Book an in-clinic first consultation in Abu Dhabi to understand your child’s development, whether autism may be involved, and what the right next step should be — assessment, therapy, support, or monitoring.
Worried About Your Child’s Development?
Not responding to their name?
Delayed speech or communication?
Avoiding eye contact or interaction?
Speech, behavior, or sensory concerns?
Whether you’re noticing early signs or already have a diagnosis — we’re here to help you take the next step.
When something feels off… you notice it first.
You call their name… and they don’t respond.
You watch other children their age… and something feels different.
People tell you:
“Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.”
But deep down, you’re not convinced.
You’ve searched online.
You’ve asked questions.
And you’re still left without clear answers.
And that’s the hardest part — not knowing.
You do not need to know whether it is autism before booking. The first consultation helps you understand what may be happening and whether your child needs autism testing, developmental assessment, therapy support, or another care pathway.
Signs Your Child May Need a Developmental Assessment
These signs can sometimes be linked to autism, ADHD, speech and language delay, sensory concerns, or other developmental differences.
Noticed one or more of these signs? Start with a first consultation and let the specialist guide the next step.
An assessment gives you a clear answer — one way or the other.
Getting support doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Whether you are worried about autism, speech delay, behaviour, attention, or your child’s overall development, many parents hesitate because they are afraid of what they might hear. But getting support is not about labelling your child.
It's about understanding them.
Whether your child needs autism testing, developmental support, therapy, or simple monitoring, you will leave with a clearer path forward.
A clear path from concern to answers and support
First Consultation
We listen to your concerns, review your child’s development, and understand what you’ve noticed at home, nursery, or school.
01
Assessment If Needed
If further evaluation is recommended, your child may complete structured autism and developmental testing using recognized tools.
02
Treatment & Next Steps
You receive clear guidance on what to do next, whether that means a full report, ABA therapy, speech and language support, occupational therapy, parent guidance, school recommendations, or monitoring.
03
Structured autism and developmental testing for children
When clinically appropriate, assessment may include ADOS, ADI-R, M-CHAT, CARS, GARS, IQ testing, and speech-language assessment. Your child’s care is not based on one quick online quiz. Our team reviews developmental history, behaviour, communication, observation, and standardized tools to guide the next step.
Parents who chose to take
action early
Join other parents who chose to take action early
Trusted autism specialists in Abu Dhabi
Our team supports children with autism, developmental delays, speech and language concerns, ADHD, behavior concerns, and related child psychiatry or psychology needs in a calm, child-friendly environment.
- Experienced child specialists — Child psychiatry, psychology, therapy, and developmental support under one roof.
- Structured autism assessments — Testing may include ADOS, ADI-R, M-CHAT, CARS, GARS, IQ, and speech-language assessment when appropriate.
- Child‑friendly environment — Gentle visits designed to help your child feel safe, understood, and supported.
Using internationally recognized autism assessment methods
Already Have a Diagnosis? Support Can Continue Here
Whether your child is assessed at our clinic or diagnosed somewhere else, our team can help you plan the next step. We support children with autism and developmental needs through therapy, parent guidance, and ongoing care designed around your child’s needs.
- ABA therapy and behavioural support
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology support
- Parent guidance and home strategies
- School recommendations and reports
- Ongoing progress monitoring
Meet Our Specialists
Each member of our team brings years of experience supporting children with developmental and behavioral concerns.
Consultant Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in child, adolescent, and adult mental health care across Abu Dhabi.
Former Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (2004–2011), leading the development of specialized psychiatric services for children and adolescents.
Extensive expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of autism-related behavioral and developmental challenges, emotional disorders, and family support.
Licensed DOH Consultant Psychiatrist with strong experience in multidisciplinary care, family guidance, and evidence-based psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents.
Former Head of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (2004–2011), leading the development of specialized psychiatric services for children and adolescents.
Extensive expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of autism-related behavioral and developmental challenges, emotional disorders, and family support.
Licensed DOH Consultant Psychiatrist with strong experience in multidisciplinary care, family guidance, and evidence-based psychiatric treatment for children and adolescents.
Specialist Psychiatrist with over 12 years of experience in child and adult mental health care.
Former Head of Child Psychiatry Unit with strong expertise in assessing and managing autism-related behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges.
Experienced in medication management, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and providing structured, patient-centered psychiatric care for children and families.
