Every child grows and develops at their own pace — that’s something all parents come to learn. But if you’re starting to feel unsure about your child’s speech or language skills, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear from families in Dubai is: When should I start speech therapy for my child?
It’s a very valid concern, especially in a city as diverse and multilingual as Dubai. With children growing up speaking more than one language and interacting in varied cultural settings, knowing what’s “normal” can be tricky. This guide is here to help you make sense of when it might be the right time to seek support and how speech therapy can help.
Why timing makes a difference
The earlier speech and language difficulties are identified, the better the outcome tends to be. Research across the world has shown that early intervention helps children build essential communication skills that support everything from making friends to learning at school.
That said, it’s not about rushing into therapy too soon. It’s about recognising signs early and seeking guidance when something doesn’t feel quite right. Often, parents say they “just knew something was off” — and listening to that instinct is important.
What are the speech and language milestones?
While all children develop differently, there are general language milestones that can serve as helpful markers:
- By 12 months: Your baby is likely babbling, using a range of sounds like “ba” and “da,” and turning to their name.
- By 18 months: You’ll probably hear a few real words — simple ones like “mama,” “bye,” or “no.”
- By 2 years: Your child may be combining two words (“want milk,” “go park”) and following short, everyday instructions.
- By 3 years: You might notice a word explosion , your child is forming short sentences and becoming easier to understand.
If your child isn’t hitting several of these milestones or seems to be regressing in speech, it’s a good idea to consult a speech therapist. It doesn’t always mean there’s a serious issue but a professional evaluation can offer clarity.
What about children growing up bilingual or multilingual?
In Dubai, many children are exposed to two or even three languages every day. It’s a wonderful advantage but it can also blur the lines between what’s typical and what’s delayed.
Here’s what’s helpful to keep in mind:
- Mixing languages at first is normal. Children might say “mama” in English and “shoes” in Arabic, for example. That’s part of their learning process.
- They might take a bit longer to start talking, but once they do, they often catch up quickly in both languages.
- Assessment should take multilingual exposure into account. Therapists trained in Dubai will look at your child’s abilities across languages, not just in one.
At Esperanza, we work with children from a wide range of language backgrounds and make sure therapy supports them in all the languages they use at home and in the community.
The role of culture and family in speech therapy
Therapy doesn’t happen in isolation it happens in the context of your family and your values. That’s especially true in the UAE, where extended families, cultural traditions, and religious practices shape how children grow and communicate.
For example:
- Grandparents or nannies may be involved in caregiving, so they should be part of the communication support plan.
- Some families prefer gentle, play-based therapy that blends into daily routines.
- Religious and social norms might shape how children express themselves and therapists should respect and understand this.
Esperanza’s team works closely with families to create therapy plans that fit your child’s world not just their diagnosis.
So, when should you take action?
The short answer is: as soon as you’re concerned. You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis or for your child to “catch up.” Getting a professional opinion early can make a world of difference and even if no therapy is needed, you’ll walk away with peace of mind.
Start with a free “First Steps” consultation
At Esperanza, we offer a no-cost, no-obligation session called “First Steps.” It’s designed for parents who want guidance but aren’t sure where to begin. In this session, one of our senior therapists will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, observe your child, and help you decide whether therapy is right for you.
It’s a gentle, family-friendly way to begin your journey , and you’ll never feel rushed or pressured.
To book your First Steps consultation, call or WhatsApp us at 00971555241094. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
