In Muscat, a transformative approach to therapy is changing the lives of children facing communication challenges. Play-based therapy and sensory workshops are proving to be effective methods for helping children reach their full potential, while also being sensitive to cultural nuances.
Leading this initiative is Pristine Sara George, a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), who has developed a specialised toolkit and sensory interventions tailored for Oman’s diverse communities.
She is the only SLT in Oman to have designed a sensory workshop specifically designed for children with special needs.
Pristine’s journey into speech therapy stems from a commitment to making a meaningful impact on those with communication difficulties. “My goal has always been to improve the lives of children and adults facing these challenges.”
The core of her work is the Speech Therapy Toolkit, designed to promote communication and social interaction. The toolkit features themed editions that incorporate cultural concepts into therapy sessions —such as Ramadhan, Back to School and Christmas — making the therapy relatable and engaging for children.
“Each themed edition allows children to connect more meaningfully with the therapy,” she explains. For instance, the Ramadhan edition focuses on greetings and sharing, while the Back to School edition helps children adapt to new routines and build friendships.
Pristine’s work with children diagnosed with autism, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Down Syndrome comes with unique challenges. “One major hurdle is the awareness gap — families and educators are still learning to recognise these conditions early and seek appropriate interventions,” she notes.
Addressing language diversity, behavioural needs and cultural attitudes towards disabilities involves close collaboration with parents and educators. By empowering them with knowledge and strategies, Pristine ensures they can better support their child’s development. Parents appreciate the structured activities that reinforce therapy goals at home, while educators find her toolkit helpful for connecting classroom learning with therapy.
One notable success involved a 5-year-old boy with autism who used the Back to School edition. With his parents’ help, he adapted to school routines, and within weeks, showed improved social interactions and communication skills, demonstrating the toolkit’s effectiveness in real-world situations.
Pristine’s work has earned recognition from professionals in the field. Nutaila al Kharusi, Psychotherapist and Managing Director at Al Harub Medical Centre, praises her commitment to innovation and the positive impact she has had on Oman’s speech therapy community. “Her customised sensory toolkit shows her creativity and dedication. The sensory workshops she designed have been highly effective for children with developmental delays.” Recently, Pristine conducted a Sensory Play Workshop in Muscat, offering families practical strategies to engage children through multi-sensory experiences. “Sensory play is essential, especially for children with autism, ADHD and other developmental challenges,” she says.
The workshop featured hands-on sessions with sensory tools like textured bins, kinetic sand and mindfulness activities. Families were encouraged to incorporate traditional activities, such as cooking and outdoor exploration, into their routines for deeper engagement.
At the workshop, one mother shared how her 22-month-old child, previously resistant to sensory activities, eagerly engaged with sand and water for the first time. Another parent noted how her son, Ali, became more engaged with sensory activities, opening the door to new possibilities.
In addition to her toolkits and workshops, Pristine has developed a sensory guidebook tailored to Oman’s cultural context. This guidebook provides practical strategies for children with sensory processing difficulties, including activities like tactile exploration with sand and auditory play using traditional instruments.
Through these sensory activities, Pristine is empowering children in Oman to navigate their social worlds with confidence, ultimately fostering a brighter future for them and their families.
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