Focused on safe, effective, and continuous mental health support to help children achieve better developmental and emotional outcomes.
Former Head of Child Psychiatry Unit with strong expertise in assessing and managing autism-related behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges.
Experienced in medication management, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and providing structured, patient-centered psychiatric care for children and families.
Focused on safe, effective, and continuous mental health support to help children achieve better developmental and emotional outcomes.
Dr. Galaa is a PhD-qualified Clinical Psychologist specializing in child psychology, behavioral assessment, and developmental support for children with autism and related challenges.
She provides personalized psychological care focused on improving communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and daily behavioral development while supporting both children and their families.
With a strong focus on parent guidance and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Dr. Galaa helps families better understand their child’s needs and create effective strategies for long-term progress and well-being.
She provides personalized psychological care focused on improving communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and daily behavioral development while supporting both children and their families.
With a strong focus on parent guidance and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Dr. Galaa helps families better understand their child’s needs and create effective strategies for long-term progress and well-being.
MSc in Clinical & Health Psychology from the University of Manchester with hands-on experience supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Provided 1:1 ABA therapy for children with autism, focusing on communication skills, behavior improvement, social development, and daily living independence.
Experienced in Functional Communication Training (FCT), PECS, AAC devices, play therapy, sensory integration, and individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs & IEPs).
DOH Eligible Clinical Psychologist and Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS), committed to evidence-based child psychological care.
Provided 1:1 ABA therapy for children with autism, focusing on communication skills, behavior improvement, social development, and daily living independence.
Experienced in Functional Communication Training (FCT), PECS, AAC devices, play therapy, sensory integration, and individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs & IEPs).
DOH Eligible Clinical Psychologist and Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS), committed to evidence-based child psychological care.
Early understanding and support can make a meaningful difference.
The earlier you understand your child’s development, the more options you have to support them.
Waiting
creates uncertainty, doubt, and more questions.
Taking action
gives you direction, clarity, and a plan.
Frequently asked questions
My child may have autism, but I’m not sure yet — what should I book first?
If you are unsure, the best first step is a consultation. The specialist will review your child’s development, behavior, communication, and your concerns, then guide whether your child needs autism testing, developmental assessment, therapy support, monitoring, or another pathway.
Do you accept Thiqa Insurance?
Yes. Thiqa is accepted fully and directly for eligible patients. For other insurance plans, reimbursement options may be available. Our team can help confirm this before booking.
How much does it cost?
For self-pay patients, the initial consultation is AED800. A full autism assessment package is AED4,800 and includes the first psychiatrist visit. Thiqa is accepted fully and directly for eligible patients. Other insurance reimbursement options may be available. Our team can confirm this before booking.
What autism tests or assessment tools do you use?
Depending on your child’s age and needs, assessment may include ADOS, ADI-R, M-CHAT, CARS, GARS, IQ testing, and speech-language assessment when clinically appropriate. The final guidance is based on the full clinical picture, not one test alone.
Do you provide therapy or treatment after assessment?
Yes. If support is recommended, the team can guide treatment options such as ABA therapy, speech and language support, occupational therapy, psychology support, parent guidance, and school recommendations.
I have insurance other than THIQA — can I use it for child psychiatry or autism services?
If you have insurance other than THIQA, we recommend checking with your insurance provider first to confirm whether your plan covers child psychiatry, psychology, and autism-related services.
We currently do not offer direct billing for other insurance providers, but if your policy includes coverage, we can provide the necessary documents for reimbursement claims.
Does this mean my child has autism?
Not necessarily. The assessment helps us understand your child clearly and provide guidance — whether that means confirming a diagnosis, ruling it out, or exploring other developmental factors.
What age should my child be assessed?
Early signs can appear from a young age. If you’re concerned, it’s best to assess early — we work with children across a wide age range.
How long does the autism assessment take?
It depends on your child and the scope of evaluation needed, but we always ensure a thorough and comfortable process — never rushed.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive clear feedback, a written summary where appropriate, and next steps tailored to your child — whether that’s further support, therapy, or continued monitoring.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. All consultations and assessments are handled with complete discretion and meet UAE Department of Health confidentiality standards.
Get clear answers about your child today.
Speak with a specialist and take the first step toward understanding your child. Our team will reach out to schedule — usually within the same working day.
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