Abu Dhabi Autism/Special Needs support + services | ExpatWoman.com
 

Abu Dhabi Autism/Special Needs support + services

10
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 08:07

Hi there,
We'll be moving to Abu Dhabi from Al Ain this September and I'm trying to get a sense of the city and what will be available to suit my family's needs. (You may have seen my other post about a search for an affordable health club/pool club for my family)
My son is about to turn 2 and we suspect (along with his doctor) that he may be on the autism spectrum, though high functioning. We are sort of in a wait-and-see mode for now, but I'm trying to put together an idea of services or resources in Abu Dhabi that would be available to us as expats should he need occupational and speech therapy or some sort of special needs support.

The information that I've found on the web is spotty and outdated. If there is anyone out there who has any info about services or centers for autistic expat children I'd be so appreciative.

Any doctors/therapists recommended? Centres for occupational or speech therapy? Preschools/kg or schools that offer places for children with autism or special needs? (we are thinking of sending our son to the Canadian international school when he is old enough, but don't know much about the school yet).
Support groups? Social groups?

Really any information is helpful at this point. I'm just beginning to feel my way through all of this, it is quite daunting.

Thanks again!
;)

26
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 July 2012 - 18:59
The future centre website is http://future-centre.org/x/en/home I worked at the British Insitute before it closed, I worked there for 3 months. I don't know if the lady who owned it will be able to reopen, however I have moved on and the nursery where I work is planning on setting up a early intervention centre that would be able to offer therapy, but it probably won't be open till the end of September.
23
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 July 2012 - 15:00
This one is recommended by the pediatricians in the Hospital we go too, check them out, they are quite popular and liked too. http://www.dubaifaqs.com/stars-for-special-abilities.php
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 05 July 2012 - 14:06
Has anyone got the future centre number. The no given on the forum has been changed and d website is blocked. edited by ivy66 on 04/07/2012 think they were moving to a new purpose built place up at MBZ
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 13:54
Has anyone got the future centre number. The no given on the forum has been changed and d website is blocked. <em>edited by ivy66 on 04/07/2012</em>
4747
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 08:11
http://www.dubaifaqs.com/schools-special-needs-abu-dhabi.php
4747
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 04 July 2012 - 08:10
http://www.2abudhabi.com/special-needs.html
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 16:27
Hi, Just found out dt the British centre is now closed. @desert-orchid thx for confirming it here. Was abt to post and ask if it's true. How far have u gone with inquires? heard that it was something to do with licence.
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:15
Hi, Just found out dt the British centre is now closed. @desert-orchid thx for confirming it here. Was abt to post and ask if it's true. How far have u gone with inquires?
10
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:04
Hi, lots of info here. I've looked into things a bit and so far I've found starz for special abilities is probably our best bet. I called the british learning centre (their branch in dubai) and they've said the Abu Dhabi branch is closed. Still looking. I've glad this thread is getting some attention- it's so hard to find info! Thanks
10
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 July 2012 - 14:04
Hi, lots of info here. I've looked into things a bit and so far I've found starz for special abilities is probably our best bet. I called the british learning centre (their branch in dubai) and they've said the Abu Dhabi branch is closed. Still looking. I've glad this thread is getting some attention- it's so hard to find info! Thanks
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 23:28
Thxs bb2. Hopefully ninap can shed more light on that. Just picked up on the last post were she mentioned it.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 23:14
Cheers bb2 for the link. I'll look into it. Would u by any chance know the no to the hamad centre? Could not find a website or no for them. Thanks. i dont know as the hamed center that has been mentioned to me is the shopping center.... obviously there could be another one called hamed as its a popular name but i havent heard of it.
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 23:04
Cheers bb2 for the link. I'll look into it. Would u by any chance know the no to the hamad centre? Could not find a website or no for them. Thanks.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 22:40
Hi ninap Pls what is AIS? Can I pm u? I really need advice on which way to go? perhaps this. http://www.aisuae.com/
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2012 - 22:27
Hi ninap Pls what is AIS? Can I pm u? I really need advice on which way to go?
2
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 June 2012 - 16:49
what about emirates autism centre? is it closed?We used to live in an apartment near that villa, but now has shifted from there so have no idea about the centre.
