Shruthi Nayak is a DHA- and RCI-certified Speech-Language Therapist in Dubai, supporting children with speech, language, literacy, feeding and communication. These are the questions parents most often ask when looking for a speech therapist in Dubai.
Questions parents ask
How do I choose the best speech therapist in Dubai for my child?
The right therapist depends on your child’s needs. Check that they hold a current DHA licence, ask about their training in your child’s area of difficulty (for example motor speech, autism and communication, literacy or feeding), and look for someone who assesses before setting goals and involves parents throughout. Shruthi is DHA- and RCI-certified, holds a Master of Speech-Language Pathology (Manipal) and an Advanced Master in Deglutology (KU Leuven, Belgium), and is trained in approaches including PROMPT, DTTC, the Kaufman Protocol, Hanen and Orton-Gillingham.
How much does speech therapy cost in Dubai?
Fees in Dubai vary with the type of appointment (an initial assessment is usually priced differently from ongoing therapy sessions), the session length and the setting. Some health insurance plans cover speech therapy, often with a doctor’s referral, so it is worth checking your policy. For Shruthi’s current fees and availability, email enquiry@shruthinayak.com.
What age is best to start speech therapy?
There is no minimum age. Speech-language therapists work with babies and toddlers, for example on feeding or early communication, right through to school-age children. Support is generally most effective when it starts early, so if you have a concern it is better to ask than to wait and see.
What are the signs my child may need a speech therapist?
Common signs include: no babbling, pointing or waving by around 12 months; few or no words by 18 months; not putting two words together by 2 years; speech that familiar people find hard to understand by around 3 years; difficulty understanding or following instructions; stuttering that persists; difficulty with sounds, reading and spelling at school; and difficulty chewing, swallowing or accepting a range of foods. Every child develops at their own pace, and an assessment can tell you whether support would help.
What happens at the first speech therapy appointment?
Shruthi starts by understanding the whole child: a conversation with you about your child’s history, your concerns and how they communicate day to day, followed by assessment through play and structured activities. From your child’s individual profile she identifies the skills beneath the difficulty and plans meaningful goals with you.
How long does speech therapy take?
It depends on the child, the type of difficulty and how often new skills are practised in everyday life. Goals are reviewed as your child progresses, and parent collaboration helps skills carry over from therapy into home and school.
Does Shruthi Nayak work with autistic children?
Yes. Shruthi supports autistic children’s communication, building on each child’s strengths and interests, from early communication and functional communication to social communication and conversation.
Does Shruthi help with dyslexia and feeding difficulties too?
Yes. Alongside speech and language, Shruthi supports dyslexia and literacy (including phonological awareness and Orton-Gillingham-based teaching), paediatric feeding and swallowing, and orofacial myofunctional therapy, including therapy before and after a tongue-tie release.