Speech and language delay can affect how a child understands words, uses sentences, pronounces sounds, follows instructions or expresses needs. Some children speak late. Others speak but struggle to answer questions, tell stories, follow classroom language or explain what happened during the day.
Parents may notice that their child uses fewer words than expected, does not combine words, becomes frustrated when misunderstood, repeats words without using them meaningfully or struggles to follow instructions. Hearing should also be checked when communication concerns appear, because hearing difficulties can affect speech, language, attention and classroom learning.
At home, the best strategy is not to pressure the child to “say it properly” all the time. Instead, model language naturally. If the child says “car”, the parent can say “yes, red car” or “the car is going fast”. This expands language without making the child feel tested.
Daily routines are powerful. During breakfast, name foods and actions. During bath time, describe what is happening: wash hands, pour water, dry towel. During dressing, give choices: blue shirt or white shirt? Choices encourage communication and reduce frustration. Books, songs, pretend play and face-to-face conversation are more helpful than passive screen time for building communication.
In multilingual UAE homes, parents often worry that speaking more than one language will confuse the child. Families should discuss this with a speech therapist, but in many cases parents should continue using the language they are most confident in. Warm, rich communication at home matters.
At school, communication goals should be used throughout the day, not only in therapy sessions. An LSA can model simple language, use visuals, offer choices, check understanding and encourage the child to communicate with teachers and peers. If the child uses picture cards, signs, gestures or a communication device, the LSA can help make sure these tools are available in the classroom, playground and routines.
Incluzun LSAs can work with speech therapists and school teams to support targets such as answering “who/what/where” questions, requesting help, following instructions, expanding sentences or joining peer conversations. Consistency between therapy, school and home helps communication grow.
Parent Checklist: When to Seek Further Professional Guidance
Disclaimer: This checklist is only a general guide to help parents notice possible traits or concerns. It is not an identification, diagnosis or formal assessment. Only a suitably qualified professional can complete a formal identification or assessment of a child's needs.
Parents may wish to seek further professional advice when several of the following traits are frequent, persistent and affecting learning, daily life, communication, independence, confidence or safety:
☐ Uses fewer words or shorter sentences than expected for their age.
☐ Speech is difficult for familiar adults or peers to understand.
☐ Becomes frustrated because they cannot express needs, ideas or feelings clearly.
☐ Struggles to follow simple or multi-step instructions.
☐ Repeats words or phrases without using them meaningfully in context.
☐ Finds it difficult to answer questions, tell stories or explain what happened.
☐ Does not respond consistently when spoken to or there are concerns about hearing.
☐ Shows loss of previously used words or communication skills.
If you are unsure where to begin, you can always contact Incluzun for more direction towards the right qualified professional for formal identification or assessment, and to discuss whether an LSA may be suitable for your child.
Research and UAE guidance note: American Family Physician highlights the role of early identification, parent observations and referral when speech and language delays are suspected.
Incluzun specialises in finding the right Learning Support Assistant (LSA) for the right child. For speech and language support, our LSAs work with families, schools, teachers, inclusion teams and therapists so that agreed goals are practised consistently across the school day. The aim is meaningful progress, confidence and independence, not dependence on adult support.
Need LSA support for your child? Contact Incluzun: [email protected] | 056-5000-830.
Remember, inclusion is a journey, not a destination.