A UAE-based startup, Potion AI, is tackling the critical issue of developmental language disorders with an innovative, tablet-based game called Chatty Check. Created by Hamdan Al-Ali and Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki, the tool is designed to screen children between the ages of three and five in just 15 minutes. By observing how children interact with specific tasks, the AI analyzes comprehension and language use, providing parents with immediate feedback and, if necessary, a referral to a speech-language pathologist. This initiative addresses a significant local need, as research indicates nearly one in ten three-year-olds in the UAE may exhibit signs of language delay, a condition that can lead to long-term academic and social challenges if left unaddressed.

The development of Chatty Check was rooted in direct collaboration with clinical experts to ensure the game mirrors professional assessment techniques. Importantly, the founders emphasize that their platform is a screening tool rather than a diagnostic one, distinguishing it from many over-promising health apps by prioritizing clinical validation and peer-reviewed research. Beyond its technological approach, the startup fills a vital gap by offering support in both Arabic and English, helping to overcome the scarcity of culturally relevant and language-specific diagnostic tools in the region. Currently undergoing pilot testing in various nurseries, the platform represents a significant step forward in using locally-developed innovation to support early childhood development.