Dubai Autism Center's 'Schools for All' Campaign Promotes Early Autism Screening

Photo : Dubai government media office

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has launched its Annual Autism Prescreening Campaign for the 2024-2025 school year under the theme ‘Schools for All.’ This initiative reflects DAC's commitment to advancing early awareness and identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children, aligning with Dubai’s National Autism Policy and the directives of Decree No. (26) of 2021, which underpins DAC’s efforts in fostering a supportive environment for children with autism.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the DAC, highlighted that the campaign marks an essential part of the Center’s mission to improve early autism detection in Dubai’s educational system. “The Dubai Autism Center is making targeted efforts to bolster early autism recognition and intervention,” said Al Emadi. As part of this, DAC is conducting a series of weekly workshops specifically designed for kindergarten and foundation stage leaders and teachers across Dubai. These sessions will help educators understand and identify the initial signs of autism, empowering them to support children at critical stages of development.

The campaign has drawn the collaboration of over 500 early childhood centers, nurseries, and schools across Dubai, creating a broad network of educators trained in ASD awareness. According to Al Emadi, this united approach aims to provide early support for children who may show signs of autism, helping them access appropriate resources and interventions.

Since the beginning of 2024, DAC has provided free consultations for 306 children, including 82 Emirati children. Of these, 131 received thorough assessment sessions, with 52 Emirati children benefiting from these services at no cost. The Center also conducted 45 psychological evaluations, reinforcing its dedication to accessible autism support services in the community. Following these evaluations, DAC recommended targeted therapies for many children to address their developmental needs. A total of 162 children, 34 of whom are Emiratis, were advised to pursue Applied Behavior 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 encouraged to begin occupational therapy to support their developmental progress.

Al Emadi also highlighted DAC’s educational offerings. Currently, 18 children, including six Emiratis, are enrolled in the Center’s specialised school programme, which provides structured support tailored to each child’s specific needs. DAC now serves a total of about 150 children across its school and clinical programs, with 60 Emirati children among those enrolled.

Community engagement and awareness remain integral to the campaign’s mission. Noora Al Saadi, an Inclusive Education Specialist with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the early diagnosis of autism and equipping educators with effective strategies for managing autism symptoms. “We fully support the Dubai Autism Center’s efforts through the 2024-2025 campaign on early autism indicators,” said Al Saadi. She stressed that the involvement of educational institutions in DAC’s campaign is vital to fostering early childhood educators' skills in recognizing autism indicators. This, in turn, aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a city that inclusively serves people of determination.

The Dubai Autism Center was established in 2001 as a non-profit organization, dedicated to providing specialized services for children with autism and offering support to their families. Its services encompass a variety of educational, psychological, and rehabilitative programs designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism. DAC’s operations are funded through subsidies, donations, and charitable endowments in line with Decree No. 26 of 2021, issued by the Ruler of Dubai. Through the Center’s initiatives, DAC continues to enhance the quality of life and educational experiences for children with autism, ensuring they receive the support they need in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

#trending #latest #AutismAwareness #DubaiAutismCenter #SchoolsForAll #EarlyIntervention #InclusiveEducation #ASDAwareness #SupportAutism #DubaiEducation #EarlyScreening #AutismSupport #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

The programme ensures housing units are affordable yet high-quality, emphasizing a commitment to creating vibrant and inclusive communities...Read More.

Explore the Lasting Impact of Rituals and Ceremonies in Modern Life...Read More.