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Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Early screening can cut therapy costs for neurodivergent children by 80%, experts say
When Dubai student Hoor arrived at special education school Sanad Village, she could not speak, respond, or make eye contact with her peers or adults. Now, after three-and-a-half years, the five-year-old will enter a mainstream school as a kindergarten student where she hopes to continue building on her love for music, dancing, and storytelling. Including her and her peers, Mayed and Omar, the institute has successfully re-integrated almost 60 students into mainstream schools. According to an expert, these stories are proof that early intervention could help neurodivergent children adapt well to the world around them. 'It helps the student to build those core skills that they require in order for them to become independent faster in their life,' said Mahmoud A. Mahmoud, Regional Clinical Director at Sanad Village. 'It opens up the door for learning more complicated skills like reading and writing and attending a school.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. He added that proper early support reduces the need for prolonged therapy in the long run — by as much as 80 percent in cost savings for families. It also opens up future employment opportunities, helping people of determination contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Early indicators Gayatri Govind Gajjam, clinical psychologist at the newly launched Aster DYU Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, said that learning disabilities often begin to show signs 'in early childhood, typically before the age of seven,' and they should be dealt with immediately. 'These early indicators are crucial as they provide an opportunity for timely intervention and support,' she said. 'Understanding these signs through a psychological lens helps in guiding children toward a more positive educational experience, offering them the resources they need to thrive academically.' She said that these difficulties were often unrelated to a child's intelligence and were an inability 'to process information, such as language, numbers, or spatial reasoning' in specific ways. The screening process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to detect early signs and assess a child's cognitive, academic, emotional, and social development. 'We speak to teachers who provide valuable input regarding the child's academic performance and behavior and conduct a thorough review of the child's early development, family history, and any relevant medical background,' she said. 'We then use various cognitive and academic tests to assess specific areas of development.' Informed decisions According to Mahmoud, every child that they see is dealt with in an appropriate manner. 'For example, in the case of one of our children, Omar, the parents thought that he needed to be removed from a mainstream school and sent to Sanad,' he said. 'After we met him, we agreed with the parents. However, many times, the parents think that the child should go to a centre, but actually he should be staying at school or the other way around. So, we make informed decisions on a case by case basis.' He added that Sanad was not a diagnostic centre and only focused on therapeutic help instead. Gayatri gave the case study of a six-year-old, who was flagged by school during a routine screening for struggling with letter recognition. 'After a formal psychological evaluation, the child was diagnosed with dyslexia,' she said. 'With targeted interventions, including phonics-based instruction, the child showed significant improvement in reading fluency and classroom participation within six months.' Empowering the child One of the biggest challenges that practitioners in the region struggle with is stigma and fear. 'Many parents hesitate to screen their children due to fear of labelling,' said Gayatri. 'There is often a misconception that learning disabilities reflect low intelligence or permanent limitations. To address these concerns, we emphasise that early identification is about empowering the child with the necessary tools and support to succeed.' Mahmoud added that many parents he meets are in denial. 'We ask them to take the professional opinions, from any of the children's hospitals that has the capacity to diagnose the kids,' he said. 'They are trained on how to inform the parents, because it's very heavy news. From our side, we work with behaviours and what the child is lacking.'
Khaleej Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
'It's okay to feel scared': How UAE parents can help kids cope with war news
As news of the conflict between Iran and Israel dominates media channels, children in the UAE are increasingly exposed to distressing images, headlines, and adult conversations that may overwhelm their emotional capacity. Mental health experts are urging parents to initiate age-appropriate discussions to help children understand what they are seeing and hearing. Instead of waiting for children to ask questions, especially when they may already feel scared or confused, parents are encouraged to start the conversation gently. A simple statement like, 'You might have heard people talking about serious things happening in the world. If you're ever worried or confused, I'm always here to talk,' can go a long way in building a sense of safety and emotional openness. 'Starting these conversations early helps prevent children from forming misguided conclusions based on social media or overheard conversations,' Gayatri Govind Gajjam, a clinical psychologist at Aster DYU Child Development Centre, told Khaleej Times. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Age-specific responses Gajjam explained children's responses to war and conflict vary significantly based on their developmental stage: Under 7: Young children interpret the world largely through imagination. Without a clear sense of geography, they may perceive distant events as immediate threats. Ages 7–12: As logical thinking develops, children begin to understand cause and effect, which may trigger anxiety, especially around the safety of loved ones. Teenagers: Adolescents process the moral and ethical dimensions of war more deeply. They may respond with frustration, sadness, anger, or a desire to take action while also feeling helpless. She noted that it's important to acknowledge what children feel. 'Simple affirmations like 'It's okay to feel scared' or 'I understand this is confusing' can be very validating," she added. Watch for emotional overload Dr Shaju George, Psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, warned that children may exhibit signs of emotional distress following media exposure or discussions at home. 'If a child becomes unusually anxious, asks repeated safety-related questions, or withdraws from activities, it could indicate they are overwhelmed,' he said. He advised parents to let children guide the depth of the conversation. 'Answer their questions honestly, but simply — and only as much as they want to know. Avoid sharing your own stress or using fear-inducing language.' Terms like " people are killing each other ' or 'this could become World War III" can be traumatic. Instead, experts suggest highlighting humanitarian efforts, such as doctors, peacekeepers, and aid workers, to model empathy and resilience. Dr Sumit Lakhanpal, specialist paediatrician at Aster Clinic, Liwan, emphasised the importance of reassurance. 'Children need to hear that they are safe, that peace will return, and that adults are working to resolve the situation,' he said. He encouraged parents to use simple, honest language and to monitor their children's media exposure closely. 'Be mindful of graphic content and limit the amount of news and social media your children consume. It's also important to watch for changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or general behaviour,' he added. Creating a safe, supportive environment Experts recommend several strategies to help children feel emotionally secure during uncertain times: Reinforce safety at home: Remind children that their home is a safe place. Maintain daily routines: Predictability helps children feel more in control. Be emotionally available: Listen, validate their feelings, and offer comfort. Limit your own news exposure around children: Your reactions can influence theirs. Share hopeful stories: Discuss individuals who are making a positive impact and helping others. Encourage small acts of kindness: Donating toys, writing notes of hope, or engaging in school peace initiatives can help children feel empowered. Children often take their emotional cues from the adults around them. When parents remain calm, consistent, and compassionate, they help their children develop resilience.' When to seek help If a child continues to show signs of distress or anxiety, experts advise seeking support from a child psychologist or mental health professional. Early intervention can prevent long-term emotional strain and help children navigate complex feelings in a healthy, supported way.
