Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has launched a specialized program to enhance the various communication skills of children with Autism.
Phase 1 of this project is in line with the best international practices in the field of speech and communication; it will provide the center with new equipment, tools and material that will enhance its speech and communication program. These will provide children the means to communicate their needs, desires and thoughts as well as ask questions and interact with their surroundings at any time in any environment. Read More...

1 November 2010: Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) in cooperation with the New England Center for Children - Abu Dhabi (NECC-AD) conducted a workshop titled “Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behaviours in Individuals with ASD” at the Dubai Knowledge Village. The workshop was conducted by Dr. William L. Holcomb, with a PHD in Experimental Psychology, board certified behaviour analyst and Director of consultation in the NECC-AD. Read More...

30 October 2010: Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) has announced the launch of a new title during its participation in the Sharjah World Book Fair 2010 from October 25th – November 6th. The new book-entitled Attawahod fi Kalimat (Autism in Words) is introduced among a number of valuable books published by the DAC and international institutions such as "The National Autistic Society" in UK and "The Great Plains Laboratory" in US. The exhibited books differed to comply with readership's diversity between professional, academic, and parents of children with Autism. Read More...

09 Oct. 2010 – Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) commenced the Afternoon Program as a new extra-time intervention program that covers the continuous increase of registered cases in the Center. The DAC is currently functioning at full capacity of 48 students with a waiting list of approx 200 children. The Afternoon Program provides educational services, speech-communication therapy, and occupational therapy.Read More...

Saturday June 26th, 2010 was a noisy afternoon at Le Meridien Dubai, a regular supporter of DAC Staff Club, who went the extra mile and invited DAC staff for a lavish lunch buffet at the Yalumba Restaurant-Australian Cuisine in Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud. DAC staff Club was established to motivate and encourage the staff for their outstanding contribution to the center.

As expected, the food was divine, the ambiance was perfect and the staff had a wonderful time before everyone left for the summer break. The Yalumba Restaurant staff was very courteous and served everyone with enthusiasm. Le Meridien Dubai has always supported the efforts of DAC Staff Club by providing vouchers for various occasions.

9 June 2010: Dubai Autism Center has welcomed the hand ball team of Al Shabab Al Arabi Club on Tuesday 8 June 2010 in a visit to the Center. The visit began with a presentation on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the center's services delivered by Sarah Ahmed Baker, community service unit head. The team members toured the DAC various units and classrooms, they shared with the children their activities and distribute gifts for them.

The team was welcomed by Mr. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of DAC, who said: "As part of the international community, great men embrace their humanitarian responsibility to play a role in developing the society, I'm so glad that we are not alone in our efforts to bring awareness on Autism to the community and the medical profession."

7 June 2010: For the first time in the UAE and the region, the Speech-communication Unit at the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) in cooperation with the Al Wasl Hospital conducted a professional symposium on the latest approaches of speech and communication therapy as a concluding event of the speech and communication disorders awareness month (May).

During the first session, Dr. Salah Al Shalan, from the New England Centre for Children - Abu Dhabi (NECC-AD),, presented some techniques used with children with Autism in different aspects of speech pathology, assessment and diagnosis. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) program was introduced by Bethan Rebecca, speech therapist at the DAC. Kamilini Jasim, speech-communication coordinator at Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs spoke about the communications disorders. Tasbih Amin, DAC speech therapist, highlighted the stimulation techniques for communications on children with Autism. In conclusion, Jessica Shaw, DAC speech therapist, spoke about the signed language Makaton, which uses speech and gesture, facial expression, eye contact and body language.

Mohammed Fteiha, Speech-Communication Unit head of DAC and the coordinator of the event pointed that it is important to empower speech therapists and all special educators in the UAE with the latest approaches and methods to provide efficient and effective services for individuals with speech disorders.

“About 5-10% of children in the schools have a developmental disability that causes a delay in their speech and language development. It is important to keep in mind that language development involves more than just speech, it also includes other forms or communication, such as sign language, writing, and visual skills,” he elaborated.

Amal Al Shamlan, head of the rehabilitation section at Al-Wasl hospital, said: “this event provides a good opportunity for sharing new ideas and information about the latest approaches in speech and communication therapy to all those who work in the field,”

The Noble Humanitarian Awards Middle East honored Dubai Autism Center at an event held at the Emirates Palace-Abu Dhabi on April 24th 2010, among the recognized outstanding charity organisation-honourees this year.

The event was attended and performed by top Arab celebrities as a prestigious annual gathering that recognises the achievements of philanthropic organisations and honours regional charities for their outstanding humanitarian programs.

On the stage, Mr. Mohammed Bin Sulayem, FIA Vice President and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, in his part awarded the DAC representative Ms. Sara Ahmed Baker, Head of Community Service Unit on behalf of the Center.

The gala is being organised by The Celebrity Charity Awards Corporation, a U.S non-profit organisation working to unify the efforts of charities with celebrities, influencers, media and citizens to create an effective forum for change.

Under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the winners of the 2nd Princess Haya Award for Special Education were announced at an official ceremony on Monday April 12th 2010 at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah. Attending on Princess Haya’s behalf was H.E. Dr. Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, who was joined by senior government officials, heads of departments, public and private sector representatives and other dignitaries.

Dubai Autism Center won three different awards in the categories of Best Website, Best Awareness Campaign and Outstanding Administration Employee, which was received by Alaa Al Zoubi.

The Princess Haya Award for Special Education was launched on November 2008 to be the first initiative of its kind in the region. It recognizes the best individuals in the special needs sector through various categories according to high international standards. The initiative also aims to encourage people working in the special needs to excel and set higher service standards in all fields of special education.

Mr. Mohammed Bin Sulayem, FIA Vice President and President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), visited Dubai Autism Center as a sign of his interest and concern about the growing incidence of Autism amongst children in the UAE.
Expressing his concern for the Center Bin Sulayem autographed in the VIP’s guest book, “Together again, we meet in a very close place to my heart. I wish you every success in your commendable efforts,”
Al Emadi said “Bin Sulayem’s initiative shows his genuine concern about current social issues; he has demonstrated extreme altruism by not only agreeing to the various proposals put forward by the center but insisting on expanding his involvement and help over a long period. The center is looking forward to have Bin Sulayem as a supporter and an advocate for the Autism cause.”