Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support
Personalized Guidance for Every Child, Every Step of the Way
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we understand that no two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are alike. That’s why our care is never one-size-fits-all.
Our ASD support services in Abu Dhabi are tailored to each child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental profile. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or further along in their journey,
we help families navigate communication, behavior, sensory needs, and life skills with expert support and deep compassion. Learn more about our ABA and developmental services here.
We work closely with parents to build confidence, create consistency, and support long-term growth across home, school, and community environments.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts, and processes the world around them. It presents differently in every child — ranging from mild social difficulties to more significant challenges in language, behavior, or sensory regulation.
Common traits among children with autism include:
- Deficits in communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, affecting the ability to interact and build relationships
- Difficulties in social interaction, such as limited sharing of interests, reduced social-emotional reciprocity, or challenges in developing peer relationships
- Repetitive behaviors or restricted and fixated interests (e.g., echolalia, hand-flapping, rigid routines, or intense focus on specific topics)
- Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input (e.g., loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures)
- Delays or differences in language development, with limited functional use of language to express needs or engage socially
- Co-occurring conditions such as hyperactivity, anxiety, or motor delays, which may present as inattention, excessive movement, nervousness, or poor coordination
- Challenging behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, self-injury, or refusal to follow instructions
- Performance deficits — the child may have a skill but does not use it consistently across different settings
- Difficulties with daily living skills, especially in self-care and independence (e.g., dressing, eating, toileting, and hygiene)
When should you have your child evaluated?
Research shows that early intervention leads to much better outcomes. If you notice one or more of the following signs, it’s best to have your child assessed by a developmental and behavioral specialist:
- Doesn’t respond to their name after their first birthday.
- Limited eye contact or social sharing (rarely looks at you or shares interests).
- Delayed speech or gestures: hasn’t said a first word by 18 months or hasn’t put two-word phrases together by 24 months.
- Doesn’t play with toys in a typical way or repeatedly line them up or spins their wheels.
- Shows repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning in circles.
- Highly sensitive to sensory input becomes very upset by loud noises, bright lights, or certain clothing textures.
- Intense tantrums or meltdowns that are hard to calm.
- Family history of autism or developmental delays.
Note: One sign alone doesn’t automatically mean there is a problem, but if two or more signs appear, it’s wise to seek a comprehensive evaluation using tools such as the ADOS-2 and begin early support if needed.
What to Expect from Kids Heart Services
We follow a structured, compassionate approach rooted in current clinical best practice. Our process has six key steps:
- Initial Consultation
- We listen to your concerns, review your child’s developmental history, and discuss your observations of their daily activities and behavior.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessments
- ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
- CARS-2 or M-CHAT-R/F for early screening and rating symptom severity
- VB-MAPP to pinpoint levels of verbal behavior, language, and critical learning milestones
- ABLLS-R to map academic, self-help, and functional skills and set precise goals
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Finalized once all assessments are complete
- Contains SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) across behavior, language, and daily-living skills
- Specifies evidence-based strategies (ABA, language enrichment, occupational/sensory approaches)
- Outlines a clear session schedule and mastery criteria (accuracy, generalization, maintenance)
- Reviewed and updated every 12 weeks based on data
- Integrated Therapies and Referrals
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Speech-language therapy
- Occupational therapy and sensory integration as needed
- Developmental pediatrics or psychological consultation when indicated
- Ongoing Monitoring & Documentation
- Data collected every session to track progress
- Monthly goal reviews and a comprehensive plan review every three months
- Parent Partnership & Communication
- Regular progress reviews with caregivers, focused on the child’s performance in everyday activities at home and in the community
- Continuous parent training (weekly sessions or as needed) so families can apply behavioral and language strategies consistently
Our mission: Equip your child with meaningful, functional skills, boost independence and daily comfort, and empower your family as an essential partner on the journey.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Developmentally focused care with a pediatric behavioral lens
- Coordination across ABA therapy, speech, and medical specialties
- Individualized guidance that adapts as your child changes
- First family communication and planning
- Calm, welcoming environment designed to ease transitions and build trust
We believe every child deserves a path that honors their pace and potential.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
No Doctors found! with ID: 12483
Support Starts With Understanding
At KidsHeart, we walk with you through the questions, the planning, and the growth ahead. Our team is here to support your child’s development with clarity, kindness, and care that evolves as they do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not necessarily. With the right support, many children make significant gains. Every child’s path is different.
Yes. Early support can help children build skills during key developmental windows.
Not always. Most support begins with therapy and structured routines. Medication may be considered for specific concerns.
Absolutely. It’s never too late to work on communication, behavior, or social skills.
Yes. We provide parent coaching, strategy guidance, and emotional support throughout the process.