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  • Dubai Autism Center launches free diagnostic assessment for 100 Emirati children

    Dubai Autism Center launches free diagnostic assessment for 100 Emirati children

    In implementation of the directives of Hamdan bin Mohammed

    Dubai Autism Center launches free diagnostic assessment for 100 Emirati children

    The Dubai Autism Center announced the launch of the free diagnostic assessment initiative for children suspected of having autism, who are citizens of the country, in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

    The initiative will benefit 100 children who are on the waiting lists, with the support of Emirates NBD, the exclusive sponsor of the initiative.

    The cost of the comprehensive diagnostic assessment in the United Arab Emirates ranged between 5000 and 7000 dirhams.

    The announcement of the launch of the new initiative came after a visit made by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the center, last Wednesday, during which he was briefed on the progress of work in it and the services and programs it provides.

    He also listened to a brief explanation that included the presentation of the percentage of suspected autism cases through the results of the reports on the initiative of the free consultation sessions, which was launched last April, where the number reached 495 sessions that included 90 Emirati children suspected of having autism.

    Hisham Abdullah Al-Qassim, Chairman of Dubai Autism Center, said that the initiative is of great importance, as it contributes to encouraging parents of children suspected of having autism to speed up diagnosis and early detection.

    He noted the keenness of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to achieve the objectives of the national policy to empower people of determination, in order to ensure the provision of a friendly and qualified environment for them, as they are an integral part of the sustainable development process.

    Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General of Dubai Autism Center, explained that “the importance of detecting autism spectrum disorder at an early stage ensures that the child receives comprehensive reports that determine the level of severity, and the therapies required for early intervention,”

    He stressed that the time frame for detection and assessment ranges between five and seven working days, according to the requirements of each case. On the first day, the child receives a consultation session with his guardian, supervised by a clinical psychologist.

    On the second and third days, a mental capacity assessment session is provided by a clinical psychologist, and a behavior assessment session is provided by a board-certified behavioral analyst (BCBA).

    On the fourth day, a review session is held with the diagnostic team members to discuss the results of the assessment sessions.

    During the period between the fifth and seventh days, the comprehensive diagnostic assessment report is prepared and reviewed, then a meeting with the parents is held to discuss and explain the final report.

    SPARKS, a children’s medical research charity; and the Donald Sutherland Wildlife Foundation as their chosen charities. Following the students’ fundraising, representatives from each charity attended a specially planned assembly to talk about their charities and how the funds raised would help support their causes.

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