my child?
Yes! Our sessions are designed to be play-based and engaging, using specialised equipment and child-friendly activities that make therapy both fun and meaningful. The goal is to help your child learn through play while working on real-life skills.
?Are parents and teachers involved in the occupational therapy process?
Absolutely. We believe the best outcomes come from collaboration. Parents and teachers are actively involved in goal-setting, progress reviews, and home- or school-based activities that reinforce therapy goals.
?How does occupational therapy help with sensory processing issues?
Sensory processing issues occur when children have difficulty organizing and responding to sensory information. Our occupational therapists help by:
- • Sensory Integration Therapy: Structured activities to help process sensory input
- • Sensory Diet: Personalized activities to meet sensory needs
- • Environmental Modifications: Creating sensory-friendly spaces
- • Adaptive Strategies: Teaching coping mechanisms
- • Parent Education: Helping families understand and support their child
We use specialized equipment and techniques to help children regulate their sensory systems and improve daily functioning.
?What kinds of challenges or conditions can occupational therapy at your clinic help with?
We work with children who have:
- • Developmental delays
- • Sensory processing difficulties
- • Fine motor or gross motor skill delays
- • Difficulty with self-care (such as dressing or feeding)
- • Challenges with play or school tasks
- • Other related needs
?How often will my child need occupational therapy and how long before we see progress?
The frequency depends on your child's needs and goals. Some children attend once or twice a week; others start with more frequent sessions.
You may notice progress within a few weeks for some skills, while others require longer-term support. We review progress regularly with parents.
?How does your clinic support children in the Dubai & UAE context for occupational therapy?
We're based in Dubai Healthcare City and are familiar with the UAE school system, cultural norms, and family needs. Our therapy plans are tailored to fit your child's everyday environment — at home, in school, and in the community.
?How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy? What signs should I look for?
You might consider OT if your child shows:
- • Delays in crawling, walking, or coordination
- • Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., cutting, writing, dressing)
- • Strong reactions to textures, sounds, or movement
- • Trouble focusing on play or school tasks
- • Challenges completing age-appropriate daily-living skills
If you notice these signs, an occupational therapy evaluation can help identify how to best support your child.