Autism assessment in Abu Dhabi: timelines, referrals and what to ask

Not clinical, medical, financial or legal advice. This guide summarises public sources, quoted as published. Nothing here is an endorsement of any provider. Prices and rules change, so always confirm directly.

If you’re worried about your child’s development, speak to a qualified professional. We don’t recommend or endorse any provider, including the designated centres. DoH publishes the list.

Designated diagnostic centres

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has designated eight specialised autism (ASD) diagnostic centres across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra (DoH news, 2 April 2026). The list is on that DoH page.

How quickly

First appointment: DoH says all designated centres “are required to schedule an initial assessment within 14 days of receiving a referral or booking an appointment”.
Diagnosis: DoH’s ASD Care Management Standard (V1/2025, effective January 2026) says: “Diagnosis shall be confirmed within (6) weeks of initial assessment.”

If the timelines you’re quoted are very different, it’s reasonable to ask the centre about it.

Referrals

Under the same Standard, referrals can come from well-child screening centres, other healthcare facilities, nurseries and schools, or from parents themselves. Parents “can initiate self-referrals with the right to select any ASD Diagnostic Hubs designated by the DoH.”

How the assessment is done

The Standard says: “ASD diagnostic assessment shall be physician-led, MDT-supported, and based on ICD-10 and/or DSM-5-TR criteria.” (MDT means multidisciplinary team.)

After a diagnosis

DoH has also published ABA guidelines for autism (announced September 2024). Whether any therapy is right for your child is a decision for you and a qualified professional.

At school, ADEK’s Inclusion Policy says “Inclusion Assistants shall be appointed for each student of determination requiring Tier 3 level of support in KG/Year 1 – Grade 2/Year 3.” ADEK’s term for a one-to-one shadow teacher is “Individual Assistant”. For costs and who pays, ask the school in writing, and see our shadow teacher guide.

Questions to ask

The centre: What does the assessment include, and how many appointments? What is the total cost, including the report? What language is it in? Will the report be accepted by schools and by my insurer?
Your insurer: Is the assessment covered? Is a referral or prior approval needed? Which follow-up therapies are covered?

Next steps on Determined UAE: browse the provider directory or put your own numbers into the yearly cost estimator. Other guides.

Sources

Last reviewed 16 Oct 2026 by Determined UAE. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].