Monday, Mar 24, 2014
Abu Dhabi: In a multicultural nation where the medium of instruction at school is a second language to most children, it is especially important to distinguish between developmental delays and lack of familiarity with a new language.
Children may take their time picking up English, which is a second language for the vast majority of schoolchildren in the UAE, but the delay can also stem from language and speech disorders, said Nannette Wicker, executive director and occupational therapist at Kids First Medical Centre.
“Such developmental delays need to be treated as early as possible so that they do not hold the child back academically,” Wicker said on Monday.
Children who face such developmental concerns are often unable to follow their teacher’s instructions. Parents may, however, take this lightly and believe the cause to be their child’s familiarity with English.
“Over the last three years, we have found that about 40 per cent of the children we see need to be monitored for developmental delays. Unfortunately, many schools don’t yet have language and speech counsellors to point out such concerns among children, and parents are also unaware of the need to seek medical help early,” Wicker said.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the AbilitiesME exhibition and conference in the capital, which is showcasing technologies and services for people with special needs.
Internationally, about 16 to 21 per cent of kindergarten pupils, and up to 12 per cent of primary school pupils, experience speech and language disorders and delay. About 9 per cent of children face speech disorders alone, while 7 per cent experience language development concerns.
Wicker recommended screening children as soon as they show any warning signs, including disruptive behaviour, lack of eye contact and communication skills, and educating parents and teachers about the need to look for language concerns.
Kids First provides counselling and support services to about 1,300 children in Dubai, and will open a similar facility in Abu Dhabi later this year.
By Samihah Zaman Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
