More children receiving psychological care at Dubai hospital

Out of more than 500 children who have visited the psychological counselling department at Latifa Hospital in Dubai since the beginning of this year, 157 cases were new.

DUBAI // The number of children receiving psychological counselling at Latifa Hospital has increased by about a third in 10 months.

Of more than 500 children who have visited the psychological counselling department since the start of this year, 157 cases are new.

The department also has visits from families, said Amal Al Shamlan, head of the rehabilitation unit at Latifa Hospital.

"This year we received 519 cases, of which 157 are new cases," Ms Al Shamlan said.

"In the last quarter of 2011 we received 203 cases, of which 82 were new cases.

"While the majority of cases were children below the age of 13, we did provide family counselling for some families whose children and adults both suffered" from problems.

Counselling for families includes educational classes to help parents understand and support their children. The department sees children as young as three.

It provides services such as a therapy room, psychotherapy and assessments to identify problem areas.

Children with specific problems, such as autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, will benefit greatly from the sensory integration room, which has been modified since opening, said Ms Al Shamlan.