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 20:43
For sure the NECC has had non emirati children in the past. Maybe the waiting list of UAE nationals is so long at the moment that there isn't much chance. However, I know of a Canadian family who contacted them in the past month and who have been given a lot of help and advice, despite there being no place for the child. The British Learning Centre has been having some problems with their licence. Not sure what the current state of play is. Al Muna Primary [Brit curric'> has had some children on the spectrum, they may be worth contacting. Also AIS has had some with shadow support provided by the Hamed Centre.
41
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 June 2012 - 15:25
Hi ladies, If it would help. I called Nec recently and I was told (very bluntly) the centre is for locals only. So unless if there's new info. I'm still looking for info for my daughter. Ninap: I would be interested in any info. U might find. I found the British learning centre but I don't think it's specific for autism. I might be wrong. I'll book an appt and see.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 11:13
Quite right, but I wouldn't want the OP to not contact this centre because they were under the false impression that UAE nationals only were given places. It's vital that she contatcts as many places as possible and has as much info as she can glean. I work in the field of Special Needs so have had many dealings with NECC. yeh but dont want to get hopes up etc etc. as we know what its like here for kids who are "outside the box" whatever the issues are.....! this is defo not the uk, but at least now its getting better but still a long long way to go.
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 10:59
Quite right, but I wouldn't want the OP to not contact this centre because they were under the false impression that UAE nationals only were given places. It's vital that she contatcts as many places as possible and has as much info as she can glean. I work in the field of Special Needs so have had many dealings with NECC.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 07:58
Your initial post on this thread gives the wrong impression then bb2: [i'>also this but again locals [b'>only[/b'>[u'>[/u'>[/i'> because there is not enough room for uae nationals let alone for expats....! read up on any of the information and see what is said.
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 June 2012 - 07:28
Your initial post on this thread gives the wrong impression then bb2: [i'>also this but again locals [b'>only[/b'>[u'>[/u'>[/i'>
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Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 21:16
Hi, Although the New England Centre gives priority for UAE nationals, they do accept other nationalities, so it's worth contacting them. If they are unable to offer a place, I know they are extremely helpful to families with children on the spectrum. Stars for Special Abilities offers OT and SALT. The Hamad Centre for Special Needs may also be helpful. as i have said before, yes they accept everyone but locals are first priorty and since they havent got enough space for the locals there isnt enough space for the expats.... there may be some expat children in there but they have got a space via other means. obviously when they open the new school there may be more capacity.....
94
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 20:14
Hi, Although the New England Centre gives priority for UAE nationals, they do accept other nationalities, so it's worth contacting them. If they are unable to offer a place, I know they are extremely helpful to families with children on the spectrum. Stars for Special Abilities offers OT and SALT. The Hamad Centre for Special Needs may also be helpful.
4747
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 24 June 2012 - 13:00
Hi there, We'll be moving to Abu Dhabi from Al Ain this September and I'm trying to get a sense of the city and what will be available to suit my family's needs. (You may have seen my other post about a search for an affordable health club/pool club for my family) My son is about to turn 2 and we suspect (along with his doctor) that he may be on the autism spectrum, though high functioning. We are sort of in a wait-and-see mode for now, but I'm trying to put together an idea of services or resources in Abu Dhabi that would be available to us as expats should he need occupational and speech therapy or some sort of special needs support. The information that I've found on the web is spotty and outdated. If there is anyone out there who has any info about services or centers for autistic expat children I'd be so appreciative. Any doctors/therapists recommended? Centres for occupational or speech therapy? Preschools/kg or schools that offer places for children with autism or special needs? (we are thinking of sending our son to the Canadian international school when he is old enough, but don't know much about the school yet). Support groups? Social groups? Really any information is helpful at this point. I'm just beginning to feel my way through all of this, it is quite daunting. Thanks again! ;) there is the following but it will be only for locals. http://www.zho.ae/english/Centers/Pages/AbuDhabiCentreForAutism.aspx also this but again locals only http://www.necc.org/ but they are building due to open this year 2012 to accommodate more people