Dubai: Dubai Autism Center (DAC) warned against diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on the symptoms recognized by some doctors and non-specialized care providers in light of misconceptions and inaccurate concepts prevalent in the community where autism spectrum disorder is often confused with learning difficulties disorder.

This was stated by Mohamed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center, stressing that there are internationally approved standards that must be followed in the diagnosis and assessment process that include various specializations such as psychology, applied behavior analysis, speech, special education, and occupational therapy.

"An accurate diagnosis takes several sessions that require the participation of a multidisciplinary team that includes psychologist, pediatrician, applied behavior analyst, speech therapist, occupational therapist, in addition to the education specialist,” said Al Emadi.

Nicholas Orland, Head of Autism Program and the Diagnostic Clinic at the DAC said: "In general it can be said that symptoms of autism can be observed early before the child reaches the age of three however; it is rare to appear after the age of five; whereas the most cases that are misdiagnosed with autism are psychological problems, learning difficulties, mental retardation, speech development problems, and hearing impairment.

“The aim of our Diagnostic Clinic is to provide accurate diagnosis for children who have symptoms that raise suspicion of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD), therefore early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder improves the opportunity of the affected child to obtain appropriate care and therapy", Orland said.

It is noteworthy that the Dubai Autism Center was established by a decree of the ruler of Dubai in 2001 as a non-profit organization that aims to provide specialized services to take care for children with autism and provide support for their families and their careers. The financial resources of the center consists of subsidies, donations and any charitable endowments for the welfare of the center.

In 2017, the Dubai Autism Center moved to its new headquarters located on an area of 90,000 square feet, covering a total built-up area of 166,000 square feet in Al Garhoud, thereby increasing its capacity from 54 children to 180 children who are received in facilities that have been fully equipped to suit their needs. It contains 34 Chapter Classrooms, 22 motor therapy clinics, 18 speech and speech therapy clinics, 3 rooms specialized in sensory therapy, and a number of laboratories, facilities and medical clinics, all designed according to the latest specialized international standards, providing the appropriate educational environment for children with autism.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that lasts throughout a person’s life; it affects the person’s verbal and non-verbal communications as well as imaginative play and social skills. ASD transcends social, cultural and geographic boundaries. According to recent studies, one out of every 59 children is affected by ASD. 

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For More Information:
Yousef Ahmed Al Dhafer
Media & Government Relations Manager
Dubai Autism Center
Tel:  +97143986862 

About Dubai Autism Center:

The Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive and specialized services to children with Autism and their families. Founded in November 2001 with the issuance of a decree from the Ruler of Dubai, the DAC maintains international standards, providing intervention programs through a holistic approach for children with autism. The Centre also provides information, support, advice and training to professionals and parents of children with autism working towards facilitating a better understanding of autism in the UAE community.

With the provision of Specialist Services, outreach programs and promoting awareness, DAC is able to focus its attention and efforts on a clear vision – to be a center of excellence for those we serve.

The Centre focuses its efforts on providing various educational and therapeutic services to its students; where each student has an Individual Education Plans (IEP's) forming the basis of intervention required. Assessments by special educators and therapists together with parents are regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet the needs of each student.

DAC offers assessment and diagnosis as well as counseling services to as many families as possible offering guidance on relevant programs and necessary intervention programs for their child to achieve the best possible outcome. It also concentrates its efforts in spreading awareness on Autism, involving various sectors of the community in the autism cause.

Professional training at the DAC covers various topics and specialties to ensure that professionals in the field are up to date with the latest methods and developments.

DAC supports research and studies that explore facts related to autism in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the development of international autism information networks.

© Press Release 2020

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