When a child struggles with friends, a child psychologist in Dubai may look at social communication. The Valens Clinic describes four patterns in a 2024 post. Its speech therapy and educational psychology leads wrote the post. A child may misread cues, find conversation hard, take words literally or struggle to see another view. A struggle with friends does not always mean autism.
What is social communication, and why does it shape friendships?
The post defines language pragmatics as the way people use language to interact with others. It covers word choice, tone, body language, turn-taking and knowing when to stay silent. The authors condense the idea into “knowing when to say what to whom and how much.”
The skills matter more for children in Dubai, the post says. Multicultural interactions are common here, and many school activities depend on group work. The post expects school-aged children to adapt to social rules which change between settings.
What does a social communication struggle look like?
The post names four patterns. A child may misread facial expressions, body language or tone of voice. Conversation may feel hard: starting one, taking turns or staying on topic. Idioms, metaphors and sarcasm may land literally. Another person’s point of view may be hard to grasp.
Trouble forming and keeping friendships heads the post’s list of consequences. The list also includes awkward exchanges with security guards, housekeepers, doctors and dentists. The post says misunderstandings can lead others to see a child as rude.
My reading, offered as one: a child called rude at school may deserve a closer look before anyone assumes a discipline problem.
Does a struggle with friends mean autism?
Not always. The post calls the assumption a common misconception. Not every child with social communication challenges is on the autism spectrum. Such difficulties do appear commonly in children with autism. Developmental, psychological or environmental factors can also play a part.
The post says a thorough assessment in Dubai clarifies the distinction and guides support for each child. The site lists no assessment length or fees, so ask the clinic.
Who helps: a child psychologist or a speech therapist?
The post says the two professions work together. Speech and language therapists work directly on pragmatic language. Examples include listener awareness, non-verbal cues and conversational dynamics. Activities such as role-play support the work. Psychologists address anxiety and difficulties in social cognition. They help a child understand other people’s perspectives and emotions.
The clinic’s child psychology page says a psychologist will likely collaborate with a child’s other clinicians, such as speech and language therapists. Tameem Allam, who leads speech therapy at the clinic, co-wrote the post with Dr Rama Kanj.
What can help a child practise social skills?
The post names several strategies it calls evidence-based. They include structured programmes with role-play, video modelling, peer-mediated interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), visual supports, and training for caregivers and teachers. The post does not say which ones the clinic uses, so ask at the first consultation.
CBT, according to the post, helps a child manage anxiety about social situations. The clinic offers assessments plus individual and group sessions to build social communication skills. The Young Valens FAQ says a clinician picks the format after an initial assessment. No group schedule, age bands or fees appear on the site.
What can you do before you book?
A suggestion from me, not guidance from the clinic: note two or three recent moments with friends. Write down what happened, where, and what your child said afterwards. Specific moments are easier to discuss with a clinician than a general worry.
The clinic’s child psychology page advises you to tell your child who they will see and why, calmly and in age-appropriate words. It suggests choosing a quiet moment when your child feels calm.
Book a first appointment
Read about child psychology at the clinic or Young Valens, then email info@thevalensclinic.ae to book. Every Valens clinician holds a licence from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Community Development Authority (CDA).