Dubai Autism Center: An inclusive community for kids with ASD
- Overview
- Facilities at Dubai Autism Center
- Services at Dubai Autism Center
- Internship and Volunteering at DAC
- FAQs
It truly takes a village to raise a child, and this rings even truer for children with autism. Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a fantastic place with a nurturing support network dedicated to meeting an autistic child’s needs and fostering their development. Let’s learn more about the Dubai Autism Center and its invaluable services.
OVERVIEW
Dubai Autism Center has programs designed to promote self-confidence and encourage independence in autistic children. It was founded in 2001 as a non-profit organisation, and to date, the centre continues to serve children with autism in Dubai.
What started as a counselling institute for autistic children eventually became an intervention centre in 2003. The new DAC building opened its gates in 2017. This enhanced campus, which spans over 91,000 sq.m., has a capacity for 238 children, and the building is designed with the latest international standards for children with autism in view.
FACILITIES AT DAC
Dubai Autism Center provides various rehabilitation programs and facilities for autistic children. Each facility is designed according to international educational standards developed for children with autism.
Let’s take a detailed look at all the facilities offered at DAC.
CLASSROOMS
There are 34 classrooms at DAC, and to cater to the unique needs of every child, each class accommodates 2 to 7 children. Most classes have four students with two teachers. The distribution criteria can vary according to the specific requirements of each student. The children start their day in the classroom, getting their daily schedule and individual educational plans (IEP).
ASSESSMENT CLINIC
The assessment clinic at Dubai Autism Center is for children aged 2 to 18. The clinic is a part of integrated services. The clinic team comprises nine consultants specialising in educational psychology, clinical psychology, rehabilitation, sociology, language therapy, special education, clinical special education and occupational therapy. The diversity of consultants ensures the accuracy of children’s assessments.
SPEECH THERAPY WING
The speech therapy wing is dedicated to engaging students in conversation. The rooms here have the latest tools and technologies, encouraging children to express themselves. The experts use Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA) devices. For non-verbal children, Mekaton sign language is used for communication.
MOVEMENT THERAPY ROOMS
Parents often struggle with finding the right activities to promote the coordination skills of children with autism. At DAC, the movement therapy rooms are designed to improve balance and increase the mobility of students through trampolines, physio balls and wobble boards.
DARK SENSORY ROOM
The dark sensory room at Dubai Autism Center helps children explore their surroundings in a safe environment. The room has sensory soft play equipment, soft wall and floor padding, and LED Sensory tools such as an interactive ball pool, bubble tubes and fibre optic curtains. This room will familiarise the children with sound, lights, colour and aromas.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING ROOM
DAC has a vocational training room to ensure children have employable skills before graduation. This room features dedicated stations to engage kids in pre-vocational and vocational activities. They will learn to make fridge magnets, bracelets, key chains, etc.
ROBOT-ASSISTED THERAPY ROOM
The Robot Assisted Therapy Room or RAT has ZORABOTS (the bots known for providing human care) to assist students in social and physical exchange, boosting their self-confidence. Children with autism often need a little nudge when it comes to communication. And Zora offers many therapeutic scenarios to help the students to achieve their learning goals.
LIVING SKILLS WING
To teach students important life skills such as dining, bathing and dressing, the living skills wing has a 3-bedroom mock apartment.
Other facilities at the Dubai Autism Center include:
- Soft Play Room
- Occupational Therapy Rooms
- Computer Labs
- Art and Handcraft workshops
- Music Room
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- Playgrounds
- Photo Studio
- Barber Shop
- Library
- Cafeteria
SERVICES AT DUBAI AUTISM CENTER
DAC is more than a community for autistic children. It offers many services to ensure the students here have everything they need. Let’s have a quick look at the services DAC offers.
CLINICAL SERVICES
The diagnostic unit at DAC provides assessment, identification and screening of ASD and other associated conditions. The assessment makes it easier to devise a customised intervention for each student.
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
DAC offers therapeutic programs to ensure that the children receive specialised care. These programs include occupational therapy, integration therapy, speech therapy and more.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
A dedicated learning space at DAC adds to the overall attraction of this community. Special education needs of all children are taken care of inside and outside the classroom through a holistic curriculum. Each student receives an individual educational plan devised by the experts at DAC. These plans reflect each child’s unique qualities while addressing their needs.
SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES
Children at DAC are encouraged to explore their artistic side. There is an arts and crafts workshop for students to promote creativity, and the artwork is displayed at the library. 2 swimming pools offer hydrotherapy under experts’ watchful eyes. The gym at DAC has all the modern equipment for students to take fitness classes or opt for martial arts and yoga.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Dubai Autism Center has launched the “Gain and Retain” training program. The project aims to give parents and professionals a platform to develop technical skills and expand their knowledge of ASD.
TAQYEEM
DAC provides introductory consultation and comprehensive assessment services for children suspected of having ASD. It involves an elaborate diagnosis process. Taqyeem operates per the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) regulations in the UAE.
TADAKHOL
Tadakhol offers one-on-one therapy sessions to individuals aged 2 to 22. Therapies offered include:
- ABA Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- OT Therapy and Physical Therapy
TAAHEEL
This program includes all services offered at Dubai Autism Center. It is supervised by highly trained professionals who provide evidence-based and accredited programs to support autistic people. The centre has 34 classrooms, 22 motor therapy rooms, three sensory therapy rooms and 13 speech therapy rooms.
TADREEB
Tadreeb at DAC refers to an extensive range of training and courses offered to promote awareness about autism. QABA approves Dubai Autism Center. You can apply for the following courses.
- Applied Behaviour Analysis Technician (ABAT) Course
- Qualified Autism Services Practitioner-Supervisor (QASP-S) Course
- Autism Core Knowledge (ACK) Course
- Training and Supervision (T&S) Course
- Teachers Training
- ABA Parents Training
INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING AT DAC
DAC internship is suitable for both students and professionals. You can apply here if you want to work with diverse and multilingual staff to gain experience. The interns will be exposed to different aspects of the facilities and services offered at the centre. You are awarded a certificate of internship after 3 to 12 weeks.
DAC highly values volunteers. While anyone can volunteer, people under 16 need consent from either a parent or teacher. If you’re willing to volunteer at the centre, you can choose from the following:
- Direct student interaction
- Fundraising department
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI AUTISM CENTER
WHEN WAS THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER FOUNDED?
It was founded in 2001.
WHAT IS THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER LOCATION?
DAC is located at 20B Street, opposite the National Charity School, Garhoud.
WHAT ARE THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER OPENING TIMES?
DAC timings are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 07:30 am – 05:00 pm
- Friday: 08:00 am – 11:30 am
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday
WHAT ARE THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER CONTACT DETAILS?
You can contact DAC at +971-4-398-6862.
WHERE CAN I APPLY FOR THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
You can easily apply for the Dubai Autism Center internship program through their website. All you have to do is fill out the signup form.
WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR THE DUBAI AUTISM CENTER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
The Dubai Autism Center volunteer program is open throughout the academic year. You can fill out the volunteer application form on their website, and a coordinator will contact you.
And that’s all that we have regarding the Dubai Autism Center (DAC). Akin to these ideals, there are special needs schools in Dubai with excellent educational facilities.
You can check out Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre (DECDC), an intervention program that offers multi-disciplinary assessment and family-focused early intervention services for children with special needs.
If you’re looking for an inclusive space for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, you might find our guide to MyMaximus in DIP helpful.
The Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) is another government initiative worth checking out.
Featured Image Credit: DAC Official Website.
