Frequently Asked Questions

General Info

 

How can DDY help my child?
  • The Doris Duan-Young Autism Center offers a one-stop solution for comprehensive autism care, bringing together clinical, therapeutic and social disciplines. Our protocols and programs are innovative and evidence-based, backed by industry credentials, accreditations and certifications.
  • We offer one-on-one customized behavior programs so your child can overcome difficult maladaptive behaviors.
  • Our staff are certified and guided by BCBA/QBA qualified supervisors who are also supervised by our highly experienced Clinical Director.
  • You are guided by our therapist’s regular feedback and we monitor the child’s progress with you towards their goals so you are assured that your child is in the right direction.
  • You will get support to understand your child better through workshop training, therapist and child observation, and guidance from the BCBA/QBA supervisor.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects each individual differently. Individuals with ASD often have challenges in social skills, communication and they may engage in restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, individuals with ASD may also exhibit learning and developmental difficulties. Understanding each individual’s uniqueness helps experts in the field modify the treatment plan to meet their individual needs.

What services does the center provide?

Our center offers a range of services including ABA therapy, Speech & Language therapy, Physical therapy, educational support, and parent training. For more information, visit Our Services.

What age groups do you cater to?

We offer services for children from a young age to young adults.

 

What qualifications do your therapists have?

Our staff includes DHA-licensed therapists for ABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy and Physical Therapy who specialize in working with people of determination.

Our supervisors are certified with BCBA/QBA and BCaBA/QASP-S.

How does autism affect childhood development?

Each individual is different. Some may show delays in social, communication and daily living skills but have developmentally appropriate skills in other areas such as motor skills.

Puzzles and computer brain teasers might be simple but forming friendships and having lengthy conversations might be hard. Some individuals with ASD may be proficient in completing complex tasks (e.g. math equations) but still require assistance with simple ones (e.g. greeting a peer).

Assessment

 

How do I know if my child has autism?

There is no medical test for diagnosing ASD. An accurate diagnosis is based on behavioral assessments. This involves an observation of the individual’s developmental levels. The information gathered during the behavioral assessment involves observations covering:

  • Social skills
  • Communication skills
  • Verbal and Nonverbal cognitive skills
  • Fine and Gross motor skills
  • Self-care skills
  • Early academic skills
How do I get started?

You can schedule an initial consultation with our team, where we will discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate assessments needed. 

Reach out to us on:
Email: frontdesk2@ddydubai.com
Telephone: 04 431 2890
WhatsApp: +971 52 613 9928

Can parents participate in therapy sessions?

Yes, we encourage parent involvement to ensure consistency and reinforce strategies at home. For more information, visit the Parent and Caregiver Training section.

Therapy and Intervention

 

What types of therapy do you offer?

We offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech & Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and social skills training which are tailored to each child’s treatment plan.

How are therapy goals set and monitored?

Therapy goals are established after initial assessments and are consistently reviewed and adjusted according to your child’s progress. We utilize evidence-based assessments, including VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R for ABA therapy, PLS-5 and CELF-5 for Speech & Language therapy, as well as functional capacity and cognition for Occupational Therapy, and functional mobility, body and safety awareness for Physical Therapy.

When it comes to goals for your child, an expert in the field can help guide you on what goals they should work on first before moving on to the next goal. Goal setting should be done with the clinicians and the parents to ensure everyone agrees and is on the same page.

Can parents participate in therapy sessions?

Yes, we encourage parent involvement to ensure consistency and reinforce strategies at home. For more information, visit the Parent and Caregiver Training section.

What is ABA therapy and how can it help my child?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a structured therapy that uses positive reinforcement to improve communication, social skills, and behavior. We conduct one-on-one sessions to focus on improving an individual’s specific behaviors (social skills, communication, academic) and daily living skills (fine motor dexterity, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality and job competence). For more information, visit the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) section.

Education and Support

 

Do you offer support in mainstream schools?

Yes, our BCaBA supervisor will plan an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) to help your child integrate and succeed in mainstream school environments. For more information, visit the برنامج الدعم النعليمي section.

How do you support children with sensory sensitivities?

Our center includes sensory-friendly spaces and therapies designed to help children manage sensory processing issues. Check out our facilities.

Do you offer parent training and support groups?

We offer educational workshops and support groups for parents to provide strategies for managing daily challenges and to connect with other families.

Enrollment and Practical Information

 

How do I enroll my child in your programs?

Enrollment starts by scheduling an intake assessment with our Clinical Director/BCBA, who will gather information about your child. Simultaneously, an ABA therapist will observe and collect data on your child’s social, communication, listening and play skills from a different room. After completing the intake, the BCBA will prepare a report outlining the recommended hours and services, which will be shared with the parents.

For enrollment in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Physical Therapy services, the head of the respective department will join the intake assessment alongside the Clinical Director/BCBA to conduct their evaluation.

What are your operating hours?

Our center is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday.

What is the cost of your services?

Costs vary depending on the type and frequency of services. We offer a range of payment plans which will be discussed after the initial assessment once the recommended plan is made.

What is the best way to help my child progress in their therapy?

The best way to help is to be fully involved and participate in the therapy. The more involved parents, caregivers and other members of the child’s life are the more likely the child will generalize their skills across different settings and with different people.

What safety measures are in place at the center?
  • The safety measures at DDY include thorough training for staff on emergency procedures and crisis management, regular HSE inspections and strict hygiene standards.
  • The center has CCTV surveillance, emergency call systems in therapy rooms and continuous supervision by BCBAs and case managers.
  • Staff and clients’ health are monitored daily and hand hygiene is maintained through random checks and hourly handwashing procedures for clients and staff.
  • Infection control involves sanitizing toys after each use and frequently disinfecting therapy rooms.
  • Abuse Neglect and Good Condition Screenings are also conducted to ensure clients’ safety.

Additional Questions

 

How can I schedule a tour of the center?

You can contact us to arrange a tour and meet with our team. We’re happy to show you our facilities and answer any questions in person.

Reach out to us on:
Email: frontdesk2@ddydubai.com
Telephone: 04 431 2890
WhatsApp: +971 52 613 9928

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?

Please bring any previous reports, a list of your concerns, a diagnosis from your child’s doctor and any relevant medical or educational records. We also require presenting the Emirates ID or passport of the parent and the child.

How do I contact you if I have more questions?

You can reach us by phone, email, or through the contact form on our website. We’re here to help!

Reach out to us on:
Email: frontdesk2@ddydubai.com
Telephone: 04 431 2890
WhatsApp: +971 52 613 9928

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