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The UAE is home to a diverse population of around 202 nationalities, giving it a varied cultural and linguistic landscape. Within this context, educators and psychologists are faced with the challenge of…

Association for Play Therapy has defined play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process where trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play…”

Arecent government report into children‟s mental health and well-being (2015) showed that 1 in 8 children aged 10-15 report symptoms of mental ill-health.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-known therapy with a scientific evidence base that supports its use in a wide range of psychological disorders that are evident along the life.

Working as a behavioural therapist with young families and adoption families, often behaviour and developmental difficulties are related to early attachment experiences.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) continues to be a much-debated construct. An ever increasing body of re-search has divided clinicians into two camps…

The UAE Psychologist: “What 3 key words should be considered in a definition of the work of a Child psychology?” Dr. Amy Bailey: “I’d say: Child-centred, evidence-based, systemic practice.”

“A child who experiences physical abuse is likely to experience the world as an unsafe place which can cause them anxiety,” said clinical psychologist Amy Bailey, Head of Psychology at kidsFIRST Medical Center in Dubai.

“Educators from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah gathered this week to share their experiences and expertise in teaching children with special needs and learning difficulties.”

When asked how the person being bullied should react, Singhal said: “Although it may be difficult not to respond or retaliate, it is always better to ignore cyberbullying. A cyberbully is looking for attention and giving them a response only feeds this need and makes them feel more powerful.

Video (in English with Arabic subtitles) about the importance of physical activity and movement for children from kidsFIRST Founder, Nannette Wicker-Essick, with Omo Arabia.

Video (in Arabic with English subtitles) about the importance of physical activity and movement for children from kidsFIRST trainer, Leila Mikhael, with Omo Arabia.

Nannette Wicker-Essick, occupational therapist and executive director/founder of kidsFirst in Dubai, agrees that children with dyspraxia are misunderstood. “Teachers may feel the child is not meeting their potential in the classroom,”

Video (in Arabic with English subtitles) about the importance of play children’s development from kidsFIRST Speech and Language Therapist, Souad Mouawad, with Omo Arabia.

Video (in English with Arabic subtitles) on the impact of gadgets on children’s development from kidsFIRST Physiotherapist, Nishad Sayyed, with Omo Arabia.

Video (in Arabic with English subtitles) about the role of parents in encouraging spots from kidsFIRST trainer, Leila Mikhael, with Omo Arabia.

Video (in English with Arabic subtitles) on the impact of gadgets on children’s development from kidsFIRST clinical psychologist, Dr Amy Bailey, with Omo Arabia.

Dr Amy Bailey, a clinical psychologist in Dubai, told Gulf News: “Participation in physical activity is important for all individuals regardless of age. Research has shown that when you exercise…”

In many children, specific learning difficulties go undetected during their early formative years when they are still learning to read and written language output is limited. 

“Divorce is a time of change and transition. This results in anxiety in children especially if the conflict is ongoing and the child does not know how their living situation would be in the future,” said Dr Amy Baily, Department Head of Psychology & Counseling at Kids First Medical Center in Dubai.  

Dr Amy Bailey, Clinical Psy-chologist at Kids First Medical Centre in Dubai, said, “Children are more likely to be more secretive as they approach adolescence.”

Answers (in Arabic) about dyslexia from kidsFIRST therapist, Souad Mouawad, on Sabah al Arabiya.

Speech Language Therapist, Souad Mouawad, answers questions (in Arabic) about pediatric language development and delays on Al Arabiya’s  morning show.

With technology and gadgets, children do not have the need to plan movement, explore and feel with their hands and bodies — a process absolutely necessary for the development and learning process of children.

“We want to bring awareness to people about inclusion into society. We want them to empathise and see there are different people out there,” she said.

“Children are often not accepted in schools due to lack of provisions and facilities available within the school,” said Ms Wicker-Essick, who is also an occupational therapist.

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.

“If they don’t have access to the education system, then it becomes difficult for them to be a part of the society because there’s not really a space for them to fit,” Ms Wicker-Essick said.

“Another common condition, iron deficiency anemia, usually caused by insufficient dietary iron, leads to irritability and learning difficulties.” Dr. Sara Khawaja

“Talk to your child about other positive characteristics of their favourite hero, such as their clever thinking and care of others. Help shape their play by creating stories and limiting their exposure to more aggressive shows,” Bailey says.