DoH Designates Eight Specialised Autism Diagnostic Centres for Early Diagnosis and Intervention Across the Emirate

2 Apr, 2026:

In efforts to enhance early diagnosis and timely intervention, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the Emirate’s healthcare sector, has designated eight specialised Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic centres across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra region. This initiative brings children and their families access to accurate diagnosis and early support services within an integrated healthcare ecosystem.

The designation of the diagnostic centres aims to standardise and strengthen autism diagnostic services across the Emirate, while improving access through minimised assessment wait times.

All designated centres are required to schedule an initial assessment within 14 days of receiving a referral or booking an appointment, to support early identification and timely intervention in children’s health and developmental outcomes.

The centres will receive children through appointments booked directly by parents or via referrals through several coordinated pathways, including ADPHC’s “Well-Child” visits programme, nurseries and schools and other healthcare facilities. This further enhances early access and ensures comprehensive coverage across the Emirate.

H.E. Dr Fayeza Al Yafei, Executive Director of the Healthcare Quality Sector at DoH, said: “This designation of specialised autism centres sets a clear, consistent standard for accelerating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and unifying care pathways across the Emirate. Ensuring clarity of the care journey for families and provides access to timely assessments, further reflecting Abu Dhabi’s broader model of planning, regulating, and delivering care through an integrated system that prioritises quality and long term outcomes.”

These centres will follow an integrated model that strengthens collaboration across the health, education, and community sectors and reinforces partnerships with relevant stakeholders to support individuals with ASD and their families throughout the care journey.

The designation of the centres follow a structured evaluation process designed to ensure consistency, quality, and long term sustainability of services. Facilities were assessed across multiple domains, including governance and leadership, workforce capability, clinical pathways and care processes, the facility environment, family and community engagement, and data and quality systems.

The ASD diagnostic centres are located in Abu Dhabi at the American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology, Burjeel Medical City, NMC- Mowj- Child Development Centre and SAKINA for children; In Al Ain at Burjeel Royal Hospital, American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology and SAKINA for children and in Al Dhafra at Al Dhannah Hospital.

Additionally, the centres will operate in alignment with DoH’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Care Management Standard, which sets evidence based requirements for early identification and referral, multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment, evaluation of functional needs and co occurring conditions, development of individualized care and management plans, referral for early intervention, and ongoing monitoring, follow up, and continuity of care.

Through this initiative, the Department continues to advance its vision of a world class healthcare system that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and continuity of care, while fostering social inclusion and empowering communities to support People of Determination in reaching their full potential.