Dubai Autism Center Launches Annual Early Screening Campaign To Promote Inclusive Classrooms

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has initiated its Annual Autism Prescreening Campaign for the 2024-2025 academic year, themed ‘Schools for All.’ This campaign aims to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide early detection services for children in Dubai. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General of DAC, stated that this initiative aligns with the National Autism Policy and Decree No. (26) of 2021, which established DAC.

Al Emadi explained that DAC is taking proactive measures to enhance early autism detection. "The Dubai Autism Center is taking proactive steps to improve early autism detection. A series of weekly workshops will empower foundation stage and kindergarten heads and teachers in Dubai to recognise the early signs of autism," he said. These workshops aim to equip educators with skills to identify ASD signs early, ensuring timely support for affected children.

Over 500 educational institutions in Dubai are collaborating with DAC to train educators in recognising early ASD indicators. "Over 500 Dubai-based early childhood centres, nurseries, and schools are joining forces to empower educators in early ASD detection," Al Emadi stated. The goal is to ensure children receive appropriate support for optimal development outcomes.

Since January 2024, DAC has provided free consultations to 306 children, including 82 Emiratis. Of these, 131 underwent comprehensive assessments at no cost for 52 Emirati children. Additionally, DAC conducted 45 psychological evaluations, highlighting its dedication to accessible autism services.

Al Emadi emphasised that detailed assessments led to personalised recommendations for each child. A total of 162 children, including 34 Emiratis, were advised to pursue Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy. Speech and language therapy was suggested for 109 children, with 28 Emiratis among them. Another group of 109 children, including 25 Emiratis, were recommended occupational therapy.

The centre’s specialised school programme enrolled 18 children this year, six of whom are Emiratis. This brings the total enrolment in both school and clinical programmes to around 150 children, including 60 Emiratis.

Community Awareness and Support

Noora Al Saadi from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority stressed the importance of community awareness regarding early autism diagnosis. She highlighted the need for clear guidance on managing autism symptoms effectively to boost children's learning and development.

"We fully support the efforts of our colleagues at the Dubai Autism Center through the 2024-2025 campaign on early autism indicators," Al Saadi said. She encouraged educational institutions to participate in this campaign as it helps teachers recognise early autism signs.

This initiative aligns with Dubai's vision of becoming an inclusive city for people of determination by ensuring high-quality inclusive education services meet all children's needs.

With inputs from WAM