加强自闭症护理，打造更具包容性的GCC

SumitSharmaParthaBasumataryLouisSérot Autism spectrum disorder is becoming a growing priority in the GulfCooperation Council (GCC), and there is both increasing awareness andgrowing efforts to improve support for children on the spectrum. Whilegovernments have made progress in areas like diagnosis, education,and intervention, families can still face barriers to accessing appropriatesupport. Access to autism care can be complicated, with delays in diagnosis,a shortage of specialized professionals, and financial barriers making itharder for children to receive the right support at the righttime. In the GCC there is the opportunity to create a stronger, more inclusive autism care system,one bolstered by the right policies, strong coordination, and investment in specialized services.By building on existing progress, the region can ensure that every autistic child gets the careand support theydeserve. Note: This report uses both identity-first language (‘autistic person’) and person-first language(‘person with autism’), recognizing that individuals and families have differentpreferences. Key Barriers To Autism Care In TheGCC Stigma and delayeddiagnosis While awareness has improved, social stigma still prevents some families from seeking earlydiagnosis. In some communities, misconceptions about autism result in reluctance to accesssupport, meaning children miss opportunities for early support that can help themthrive. When parents do seek help, the diagnostic process can be inconsistent. Healthcareprofessionals often rely on different assessment tools, leading to delays in supportingchildren with autism, misdiagnoses,or confusion about the best course ofaction. Limited access to specializedservices Across the GCC, there is a shortage of autism-specific healthcare infrastructure,such asearly intervention centers, assessment clinics, and specialized schools. The facilities thatdo exist — such as Abu Dhabi’s Al Karamah Training School and the New England Centerfor Children — are often concentrated in major cities, making access difficult for familiesin remoteareas. Beyond infrastructure, there aren’t enough trained specialists to meet demand. Manypaediatricians, therapists, and teachers lack training in supporting autistic individuals,leading to inconsistent diagnosis and care. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, andbehavioral specialists — who play a critical role in supporting people with autism — are inshort supply, meaning long waitlists for those who need theseservices. High out-of-pocketcosts For many families, the cost of autism care is simply unaffordable. While some public healthcaresystems cover basic diagnostic services, interventions such as applied behavior analysis therapy,speech therapy, and occupational therapy often require out-of-pocket payments — particularlyfor older children and adolescents. A multidisciplinary assessment alone can be expensive,and because national insurance programs don’t always cover the full scope of interventions,many families face financial strain or must forgo treatmentaltogether. How The GCC Is Strengthening AutismSupport Recognizing these challenges, several GCC nations have launched public strategiesto improve autism care, focusing on healthcare, education, and socialinclusion. Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive autismframework One of the most structured approaches comes from Abu Dhabi, which introduced a unifiedautism management framework in 2024 to improve access, diagnosis, and support. Thisinitiative focuses on2 •A standardized autism management framework to create clear pathways for diagnosisandtreatment.•A regulatory and monitoring model to ensure consistent, high-qualitycare.•Holistic data unification to track cases and refine interventions based on real-worldevidence.•A “circle of care” approach to ensure long-term support for autistic people as theytransition intoadulthood. Abu Dhabi has also invested in training healthcare professionals and expandinginfrastructure, including new autism diagnostic centers and early interventionfacilities. Through the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the emirate has alsolaunched an innovative autism virtual reality experience to highlight the sensory challengesfaced by people on the autism spectrum in daily life.3Additionally, Thiqa insurance coveragewas expanded in 2024 to include 14 hours per month of applied behavior analysis therapyin clinicalsettings. Importantly, the initiative extends beyond childhood support — career training andemployer partnerships are being introduced to help autistic people access meaningfulemployment and independent livingresources. 14 hours per month of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is now covered by Thiqa insurance —expanding access to critical autism interventions. PersonalInsight In my 17 years working in Abu Dhabi, I have witnessedtransformative progress in autism education, treatment, andawareness. We are on an exciting path toward better outcom