Autism in the UAE: Building a Village as an Expat Parent

April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum. But for many expat parents living in the UAE, autism awareness isn’t just a month—it’s a daily journey of learning, advocating, and showing up for their children.

Raising a child with autism in a foreign country brings a unique set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to understanding cultural nuances and building a support system from scratch, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone.

In this blog, we’ll explore what autism looks like in the UAE context, the hurdles many expat parents face, and most importantly—how community can make all the difference. We’ve also included reflections from two members of our CWAE P.O.D. Moms group who’ve generously shared their stories to help others feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Whether you’re newly navigating a diagnosis or simply want to be a better ally, we hope this guide brings you clarity, connection, and encouragement.

1. Understanding Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how individuals interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Symptoms typically emerge in the first two years of life and can vary widely from person to person in terms of both strengths and challenges.

ASD is considered a spectrum because it includes a wide range of characteristics and severity levels. While some individuals may need significant support in their daily lives, others may live independently and thrive with minimal guidance. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)

Prevalence in the UAE

In the UAE, approximately 1 in 146 births results in an autism diagnosis. As of 2022, the Ministry of Community Development recorded 4,561 autism cases, with Emirati citizens comprising 44% of those diagnosed. These figures reflect a growing need for awareness, early intervention, and support networks that serve not just Emiratis but the wider expat community as well.

(Source: UAE Government Portal, Source: Gulf News, Source: PubMed)

Understanding the spectrum and its prevalence here in the UAE is the first step in building a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with autism and the families who love them.

2. Challenges Faced by Expat Parents

For expat parents raising a child with autism in the UAE, the journey can feel like navigating unfamiliar territory, because it often is. Beyond the emotional weight of a diagnosis, many parents face unique logistical, cultural, and systemic hurdles.

1. Navigating a New Healthcare System

Getting a formal diagnosis, finding the right specialists, and accessing therapies can feel overwhelming—especially when language barriers, insurance coverage, and unfamiliar processes come into play. Waitlists at clinics can be long, and costs for therapies (like ABA, speech, or occupational therapy) can add up quickly.

2. Understanding Cultural Differences

While the UAE is diverse and largely open-minded, stigmas around neurodivergence still exist in some communities. Parents may struggle to explain their child’s behavior in public or feel misunderstood in educational or social settings. This can lead to feelings of isolation or guilt that are both heavy and undeserved.

3. Finding Inclusive Education

Although inclusive schooling options are growing in the UAE, not all institutions are equipped or willing to accommodate children with autism. Parents often find themselves advocating hard for accommodations, shadow teachers, or support plans that meet their child’s needs.

4. Lack of Built-In Support Systems

Being far from extended family means many expat parents don’t have the “village” that’s often essential when raising a neurodivergent child. The result? They become everything at once, therapist, advocate, researcher, and caregiver—without a break or backup.

These challenges can feel isolating. But connection is possible. And that’s where community comes in... filling in the gaps with support, understanding, and shared experience.

 
3. Building Your Support Village

If there's one thing we've heard time and time again from parents navigating autism in the UAE, it’s this: community makes all the difference.

From emotional support and resource-sharing to just knowing you're not the only one—it’s easier when you have a village behind you. Here’s where to start:

1. Local Organizations & Resources

• CWAE P.O.D. Moms – our very own community-led group designed to support moms raising children of determination, including those on the spectrum.
• The Butterfly Center – A Dubai-based center that offers not only early intervention services and therapy but also regular peer-led parent support groups that give families a safe space to share experiences and find community. (thebutterfly.ae)
• Autism Rocks Support Centre – Based in Dubai, this center offers comprehensive therapy services and inclusive programs for children and teens with autism. (autismrockssupportcentre.com)
• Ministry of Community Development – Offers official guidance, resources, and awareness campaigns to support people of determination, including those on the spectrum. (mocd.gov.ae)
• Dubai Autism Center – Recently launched an Autism-Friendly Kit Initiative to help public spaces and businesses become more inclusive. This initiative includes sensory-friendly tools and staff training to better support individuals on the spectrum. (Source)

2. Therapy & Education Centers

In addition to the above, centers like Child Early Intervention Medical Center and Stepping Stones provide assessments, therapy services, and parent training. (Always check reviews and consult other parents when choosing a provider.)

