Dr. Marie Therese Abi Akel

Ms. Marie Thérèse Abi Akel is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist and Head of Allied Health Services at Medcare Medical Centre in Jumeirah, Dubai. With over 22 years of clinical experience, she has built her career across Lebanon and the UAE, establishing rehabilitation services and leading multidisciplinary teams. She is fluent in English and Arabic and holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Language Therapy from Saint Joseph University in Beirut, with specialized training in cochlear implant rehabilitation.

Ms. Abi Akel treats children with speech sound disorders, developmental language delays, fluency disorders (stuttering), autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, auditory processing difficulties, and learning disabilities. She is experienced in cochlear implant rehabilitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — techniques that help children who cannot speak naturally to communicate effectively. Her approach combines evidence-based therapies with specialized certification programs including the Hanen Programme, Makaton, the Lidcombe Programme for stuttering, and TalkTools for oral-motor therapy.

She is a good fit for families seeking comprehensive, child-centered speech therapy delivered by a clinician with deep expertise in multiple communication disorders and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming care.