Dubai Autism Center launches early screening campaign

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has officially launched its annual Autism Pre-screening Campaign for the 2024-2025 academic year under the slogan ‘Schools for All’.

The initiative is part of the DAC's efforts to increase awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide early detection services for children in Dubai.

Over 500 Dubai-based early childhood centres, nurseries, and schools are joining forces to empower educators in early ASD detection. The workshops aim to identify children with autism early on, ensuring they receive timely support and optimal developmental outcomes

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General of the Dubai Autism Center said "Since the start of 2024, the Dubai Autism Center has offered free consultations to 306 children, including 82 Emirati children. Among them, 131 received comprehensive assessment sessions, with 52 Emirati children benefiting at no cost. Additionally, the centre conducted 45 psychological evaluation sessions, underscoring its commitment to accessible autism services.”.

Al Emadi emphasised that the extensive assessments and diagnostic evaluations resulted in tailored recommendations for each child.

A total of 162 children, including 34 Emiratis, were advised to seek Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy. Speech and language therapy was recommended for 109 children, with 28 Emiratis among them, while another 109 children, including 25 Emiratis, were recommended to undergo occupational therapy to enhance their developmental progress.

Reflecting on the centre’s pivotal role, Al Emadi further noted that 18 children, six of whom are Emiratis, were enrolled in the Dubai Autism Center’s specialised school programme. It brings the total number of children enrolled in both the school and clinical programmes to approximately 150, including 60 Emirati children.

Noora Al Saadi, Inclusive Education Specialist at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, highlighted the importance of raising community awareness about the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

She emphasised the need for clear guidance on effective ways to manage autism symptoms, which can help accelerate children’s learning, growth, and development, ensuring that all young children’s needs are met and that inclusive education services are of high quality.