3. Events, Workshops & Community Resources

Throughout the year, you’ll find educational workshops, inclusive playgroups, and awareness campaigns hosted by clinics, schools, and community orgs. April (Autism Awareness Month) is an especially active time to get involved.

4. Ask for Help

Building a village also means knowing when to lean on it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to another parent, book that consultation, or join that support group. You don't have to do this alone—and you were never meant to.

4. Gisele’s Story: Navigating Autism with Love & Resilience 

My name is Gisele and I'm co-leading the POD Moms group within CWAE. I'm from the Central African Republic, and my family and I have been living in Dubai for three years. I have a 15 years old son, his name is Louis. The day of his birth, I've looked at him and said to myself:

"He's absolutely perfect! He's the most precious thing I've ever had...".

Louis grew up "normally." The only thing that got me a little bit worried was the fact that at the age of two, he was still not talking. I was reassured when his pediatrician at that time told me not to worry. He said: "Boys usually take their time, he'll eventually talk later!". In fact, one of my brothers spoke at the age of five! I was far from suspecting autism! How could I? I had never read or met anyone with that condition? At the age of 4, Louis was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). My world stopped, I cried...I was devastated! I was devastated because I didn't know what it meant to have autism. I was devastated because I didn't know what my son would become. I was devastated because I didn't know what it would mean for our family! I was totally lost! I had to grieve! I was grieving because I had to let go of all the dreams I had for my son. I was grieving because I had to let go the kind of mother I've imagined I would be to my son...

My son has never been the problem. I've always loved him, and I will continue to love him deeply until my last breath!

The lack of knowledge on autism and a community where the needs of people with autism are rarely been considered, is the issue. That brings pain to the individual with ASD and their families. Not to mention the financial burden that it represents to so many families! I've been in this journey for 11 years now! Oh, I've experienced pain, disappointment, rejection, and exclusion like never before! Thankfully, today I look back, and I'm like: "I've been blessed and privileged to have experience such a journey!"

Do you want to know how I've learned the true definition of words like advocate, humanity, humility, resilience, courage, patience, and unconditional love? Well, through this journey.

I have met people who really inspired me. I humbly believe I became a better version of myself. What I thought was meant to make me miserable for the rest of my life, actually built the lionesse in me. About 6 years ago, I've founded Nione Initiative Foundation, registered in Nairobi Kenya (where I've lived for 7 years). Through Nione, we advocate for the inclusion of people with ASD and support their families through awareness, training and psycho-social sessions.

Today is the World Autism Awareness/Acceptance day!
To all the people on the autism spectrum, I love you dearly!
To the parents like me, please tap your shoulder: you're wonderful and extremely strong!

To the community: we don't want your pity, we need your support, we want you to educate yourself and to help us spread the awareness. We also need you!

 
5. Final Thoughts

Autism Awareness Month is more than a hashtag or a moment—it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be understood, supported, and included. And that every parent walking this journey deserves community, empathy, and hope.

Whether you’re a mom just starting to notice signs, a dad in the middle of the diagnostic process, or a friend looking to support someone better—you are part of this village.

Together, we can build a world that’s not only more aware of autism, but more accepting of every person who lives life on the spectrum.

 
You’re Invited: Autism Awareness Event at Mawaheb Café

🗓 Thursday, April 17

⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Mawaheb Café, Dubai

To honor Autism Awareness Month, we’re hosting a unique event that shifts the conversation from diagnosis to experience. Rather than hearing from professionals about autism, we’re giving the stage to those who live it.

Three inspiring speakers on the spectrum will share their personal stories—offering a window into what it’s like to experience the world through the lens of autism. Their caregivers will also join the conversation to share their perspectives and journeys.

Expect open dialogue, honest storytelling, and plenty of time for Q&A. We’ll also showcase helpful tools, resources, and clinics trusted by the community here in Dubai.

This is your chance to learn, connect, and take part in creating a more inclusive world.

RSVP Here: Click Here
We hope to see you there!