The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has kicked off its Annual Autism Prescreening Campaign for the 2024-2025 academic year under the theme "Schools for All," aiming to promote autism awareness and early detection across Dubai's education sector.
Aligned with the National Autism Policy and Decree No. (26) of 2021, DAC's Director-General, Mohammed Al Emadi, highlighted the campaign's focus on early autism identification.
“The Dubai Autism Center is taking proactive steps to improve early autism detection. Weekly workshops for kindergarten and foundation stage educators in Dubai will equip them to recognise early signs of autism,”
Al Emadi said. Over 500 schools and early childhood centres are set to participate, empowering teachers to support children with autism from an early age.
Since the beginning of 2024, DAC has provided free consultations to 306 children, including 82 Emiratis, and conducted 45 psychological evaluations. Tailored recommendations were given, with 162 children, including 34 Emiratis, advised to pursue Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy, while speech and language therapy was recommended for 109 children, 28 of whom are Emiratis.
Noora Al Saadi, Inclusive Education Specialist at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, praised DAC's efforts, stressing the importance of early diagnosis for effective management.
“We encourage educational institutions to join this campaign, helping teachers recognise early autism indicators, supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a fully inclusive city for people of determination,”
Al Saadi remarked.
The campaign reaffirms Dubai’s dedication to accessible, quality support for children with autism, ensuring they receive timely assistance for optimal developmental outcomes.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
