FAQs

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is a treatment that focuses on improving a person’s speech and language skills. It helps individuals of all ages overcome communication disorders (pragmatics and social skills), speech impediments (articulation and speech problems), fluency disorders (stuttering and stammering), voice disorders and challenges, language disorders and difficulties both oral and written (literacy), it also helps improve math skills, cognitive skills and executive function abilities through various exercises, techniques, and interventions tailored to their needs.

Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), ideally should have a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, must be licensed to practice in their respective state or country and have a DHA license when working in Dubai.

Speech therapy can benefit individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and geriatric populations. It is suitable for treating a wide range of speech and language disorders across different age groups.

Common speech and language disorders treated with speech therapy include articulation and speech disorders, fluency disorders (stuttering and stammering), voice disorders, language delays and oral language disorders, pragmatics and communication disorders, dyslexia and dyscalculia and other learning difficulties, aphasia, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), and cognitive-communication disorders (children, adults and elderly).

The frequency of speech therapy sessions depends on the severity of the case, intensity of therapy required, and the treatment plan developed by the speech therapist. Sessions may range from once a week to multiple times per week (4 to 5 times a week). The frequency of sessions usually decreases gradually with progress.

The duration of a speech therapy session can vary depending on the individual’s needs, intensity of intervention and the specific goals of the therapy. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour where most sessions are 45 minutes long if scheduled more than once per week.

Speech therapy uses various approaches and techniques, including but not limited to articulation therapy for correct sound production, language intervention for vocabulary and sentence structure, fluency therapy for stuttering, voice therapy for pitch and volume, and cognitive-communication therapy for issues stemming from brain injuries, strokes and other neurological disorders and parental guidance. It also includes alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) for severe speech impairments, social communication therapy for pragmatic skills and children with communication disorders or have Autism, and dysphagia therapy for swallowing disorders. For literacy, techniques like phonics instruction, phonological awareness practice, guided reading, and writing workshops enhance reading and writing skills. Nonetheless, speech therapists use Math and logic interventions including direct instruction, number sense training and arithmetic problem solving all aimed at building foundational math skills.

A speech therapist benefits individuals with communication disorders by offering tailored interventions to improve speech clarity, language skills, and cognitive communication abilities. They employ strategies that enhance expressive and receptive language, enabling individuals to better understand and be understood by others in addition to introducing and working on social rules and social problem solving. By incorporating perspective-taking and theory of mind, therapists help individuals recognize and interpret others’ emotions, intentions and perspectives which is crucial for effective social interactions. This comprehensive support fosters greater confidence, social competence, and overall quality of life.

Speech therapy can effectively address swallowing and feeding issues through comprehensive assessments, tailored exercises to strengthen oral-motor muscles, and specific techniques to improve swallowing safety and efficiency. Therapists may also suggest diet modifications and collaborate with dietitians to adjust food textures and consistencies, ensuring a safer and more manageable eating experience for individuals with these challenges.

Speech therapy services are often covered by healthcare insurance plans, including private insurance and government programs, depending on the individual’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance coverage policies. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific details on coverage. At Talking Brains Center, we offer “Pay and Claim” providing you with the required information for your insurance. 

Psychomotor Therapy

Psychomotor therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the relationship between movement, cognition and psychological processes. It aims to improve emotional and cognitive functioning through physical activities, body awareness and cognitive activities

Psychomotor therapists should have a bachelor’s and ideally a master’s degree in psychomotor therapy.

Psychomotor therapy can benefit individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and older adults, who may have difficulties with motor skills, emotional regulation or cognitive and executive difficulties such as memory challenges or impulsivity.

The duration of a psychomotor therapy session can vary but typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the individual’s needs and the therapeutic activities involved.

Psychomotor therapy targets different domains: body schema and awareness, motor skills, including fine motor skills and gross motor skills, laterality, muscle tone, spatial and temporal organization and orientation, cognitive and executive functions as well as handwriting.

Psychomotor therapists may use a combination of movement exercises, relaxation techniques, sensory integration activities, cognitive activities, body-awareness exercises, and play-based therapies to address the specific needs of their patients.

Yes, psychomotor therapy sessions are personalized to the individual’s specific needs, goals, and abilities, with the therapist adapting the activities and interventions to address the patient’s challenges and promote growth. After having done the assessment, the psychomotor therapist will set up a therapy plan for each patient, customized to enhance the difficulties noted.

Yes, psychomotor therapy can be beneficial for individuals with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders by promoting self-expression, emotional regulation, and stress management through physical activities.

Psychomotor therapy focuses on enhancing motor skills and coordination through exercises that target body awareness, spatial orientation, balance, movement patterns, and fine and gross motor skills.

Combining psychomotor therapy with other therapies such as speech therapy or counseling can provide a holistic approach to addressing physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, leading to comprehensive benefits for the individual’s well-being.

Psychomotor therapy services are often covered by health insurance plans, including private insurance and
government programs, depending on the individual’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance coverage policies.
It is advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific details on coverage. At Talking Brains Center,
we offer “Pay and Claim” providing you with the required information for your insurance.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how behavior and cognition are influenced by brain function. A neuropsychologist evaluates and treats individuals with brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairments.

While both neuropsychologists and psychologists are trained in psychology, neuropsychologists specialize in understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior, while psychologists focus on mental health and emotional issues.

Neuropsychologists typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology, specialized training in neuropsychology, and licensure or certification in neuropsychology. They have expertise in administering neuropsychological tests and interpreting results.

Neuropsychologists can help individuals with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological and cognitive disorders.

The length of a neuropsychological evaluation can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the specific tests conducted but typically ranges between 3 to 9 hours. However, the assessment isn’t done in one day as the patient may get tired.

