DoH Releases Guidelines to Elevate Autism Care and Support People of Determination in the Emirate

14 Sep, 2024:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, announced the release of the new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as part of the Emirate’s efforts to improve care for People of Determination (PoD). Contributing to DoH’s priorities in enabling a healthy population and providing best-in-class care for community members, these guidelines align with Abu Dhabi’s Comprehensive Strategy for People of Determination (PoD) 2020-2024, which seeks to shift the perception of disabilities from a medical to a societal and rights-based model.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a kind of research-based behavior therapy for people with autism and other developmental disorders. Its goal is to see an increase in positive behaviors and a decrease in negative behaviors. Developed to enhance the quality and consistency of ABS services for ASD people in the Emirate, the guidelines aim to standarise ASD care and provide a comprehensive framework that integrates evidence-based practices with international standards. These guidelines aim to empower healthcare and education professionals to collaborate seamlessly, delivering a holistic and impactful care for people with ASD. With focus on children and their families, the launch of these guidelines seeks 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) said: “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 specalised care and enhance healthcare outcomes in the Emirate. By ensuring that ABA services are standarised 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.”