Helping Children Thrive with Pediatric Occupational Therapy at Al Najma
Guiding families toward independence, confidence, and joy
Every child grows and learns at their own pace. Some pick up skills like dressing, holding a pencil, or making friends with ease. Others may find these everyday activities more challenging, leaving parents wondering why their child struggles when others don’t.
Maybe your child avoids certain foods because of texture, gets frustrated during handwriting, has trouble sitting still in class, or finds it difficult to join group play. These challenges can happen with or without a formal diagnosis. Some children may have autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing differences, or learning difficulties. Others simply need extra support to build skills that help them participate confidently in daily life.
At Al Najma Center, our pediatric occupational therapy team helps children and families find practical solutions, empowering strategies, and a pathway toward independence, confidence, and joy.
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy, or OT, is all about helping children develop the skills they need for the “occupations” of childhood - learning, playing, socializing, and caring for themselves.
At Al Najma, our pediatric occupational therapists take time to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and daily routines. From there, we create a personalized plan that focuses on building skills in a way that feels natural, motivating, and fun.
OT is not about forcing a child to fit into a box. Instead, it’s about giving them the tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate life in ways that work best for them.
We support children from infancy through adolescence - whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. If a challenge is making everyday life harder, OT can help.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from OT
Parents are often the first to notice when something feels a little different in their child’s development. Some common signs that a child might benefit from occupational therapy include:
► Difficulty with self-care such as dressing, feeding, or toileting
► Trouble holding a pencil or using scissors
► Avoidance of certain textures, foods, or activities
► Challenges with attention, memory, or following instructions
► Difficulty managing emotions or coping with changes in routine
► Struggles to play or socialize with peers
► Clumsiness, frequent tripping, or difficulty learning new movements
► Very picky eating that limits food choices or mealtime participation
► Trouble with handwriting, drawing, or keeping work neat on the page
► Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or busy environments
► Difficulty staying seated or focused in class
► Trouble transitioning between activities at home or school
✨ These are just some of the concerns parents bring to us. Every child is unique, and occupational therapy at Al Najma is designed to support a wide range of needs even those not listed here.
Holistic Areas of Support
Pediatric occupational therapy at Al Najma is holistic, meaning we look at the whole child — not just one skill. Areas we focus on include:
► Fine Motor Skills – Holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, fastening buttons, zipping clothes, and tying shoelaces.
► Gross Motor Skills – Running, climbing, balancing, and developing core strength for safe, confident movement.
► Self-Care Skills – Eating independently, dressing, brushing teeth and hair, and managing toileting.
► Sensory Processing skills – Helping children respond comfortably to sights, sounds, textures, and movement.
► Emotional Regulation – Managing frustration, adapting to changes, and coping with strong feelings.
► Cognitive & Learning Skills – Following instructions, staying focused, problem-solving, and organizing tasks.
► Social & Play Skills – Sharing, turn-taking, joining group activities, and understanding social cues.
► Feeding & Oral Motor Skills – Transitioning to solids, expanding food choices, improving chewing and swallowing, and reducing mealtime stress.
► Visual & Perceptual Skills – Eye-hand coordination, visual tracking, spatial awareness, and perception.
► Executive Functioning – Planning, organizing, time management, and self-monitoring.
► Transitions & Routine Management – Coping with changes and moving smoothly between activities.
► Environmental Adaptations – Recommending tools, seating, or sensory-friendly spaces to improve participation.
Who We Work With
At Al Najma, we support children with a wide range of needs, including:
► Autism spectrum disorder
► ADHD
► Cerebral palsy
► Down syndrome
► Developmental delays
► Sensory processing differences
► Learning challenges
► Physical injuries
We also work with children who don’t have a diagnosis but need extra support with motor skills, self-care, attention, or social participation.
💡 Every child deserves support - whether they’re learning to button a shirt, focus in class, or make friends at the playground.
What Therapy Looks Like at Al Najma
Therapy at Al Najma is family-centered and fun. We believe progress happens when children feel safe, supported, and motivated.
► Sessions are playful, using games and activities children enjoy
► Parents and caregivers learn strategies to use at home and school
► We collaborate with teachers and other specialists for consistency
► Goals are practical, meaningful, and tailored to each child
Why Early Support Matters
The earlier a child receives occupational therapy, the more effective it can be. Early intervention:
► Strengthens brain development
► Builds confidence and independence
► Improves school readiness
► Reduces stress for both children and families
Even small improvements early on can create long-lasting benefits. OT gives children the foundation to feel capable, included, and ready to thrive.
Final Thoughts: Every Child Can Thrive
Parenting can feel overwhelming when your child struggles with everyday skills. The important thing to remember is: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Pediatric occupational therapy at Al Najma in Sharjah and Dubai is here to guide and support both children and families.
We’ve seen children who once avoided handwriting now proudly complete schoolwork, picky eaters expand their food choices, and children who once struggled with big feelings learn to regulate and connect with others. With the right support, daily challenges become opportunities for growth and joy.
✨ If you’re wondering whether OT is right for your child, we’d love to help. Book a consultation with Al Najma today and take the first step toward your child’s brighter, more confident future.
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