Abu Dhabi family found their son's voice through music
Ahmed Al Hashemi, a 16-year-old Emirati pianist and composer, began speaking after age six. His mother says everyday family life helped reveal his path.
In Abu Dhabi, the Al Hashemi family spent years learning how to communicate with their son Ahmed, who began to speak only after the age of six. Today Ahmed, 16, is an Emirati pianist and composer and a Person of Determination, and his music has become his way of reaching others.
His mother, Eiman Al Aleeli, said the family combined speech and behavioural therapy with a full daily life that included swimming, outings, shopping trips and household chores. They paid attention to what he enjoyed and built on those interests rather than focusing only on his difficulties.
Eiman, who has three sons, said much of what the family learned about their children came through ordinary time together, such as conversations in the car or at the dining table. Her other sons are also pursuing their own interests: Abdullah, a content creator, hopes to become a veterinarian, and Eissa creates educational content about Emirati culture in French, Arabic and English.