There are many developmental milestones we watch out for as our children grow. Some they hit on time and as expected and some less so which can render parents worried. In this episode of the podcast Zainab speaks to Sr. Azra Hassanali who is a mother to 2 girls and a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist with 20 years of experience working for both the NHS and independently. 

Azra works with families, education staff and health professionals in a variety of settings including nurseries, schools, children's centres and community clinics. Sr. Azra works with children that have a wide range of additional needs including Autism, hearing impairment, speech sound difficulties, language disorder, and stammering to name a few. Azra is also a passionate advocate campaigning for the acceptance and inclusivity of people with disabilities in the Muslim community and has run an annual disability awareness day for students and teachers at Madressa for the last 10 years.

Azra is also the voice and mastermind behind an album of rhymes called ‘A Day with Aunty Zahra’ which quickly became a staple in homes across the globe as it promotes the love of Allah and The Ahlulbayt.

We talk about behaviour being communication, about speech and language delays as well as about making our communities and centres more inclusive, welcoming and nurturing for all irrespective of physical and mental abilities just as our beautiful faith teaches us.