About autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with differences in communication, social interaction and sensory processing. Professionals can carry out assessments and offer support adapted to each person and family, focused on wellbeing, autonomy and the environment rather than on “fixing” the person.
Educational therapists (psychopedagogues) support children, teenagers and adults with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or attention problems, study techniques and school guidance, in coordination with families and schools.
Getting mental health care in the United Arab Emirates
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) or the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention, depending on the emirate. Mental health professionals must hold an active licence from the health authority of the emirate where they work, tied to a licensed facility. In Dubai, check the professional in the DHA Sheryan medical registry. Search the official register
Online therapy in the United Arab Emirates
In Abu Dhabi, tele-mental health providers must hold an active DOH professional licence and work within their scope of practice.
Urgent help in the United Arab Emirates
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 998 · Ambulance
- 8004673 · National Mental Support Line 800HOPE
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: services.dha.gov.ae
Signs to look out for
Autism is a lifelong difference in how a person communicates, relates and processes the world, not an illness. Signs that may prompt an assessment include differences in social communication, such as eye contact, conversation or understanding unspoken rules; strong, focused interests; a need for routine; and sensory sensitivities to noise, light or textures. In girls and adults these signs are often less obvious.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Assessment is usually carried out by specialised teams or professionals such as clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists or paediatricians. Support focuses on the person’s needs and strengths: speech therapy for communication, occupational therapy for sensory and daily-living needs, educational support, and parent-mediated programmes. Psychologists can help with anxiety, emotional regulation and social situations, using approaches adapted to autistic people.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if an autistic child or adult is at risk of harming themselves or others, goes missing, has a sudden loss of skills, stops eating or drinking, or expresses thoughts of suicide, which can be under-recognised in autistic people. In any situation of risk to life, contact your local emergency services and explain the person’s needs so responders can adapt.
What you can do in the meantime
Predictable routines, visual schedules and advance notice of changes can reduce stress. Pay attention to sensory needs, such as quiet spaces or headphones, and respect the need for recovery time after social activity. Learn about autism from reliable sources, including autistic voices. Connect with family associations or peer groups, and be cautious with programmes that promise to cure autism.
What does a educational therapist do?
An educational therapist, known in Spanish as a psicopedagogo, helps children, teenagers and adults learn more effectively. Day to day they identify how a person learns, assess difficulties with reading, writing, maths, organisation or study skills, and design practical intervention plans. They work individually with students and coordinate closely with families and schools, adapting materials and strategies to each learner.
When to see a educational therapist
It can help when a student works hard but grades do not reflect it, struggles with reading or writing, finds it hard to organise or plan, needs support after a diagnosis such as dyslexia or ADHD, or is changing school stage. If there are significant emotional or behavioural problems, or a formal psychological diagnosis is needed, an educational or clinical psychologist should be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check that a educational therapist is licensed in the United Arab Emirates?
Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) or the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention, depending on the emirate: Mental health professionals must hold an active licence from the health authority of the emirate where they work, tied to a licensed facility. In Dubai, check the professional in the DHA Sheryan medical registry.
Can I have online therapy in the United Arab Emirates?
In Abu Dhabi, tele-mental health providers must hold an active DOH professional licence and work within their scope of practice.