July 26, 2025

What to Expect from Your Child’s First Speech Therapy Session in Dubai

A helpful guide for parents starting their speech therapy journey

It’s a big decision to start your kid’s speech therapy, and it’s normal to be worried about what will happen in the first session or to have concerns. Whether your child has a speech delay, difficulty pronouncing sounds, or challenges with language skills, knowing what to expect can make the experience more comfortable for both you and your child.

If you’re in Dubai and preparing for your child’s first speech therapy appointment, here’s a friendly guide to help you understand the process and feel confident moving forward.

Expectations Before Your Child’s Appointment

In order to better understand your child’s requirements, the therapist will collect crucial background information before the first speech therapy session. Your child’s medical history, communication patterns, developmental milestones, and any particular issues you’ve seen may all be questioned. Esperanza ELC is one of the facilities that could ask you to fill out a quick intake form or questionnaire. The therapist can successfully customize the session and guarantee that your kid receives the most specific, supportive treatment right away thanks to this preparation.

What happens during the first session?

The first speech therapy session is usually a friendly, informal meeting focused on getting to know your child and understanding their communication skills. The therapist will use a variety of activities and play to observe how your child talks, listens, and interacts.

You can expect the following:

Observation and play: The therapist will spend time watching how your child communicates—whether through words, gestures, or sounds. Play is often used as a natural way to engage your child and make them feel comfortable.

Simple tasks: Depending on your child’s age and abilities, the therapist might ask them to follow simple instructions, name objects, or repeat sounds and words.

Parent involvement: Therapists usually encourage parents to be present during the session. Your presence can help your child feel safe, and you can learn about the strategies the therapist uses. At Esperanza Speech and Occupational Therapy Centre, we invite parents to participate actively in sessions so you can support your child’s progress at home.

Discussion with parents: Towards the end of the session, the therapist will talk with you about what they observed, answer your questions, and discuss possible next steps.

How Much Time Does the Initial Speech Therapy Session Last?

At Esperanza ELC, the first speech therapy session usually lasts 45 to an hour. This period enables our professionals to watch your kid with gentleness, have important conversations, and obtain crucial information—all while making sure your youngster is relaxed and comfortable. It also gives parents a chance to talk to the therapist about their first impressions and ask questions.

What Takes Place After the Initial Session?

After the first evaluation, your therapist will create a customized treatment plan for your child based on their individual needs and strengths. Ongoing treatment sessions, supervised at-home practice exercises, or, if required, referrals to other experts are all possible components of this strategy. You will continue to be an involved participant throughout the process; every choice about your child’s developmental path is based on your goals and suggestions.

Feeling prepared and supported

Starting speech therapy is a journey, and the first session is just the beginning. Therapists understand that every child and family is unique, so they take time to build trust and create a positive environment.

If you’re looking for a trusted speech therapy centre in Dubai, Esperanza Speech and Occupational Therapy Centre offers personalised care with experienced therapists. Additionally, we offer a free introductory session known as “First Steps” to assist families in comprehending the procedure and feeling supported right away.