Dubai has a well-developed private autism support infrastructure and an accessible government support programme through the People of Determination card. For families relocating from India or other countries, the system works differently from what you may be used to � here is what to know.
Most autism services in Dubai are provided through private facilities, with the People of Determination card providing subsidised access to therapy after a formal diagnosis.
Getting a Diagnosis in Dubai
Camali Clinic � Dubai
One of Dubai's most established mental health and neurodevelopmental clinics. Provides comprehensive autism assessments using internationally validated tools including the ADOS-2. Accepts self-referrals. Typically able to schedule initial appointments within 2�4 weeks.
Priory Wellbeing Centre � Dubai
Part of the international Priory network, provides neurodevelopmental assessments for children in Dubai. Multidisciplinary team including psychiatry, psychology, and speech therapy components. Assessment reports are detailed and accepted by Dubai schools and government agencies.
Major Hospital Networks � Dubai
American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, and King's College Hospital Dubai all have paediatric developmental medicine departments that can provide autism assessments. Hospital-based assessments are often accepted by insurance providers for reimbursement claims. Assessment costs typically range from AED 3,000�8,000.
Therapy, Support, and Key Organisations
Emirates Autism Society
The Emirates Autism Society operates centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi providing ABA therapy, speech therapy, and parent training at subsidised rates. They also provide advocacy support and connect families with resources. For UAE nationals and residents with People of Determination cards, subsidised rates apply. The Society also runs parent awareness and training events throughout the year.
Dubai Autism Centre
A dedicated autism-specific therapy centre providing ABA, speech therapy, OT, and social skills programmes. Accepts self-referrals. People of Determination card holders receive subsidised rates. The centre also provides school shadow and consultation services for inclusive education settings.
People of Determination Card
The UAE Ministry of Community Development issues the People of Determination card after a formal assessment at an approved government facility. The card provides subsidised therapy rates at approved centres, priority services, reduced government fees, and transport benefits. Application is through the MOCD website with supporting documentation from a specialist assessment.
School Support in Dubai
Dubai has a mix of government schools (managed by KHDA for private and MOE for government) and a large number of private international schools.
- KHDA Inclusion Policy: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) requires private schools in Dubai to implement inclusion policies. Schools are rated on their inclusion provision in annual KHDA inspection reports.
- Resource Rooms: Many private and government schools in Dubai have Resource Room programmes with specialist support staff for students with learning differences.
- DET (Department of Education and Knowledge): For Abu Dhabi families, ADEK manages equivalent inclusion provisions.
- International schools: Most international school curricula (IB, British, American) have SEND policies. Ask specifically about the school's Learning Support Coordinator and their current inclusion provision before enrolment.
While You Are Waiting for an Appointment
Dubai's private assessment centres can typically schedule within weeks rather than months, which is one of the advantages of the private-led system. Insurance coverage for developmental assessments varies � check your specific policy, as some group health plans (particularly those provided by large employers) cover developmental paediatric assessments.
While preparing for assessment or waiting for therapy to begin, Nesto's home activities library and parent observation tool are available in Arabic, English, Hindi, and 16 other languages.
Dubai has an active expat community with well-organised autism parent support networks. The Emirates Autism Society's parent support groups and online communities specific to Dubai autism families are good starting points. These networks are particularly useful for recommendations on which schools and therapists have worked well for different families.
Support Your Child at Home While You Wait
Nesto provides structured home activities, progress tracking, and screening tools for parents � available in 19 languages. Free for all families.
Explore Home ActivitiesAbout This Page
This page provides a general guide for families in Dubai seeking autism support. Service availability, costs, and People of Determination card provisions change � always verify current information directly with providers and the Ministry of Community Development. For legal rights, see our autism legal rights guide.
If you are concerned about your child's development, consult a qualified developmental paediatrician.