Signs of Speech Delay in Children: A Dubai Parent’s Checklist
A Parent’s Journey in Dubai
You’re at a soft play area, watching your two-year-old stack blocks. All around, you hear “Big ball!” and “My turn!” in Arabic, English, Hindi, and more. Your little one mainly points and gestures. Is this normal, especially in multicultural Dubai?
If this feels familiar, you are not alone. Dubai’s diversity is a gift, but it can make it tricky to spot genuine speech delays. Trusting your instinct is the first loving step. Early intervention changes lives. It supports your child’s confidence, friendships, and school readiness.
Social Communication Milestones Snapshot and What to Watch For
12–18 Months
● Babbles, uses 1–3 meaningful words (“mama,” “dada”).
● Points, waves.
● Lack of gestures or sound play could signal a need for screening.
18–24 Months
● Vocabulary of 10–50 words (in any language).
● Start two-word phrases (“more milk,” “daddy go”).
● Tries to use items in the right way (hold phone to talk, cup to drink).
● Limited phrase use after 24 months warrants deeper evaluation.
24–36 Months
● Uses 3–4 word sentences, asking questions.
● Vocabulary up to 1,000 words; Mostly understood by familiar adults.
● Follows home routines and simple instructions.
● Inability to follow routines and simple conversations suggest extra support may help.
“A key warning sign is if a child isn’t putting words together into short sentences by age two. Early identification and intervention gives the best outcomes for speech and language development.”
—Dr. Catherine Crowley, Professor of Practice in Communications Sciences, Columbia University
Bilingual Note: Mixing languages is a healthy sign. Saying “Yalla, let’s go!” or combining English and Arabic is normal. True speech delay appears in all languages.
Typical Variations vs. Red Flags
| Typical Variations | Red Flags |
| Quiet but understands well | No babbling or pointing by 12 months |
| Slight mispronunciations | No single words by 18 months |
| Occasional “late talker” adding new words | Fewer than 50 words or no two-word phrases by 24 months |
| Mixing languages or accents | Regression or loss of speech skills |
| Uses gestures initially, then adds words | Speech not understood by family by 36 months |
Data callout: A 2024 Dubai study linked over four hours of daily screen time to higher speech delay rates.
Action Tip: Limit passive screen time to 20 minutes daily and increase face-to-face interaction.
Contributing Factors in Dubai
● Bilingualism: A superpower, not a cause of delays.
● Screen Time: Passive use reduces parent–child conversation.
● Sibling Effects: Older siblings might “speak for” younger ones.
● Expat Moves: New environments can temporarily affect speech.
Action Tip: Dedicate 20 device-free minutes daily to playful interaction and narrate routines in both home languages.
Home Screening Toolkit
● ✅ Receptive Language Check: Can your child follow two-step commands (“Bring shoes here”)?
● ✅ Expressive Language Check: Do they use words when they want something?
● ✅ Social Check: Do they initiate joint attention (“Look at that plane!”)?
● ✅ Play Check: Engage in pretend play—does your child narrate actions?
● ✅ Vocabulary Log: Track words used in each language over a week.
When and How to Contact a Speech Therapist
● Identify concerns: Document missed milestones, regression, or unclear speech.
● Gather examples: Record short videos of your child communicating.
● Health history: Note ear infections or hearing tests.
● What to expect: A play-based assessment addressing all home languages.
● Outcome: A clear plan—either reassurance or targeted support.
Your Child’s Voice Matters
Navigating speech milestones in Dubai’s multicultural landscape can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Early clarity leads to confident communication and stronger social connections. If you have even minor concerns, book a friendly, no-pressure assessment with our Dubai-licensed specialists today. Your child’s voice deserves to be heard, clearly and joyfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child is shy but understands everything?
Strong understanding is positive, but expressive challenges need a professional check to distinguish shyness from delay.
Can speech delay resolve on its own?
Some late talkers catch up, but early evaluation ensures timely support and peace of mind.
How is assessment different for bilingual kids?
Therapists assess total language skills across all languages, accounting for code-switching. They never penalize mixing.
How many therapy sessions will my child need?
Most families start with 1–3 sessions per week, adjusted based on progress and schedules.
Will therapy interfere with my child’s routine or preschool?
Quality clinics coordinate with schools and offer flexible scheduling—before or after school, or midday.
Does insurance cover speech therapy in Dubai?
UAE plans don’t always cover it directly, but insurers like Daman, Neuron, and Orient may reimburse. Always seek pre-approval.
What qualifications should I look for in a speech therapist?
Look for a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist certified by ASHA or an equivalent body, with pediatric and bilingual experience.
