Dubai Autism Center to organise conference

To increase the awareness of Autism in the GCC, the Autism Center has tied up with the MIND Institute in California in organizing The First International Conference and Clinic on Neuro-Developmental Disorders. Fifteen of the world's top specialists and renowned doctors in the field will be visiting the UAE for the conference, and addressing issues faced by children suffering from it. What's more, there will be two days of clinics following the conference, which will give children with autism in the UAE a chance to be examined by an international specialist and get a life altering opinion.

Prof. Paul Hagerman, MD, PhD, said, "This conference is an important step by the Dubai Autism Center, and the Government of Dubai, toward establishing Dubai as a leading center in the gulf region for the diagnosis and treatment of Neuro developmental disorders."

"Autism and related disorders are undermined in gulf and Arab world. This mainly stems from lack of proper expertise and awareness both on professional level as well as community level," added Dr. Khaled.


The conference is committed to provide current research pertinent to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of neuro developmental disorders, namely, Autism and Fragile X Syndrome. The program is presented by world authorities from various disciplines intended to deliver the fuller picture of these disorders. The unique organization of this conference's integrative program allows for ultimate synthesis of information in neuro- developmental issues. It is designed for individuals who provide care for patients such as students, family members of those who are diagnosed with Neuro developmental disorders, physicians, caregivers, educators, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and scientists.

There is great need for current research information and how it is translated into best practices regarding Neuro developmental disorders. Participants will benefit from information that will facilitate their ability to more effective diagnoses, treatment, and management of delegate Neuro developmental disorders. This should positively impact the trajectory of progress the child makes and lessen the social, psychological and financial stress that families experience.

The Department of Health as well as the Ministry of Health has already given their approvals for the conference, and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also taken up the official venue sponsors. Technologies will be the event organizers.

Autism is a lifelong neurological developmental disorder, however, with proper treatment and education, can be improved to an extent that will allow the affected individuals to live full lives.

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization, relying on fund raising and donations. It was launched in November 2001 by a decree law by H H Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, turning a dream of parents with Autistic children in UAE into a reality. It started as a Resource Center for parents and professionals, providing essential recourses such as books and videos beside specialists on Autism.

From its humble beginnings the Dubai Autism Center has come a long way, now housing its own center located at Jumeirah, the facilities that are provided to the children are remarkable. The center has its own fully equipped classrooms along with a kitchen and a combined living room/ bedroom used for teaching daily life skills, a playground and a gym, guarantee the proper training of gross motor skills and how to play with and enjoy company of peers. Each class even have their own part of the garden for planting.

The Dubai Autism Center has its own team of professionals - Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Occupational Therapist, that work together and after assessment provide information and a full report on whether the child has Autism or not. Many cases look alike but are not Autistic. This assessment team is available to all parents, as well as from outside the center, who want their child diagnosed.