Neuropsychological evaluations often involve assessments of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language, processing speed, fluid reasoning, executive functioning, visuospatial skills, and emotional regulation to understand the individual’s brain-behavior relationship.

Neuropsychological interventions focus on improving cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, behavior management, and quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions through personalized treatment plans and strategies.

Yes, neuropsychological treatments play a crucial role in brain injury rehabilitation by addressing cognitive impairments, emotional challenges, behavioral changes, and adaptive functioning to promote recovery and reintegration.

Yes, neuropsychological assessments and interventions can be valuable for children with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other neurological conditions to identify strengths and weaknesses and develop tailored interventions.

Neuropsychological treatment may be covered by insurance or healthcare plans depending on the diagnosis, treatment plan, and insurance coverage. It is advisable to check with the insurance provider for specific details on coverage.

At TBC, we provide therapy sessions to help clients overcome mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as occupational therapy, psychomotor and speech therapy.

At TBC, our Lebanese Therapists in Dubai provide therapy sessions in Arabic, French, and English.

  • If your child is exhibiting the following symptoms: 
    • Frequent temper tantrums
    • Defiance – refusing to follow directions
    • Verbal and/or physical aggression
    • Destruction of toys and/or family belongings
    • Backtalk or sassing adults
    • Whining or crying for no apparent reason
    • Constantly seeking attention
    • Hyperactivity
    • Interrupting others
    • Short attention span
    • Difficulty with behaviors at school, preschool, and/or daycare
  • Speech therapy is treatment that improves your child’s ability to talk and use other language skills. It helps them express their thoughts and understand what other people are saying to them. It can also improve skills like memory and ability to solve problems. Psychomotor therapy is a body-mind interactive model that analyses the present-day effect of traumatic memories and helps people work to create new memories to offset emotional deficiencies experienced in the past.
  • Play therapy is a model that establishes an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development. Play therapists learn much through observation, including how the child handles separation from the caregiver when the child is brought into the therapy room such as gauging the child’s level of attachment.
  • Bring them to an early intervention specialist so that you can understand how to meet the needs of your child and start treatment early. 
  • Play with your child as this encourages cooperation, creativity, problem-solving, independence, and improves fine and gross motor skills. 
  • Include visual cues when giving directions: Incorporating visual supports, such as physically modelling a task, labels, or boundary marker on a floor helps a child with a developmental delay child better understand what is expected of them, so they are less likely to engage in problematic behavior.
  • Set a daily routine: Schedules and routines are even more critical for children who are working with some sort of developmental delay, who can become overwhelmed by simple daily tasks, such as packing a backpack or using the toilet. 
  • It depends on the skills to be assessed. 
  • Therapy for children typically involves emotional processing, skill building, and parental support. 
  • Emotional processing: Many child therapists will start out with engaging ways to teach children emotional expression skills. In addition to having words to name their experiences, therapy with young children provides them age-appropriate ways to process their daily stressors and past experiences.
  • Skill building: After your child has a good foundation of emotional literacy, they can begin to learn skills that help them with the concern that brought them in.
  • Yes
  • Language therapy is a broad term used to describe the various kinds of therapy a SLP can provide. It addresses the following areas: 
    • Listening Skills: How your child can understand what is being said to her and follow directions
    • Grammar Skills: Your child’s ability to use grammatical markers to form complete sentences
    • Vocabulary Skills: Your child’s knowledge of what things are called and her ability to understand those words when spoken as well as to recall and say the word when needed
    • Question Skills: Your child’s ability to answer and ask questions with a variety of structures
    • Social Language Skills (Pragmatics): Your child’s ability to use language to interact with others and follow social rules of conversation and play
    • Literacy/Book Skills: Your child’s ability to read and write or use pre-reading skills such as book handling, recognizing print, etc.
  • Yes
  • The effective registration of sensory input in the environment (including one’s body). It is the way the brain receives, organises, and responds to sensory input to behave in a meaningful & consistent manner.
  • When he/she is 3 years or older. Some children appear to favor one hand for a while and then switch and switch back again as they figure out, through trial and error, which hand is easier to use. 
  • For most toddlers and preschoolers, stuttering disfluencies go away on their own after a while. However, if your child has been stuttering longer than 6 months, it is unlikely to go away. It is most common in boys and persists into adulthood in boys than girls. 
  • A tutor helps students acquire academic material by teaching the strategies and specific material. Tutors reinforce information taught in the classroom, help students use specific strategies for specific tasks and help students finish academic tasks. The goal of tutoring is to help children and adults access material they have learned in school. A SLP helps clients learn academic subjects, but the focus of therapy is to improve a specific area of speech, language, or executive function skills.
  • Studies show that vaccines are not associated with Autism. 
  • Children develop at their own unique pace, so while some children are early talkers, others start talking a little later. Usually, your child’s paediatrician will monitor which speech and language milestones your child has met to determine if they’re on a relatively normal schedule. As a parent, you should be able to understand 50% of your child’s speech when they turn 2 and 75% when turn 3-4 years old. 
  • To test reading fluency, kids are given paragraphs or a list of words to read out loud. Their score is how many words they can read in a minute. The score reports how accurate they are and how fast they are. it can be a concern if kids have trouble understanding letter-sound relationships or blending sounds together to read. There are some common learning and thinking differences that can affect a child’s reading rate. Slow processing speed can also affect it. So, if you think your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to talk to the teacher.
  • Yes
  • Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends
  • 2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling
  • 5-17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework. 
  • Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
  • There is no age limit when it comes to therapy. 
  • Speech therapy do not help children speak, they improve their oral language, written language, description, forming and using sentences. 

If your question remains unanswered or if you prefer a more direct interaction, please don’t hesitate to send us a message. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the support and information you need. Whether through our blog or direct communication, we’re committed to assisting you in fostering your child’s communication skills.