Dubai Autism University graduates the first batch of advanced behavioral accreditation programs

The Dubai Autism Center announced the graduation of the first batch of the “Certified Autism Behavior Supervisor” (QASP-S) and “Qualified Behavior Analyst” (QBA) programs, in a qualitative step that enhances its leadership in building national cadres specialized in the field of applied behavior analysis. This step comes as a culmination of a busy academic year (2024-2025), during which the center implemented 31 specialized training courses, benefiting 263 trainees from professional and academic staff and parents.

The first batch included 32 graduates, who are considered the nucleus of a new generation of specialists qualified according to the standards of the Council for the Accreditation of Behavior Analysis (QABA).

Regarding this achievement, Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center and a member of its Board of Directors, confirmed that the Center’s efforts in qualifying specialized cadres come in direct response to the challenges facing the special education sector, represented by the scarcity of internationally qualified specialists in the region.

Al-Emadi said: “We work according to a strategic methodology that is inspired by the visions of the wise leadership and keeps pace with the national policy to empower people of determination. We place as our top priority the preparation of national cadres with the highest levels of specialization and competence. Our goal goes beyond providing therapeutic services to include building a sustainable knowledge and human base that bridges the current gap and ensures that our children with autism receive the best possible care at the hands of experts who understand their identity and language, which enhances the quality and future of services provided to this dear group in our society.”

For his part, Dr. Nicholas Orland, Executive Director of Programs at the Center and Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA-D), explained the importance of the practical aspect in these programs, pointing out that the Center adopts an integrative model that combines the theoretical aspect with direct practical application: “We are keen to give the trainees the opportunity to gain real professional experience within an actual therapeutic environment, which ensures their high readiness to carry out their future tasks efficiently and professionally.”

New initiative: “Behavior Analysis Technician” for parents in Arabic

In response to the urgent need of the local community, the center revealed its readiness to launch the first specialized training course entitled “Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT),” directed exclusively to parents, and presented entirely in Arabic.

This unprecedented initiative aims to:

• Empowering parents (especially citizens) who previously faced a language barrier in international courses.

• Providing parents with scientific skills to apply behavioral strategies at home.

• Promoting children’s behavioral and social compatibility by unifying methods of interaction between the center and the home.

Training paths with international standards

It is noteworthy that the Dubai Autism Center’s internationally accredited programs cover three main levels to ensure professional progression:

• Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) 40 hours of training (theoretical and field foundation).

• Certified Behavior Supervisor (QASP-S) 180 training hours + supervision hours + international exam.

• Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA) 270 hours of training (Advanced Professional Certificate).

Through these specific training programs, the Dubai Autism Center continues its pivotal role in building a new generation of qualified specialists, and providing the special education sector with qualified competencies capable of making a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, thus contributing to enhancing the principles of empowerment and integration into society.

The Dubai Autism Center was established in 2001 as the first non-profit Emirati institution concerned with providing integrated advisory, educational, and therapeutic services specialized in the field of autism spectrum disorder, pursuant to Decree No. (21) of 2001 issued by His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. One of the center’s main objectives, according to Decree No. (26) of 2021 issued regarding the Dubai Autism Center, is to contribute to making the emirate a leading center for The world level in providing special education programs and specialized rehabilitative therapeutic services approved for people diagnosed with autism.

It is noteworthy that autism is one of the most common developmental disorders and appears specifically during the first three years of a child’s life and accompanies the sufferer throughout the stages of his life. Autism affects the individual’s communicative and social abilities, which leads to his isolation from those around him.

Most international studies indicate the rapid growth of this disorder, as the percentage of people infected with it is estimated, based on a recently issued report by the Centers for Disease Control in the United States (CDC), at one infection for every 31 children, with the prevalence rate being similar in most countries of the world.