If your child struggles to button their school shirt in the morning rush or finds the noise of Dubai Mall overwhelming, you might have wondered: “Is this just a phase?”
When parents in the UAE hear the words “Occupational Therapy” (OT), the first thing that often comes to mind is handwriting. And while we do love helping children master their pencil grip, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
As parents, we want our children to be happy, confident, and independent. But sometimes, little hurdles in daily life can knock that confidence. That is where OT comes in.
To understand OT, you first have to ask: “What is a child’s job?”
Adults have careers. A child’s “occupation” is to play, learn, and take care of themselves. When a child struggles with these daily “jobs,” an Occupational Therapist acts as a bridge, helping them build the skills they need to navigate their world with joy.
Here is what occupational therapy for kids in Dubai really looks like, broken down into three parts of your daily life.
1. Self-Care: The Art of Independence
Living in Dubai is fast-paced. Mornings can be a scramble. If your child is consistently struggling with the basics of daily living, it can be frustrating for them (and exhausting for you).
OT focuses on the practical motor skills and planning needed for independence:
* Dressing: Managing buttons, zips on school uniforms, or tying shoelaces.
* Eating: Using cutlery correctly during family dinners or opening lunchboxes independently at school.
* Hygiene: Brushing teeth effectively or managing bathroom routines without help.
The Goal: We aren’t just teaching them to tie a knot; we are teaching them to say, “I can do it myself.”
2. School Skills: It’s Not Just About Writing
Yes, handwriting is important! But child development in the UAE creates high academic expectations. To succeed in a classroom, a child needs more than just neat writing; they need to be able to focus and participate.
OT helps with the “invisible” skills needed for school:
* Executive Function: This is the brain’s “air traffic control.” It helps children organise their backpack, remember instructions, and transition from one lesson to the next without a meltdown.
* Posture & Core Strength: Sitting at a desk for hours requires physical stamina. If a child is slumping or fidgeting constantly, they might be too tired to focus on the lesson.
* Visual Motor Skills: Copying from the board to a notebook requires the eyes and hands to talk to each other perfectly.
3. Play & Socialising: The Most Important Job of All
Play is how children learn about the world. In Dubai, where socialising often happens in busy environments—like soft plays, parks, or family gatherings—some children find it hard to join in.
An OT looks at why a child might be sitting on the sidelines:
* Motor Planning: Do they avoid the climbing frame because they don’t feel safe in their body?
* Social cues: Do they struggle to understand the rules of the game or turn-taking?
* Emotional Regulation: Can they handle the frustration of losing a game without getting overwhelmed?
The “Hidden” Fourth Pillar: Sensory Processing
This is a big one for our families. Dubai is a sensory-rich city—bright lights, air conditioning hums, echoing malls, and busy classrooms
Some children have sensory systems that are “too loud” or “too quiet.”
* The Avoiders: They might cover their ears at firework displays, hate the feeling of sand at Kite Beach, or refuse to wear certain fabrics (like stiff school socks).
* The Seekers: They might be constantly crashing into sofas, spinning in circles, or chewing on their shirt collars.
What is pediatric OT’s role here? We help uncover these sensory preferences and create a “diet” of activities to help your child feel calm, regulated, and ready to learn.
So, does my child need support?
If you are reading this and nodding along, know that you are not alone. Seeking support is not about “fixing” your child; it is about uncovering their strengths and clearing the path for them to shine.
We focus on progress, not perfection. Whether it is finally buttoning that shirt or making a new friend at the park, we are here to celebrate every win with you.
