Dubai: Dubai Autism Center (DAC) celebrated the graduation of the first batch of its training program entitled ‘The Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)’ which is internationally accredited by the QABA (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board).

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of the Dubai Autism Center, said, “We congratulate all the graduating trainees. I am confident that the knowledge gained by them has equipped them with the necessary skills to excel in their profession and would help achieve our mission of improving the lives of children with autism,"

“Within the framework of the Dubai Autism Center’s strategy that aims at providing professional training and development programs on the latest evidence-based practices according to Decree No. (26) of 2021, we have launched a group of training courses that contribute to providing the special education sector with qualified and internationally accredited competencies in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in order to solve the issue of the regional shortage of autism specialists, especially Arabic speakers,”

Eman Abushabab, Community Awareness Manager, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at the Dubai Autism Center, said: "The 40-hour course was designed for professionals as we as parents to provide them with the fundamental core knowledge of autism, principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), commonly used intervention strategies and ethics in the field that qualify them to work with individuals diagnosed with autism or other developmental disorder,”

“The certified trainees will be able now to assist in delivering behavioral analysis services and practice under the supervision of certified professionals, including QASP-Ss and QBAs, or licensed psychologists who are working within the scope of applied behavior analysis,” she added.

Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization founded in 2001. The Center aims to provide specialized services to take care for children with autism and provide support for their families and their caregivers as per Decree No. 26 of 2021 issued by Ruler of Dubai. The DAC services include educational, psychological and rehabilitative programs for children with autism. The financial resources of the center consist of subsidies, donations and any charitable endowments for the welfare of the center.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person's life. ASD can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. According to recent studies, one in 36 children is affected by ASD.  

About Dubai Autism Center:

The Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive and specialized services to children with Autism and their families. Founded in November 2001 with the issuance of a decree from the Ruler of Dubai, the DAC maintains international standards, providing intervention programs through a holistic approach for children with autism. The Centre also provides information, support, advice and training to professionals and parents of children with autism working towards facilitating a better understanding of autism in the UAE community.

With the provision of Specialist Services, outreach programs and promoting awareness, DAC is able to focus its attention and efforts on a clear vision – to be a center of excellence for those we serve.

The Centre focuses its efforts on providing various educational and therapeutic services to its students; where each student has an Individual Education Plans (IEP's) forming the basis of intervention required. Assessments by special educators and therapists together with parents are regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet the needs of each student.

DAC offers assessment and diagnosis as well as counseling services to as many families as possible offering guidance on relevant programs and necessary intervention programs for their child to achieve the best possible outcome. It also concentrates its efforts in spreading awareness on Autism, involving various sectors of the community in the autism cause.

Professional training at the DAC covers various topics and specialties to ensure that professionals in the field are up to date with the latest methods and developments.

DAC supports research and studies that explore facts related to autism in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the development of international autism information networks.

For More Information:
Yousef Ahmed Al Dhafer
Media & Government Relations Manager
Dubai Autism Center