The early development of language skills in children is a crucial milestone, but when delays occur, it can lead to anxiety and uncertainty for parents. Zahra Reyadh, a speech therapist with 12 years of experience, spoke to The Daily Tribune about the limited availability of data on the local incidence of issues such as autism and misdiagnosis rates in Bahrain. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and starting language therapy as soon as signs of delay are noticed. In addition to therapy sessions, she recommends focusing on strengthening parent-child bonds and reducing screen time to aid in speech development.
Reyadh’s clinic, Speak Out, uses a method of diagnosis that involves multiple sessions to determine the root causes of developmental delays. She stresses the importance of understanding that autism and speech delay can coexist and that speech difficulties in young children can sometimes be the first indication of autism. Taking the time to accurately diagnose the issue is crucial in providing the appropriate treatment. Reyadh also suggests the need for awareness campaigns and the establishment of multidisciplinary therapeutic and diagnostic teams at the institutional level to reduce challenges in diagnosing and managing language developmental issues.
One of the topics close to Reyadh’s heart is technology and its role in diagnosing and managing language developmental issues. She believes that AI can be instrumental in this process, offering promising advancements in the field. By utilizing technology, professionals can improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing and treating language delays. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for speech therapists and healthcare institutions to embrace these advancements to provide better care for children with developmental delays.
In a fast-paced lifestyle, a lack of connection between parents and children can severely impact a child’s linguistic progress. Reyadh emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities like bedtime stories to strengthen these bonds and support speech development. By taking a holistic approach to therapy, including both clinical sessions and at-home activities, parents can play a significant role in helping their children overcome language delays. By addressing these challenges early on and seeking proper treatment, children can develop the necessary language skills to thrive and communicate effectively.
Overall, Reyadh’s insights shed light on the importance of early intervention and accurate diagnosis in addressing language developmental issues in children. By raising awareness, establishing specialized teams, and utilizing technology, professionals can provide better care for children with speech delays. Through a combination of therapy, parent-child bonding, and technological advancements, children can overcome developmental challenges and reach their full potential in language development.
