The Department of Health has issued guidelines to improve autism care.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate. They have recently announced the release of new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as part of their efforts to improve care for People of Determination (PoD). These guidelines are in line with the Abu Dhabi’s Comprehensive Strategy for People of Determination (PoD) 2020-2024, which aims to shift the perception of disabilities from a medical to a societal and rights-based model.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a research-based behavior therapy for people with autism and other developmental disorders. The goal of ABA is to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors. The guidelines have been developed to enhance the quality and consistency of ABA services for ASD patients in the Emirate and aim to standardize ASD care and provide a comprehensive framework that integrates evidence-based practices with international standards. The objective is to empower healthcare and education professionals to collaborate seamlessly, delivering holistic and impactful care for patients with ASD. The guidelines, with a focus on children and their families, seek to set the stage for enhanced integrative care and improved access to ABA therapy.

Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning at the Department of Health– Abu Dhabi (DoH), stated, “Abu Dhabi is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures equitable access for People of Determination, empowering them to reach their full potential. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare, the release of the ABA guidelines marks another proactive approach taken by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi to elevate specialized care and enhance healthcare outcomes in the Emirate. By ensuring that ABA services are standardized and accessible, we reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system where collaboration between healthcare and education thrives to enhance the health and well-being of all community members.”