Autism assessment in Dubai: how the pathway works 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. Your child’s paediatrician or GP is usually the first step. We don’t recommend or endorse any provider.
How the pathway is described
Dubai Health Authority’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (issued 2021) describe three stages: “developmental surveillance; screening, which usually begins with the child or adolescent’s primary care provider (PCP); and a referral for a comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation.”
The same guideline says professionals “should obtain parental consent for the referral to the ASD Diagnostic service”.
Please note: this guideline was issued in 2021 and its stated revision date (16 Aug 2026) has passed. We couldn’t find a newer version. Ask your doctor how referrals work today.
Questions to ask an assessment provider
- What does the assessment include, who carries it out, and how many appointments does it take?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment and for the written report? Do you keep a cancellation list?
- What is the total cost, including the report?
- What language is the assessment done in, and what language is the report in?
- Will the report be accepted by schools, by my insurer and by government services?
Questions to ask your insurer
- Is a diagnostic assessment covered under my plan? Which specialist types, and is a referral or prior approval needed?
- Are follow-up therapies covered, and under which benefit heading?
Keep a file
Keep copies of every referral, report and approval. You’ll be asked for them many times.
Assessment and psychology clinics in our directory are listed as they describe themselves, not endorsed. See also Is autism covered by insurance in the UAE?
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].