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Special education

ABA, speech or occupational therapy: which does my child need?

A plain-language guide to ABA, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for children in the UAE: what each addresses and how to decide.

By Hamd Holdings editorial team2 min read

A child's hand placing a wooden block on a small stack, an adult's hand resting nearby in warm morning light

Parents are often told their child 'needs therapy' without a clear explanation of which kind, or why. The three most commonly recommended — applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy — address different things, and many children benefit from more than one.

This guide explains each in plain language. It is not a substitute for an assessment: the right choice comes from a professional who has met your child.

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy supports communication in its widest sense: understanding language, expressing needs and ideas, speech sounds, social communication, and in some cases feeding and swallowing. For young children it is often play-based, and it can take place at home, at school or at a centre.

  • Late talking or limited vocabulary for age
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Speech that is hard for others to understand
  • Challenges with conversation and social communication

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy helps children build the skills for daily life: fine motor skills such as holding a pencil or using cutlery, gross motor coordination, self-care such as dressing, and managing sensory experiences that may feel overwhelming.

  • Difficulty with handwriting or using tools
  • Clumsiness or coordination challenges
  • Strong reactions to noise, textures or movement
  • Difficulty with dressing, eating or other routines

Applied behaviour analysis (ABA)

ABA uses the principles of learning and behaviour to teach new skills and reduce behaviours that get in the way of learning and daily life. A good programme is individual, designed around the child's own plan, respectful of the child, and involves the family.

Ask any ABA provider who designs and supervises the programme, how goals are chosen, how progress is measured, and how your family will be involved.

When more than one therapy is recommended

Needs often overlap: a child with communication difficulties may also find sensory experiences hard, for example. When several therapists are involved, they should work to one plan with shared goals, rather than each setting their own. Ask who coordinates between them.

Starting with assessment

The right mix of therapies depends on your child. An assessment gives a clear picture of their needs before anything is planned. Special Minds, within the group, provides ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, tutoring and early intervention, and starts every engagement with assessment.

Questions people ask

At what age should therapy start?

There is no single right age. If you have concerns, seek advice early: early intervention, built around play and daily routines, can begin in the first years of life.

Can therapy happen at home?

Yes. Speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, ABA and early intervention are often delivered at home, where skills can be practised in everyday routines.

How will I know therapy is working?

Your child's plan should set specific goals and a way to measure progress. Regular reviews should show movement toward those goals, or lead to changes in approach.

This article is general information, not professional advice. For decisions about your business, your home or your child, speak to a qualified professional.

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