Published date: Dec 27 2024

Journal Title: Dubai Medical Journal

Issue title: Dubai Medical Journal (DMJ): Volume 7 Issue 4

Pages: 345 - 393

DOI: 10.18502/dmj.v7i4.17808

Ammar AlbannaAmmar.Albanna@ehs.gov.aeAl Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Dubai

Meshal SultanAl Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Dubai

Hanan DerbyAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Fekrya ArjamandErada Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation, Dubai

Suha AlShuaibatAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Zeinab AlloubAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Rasha Al HejailanAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Hawk KairAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Maya HelouAl Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai

Hanan Ali ObaidHealth Policies & Standards Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai

Latifa AlrustamaniHealth Policies & Standards Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai

Shatha MuhsinehMuhsineh.s@gmail.comHealth Policies & Standards Department, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai

Sandra WillisGlobal Mental Health Lab, Columbia University, New York

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, along with restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. It is a lifelong condition that can profoundly impact the individual, their family, and the community. Given that the etiology of ASD is multifactorial, and the rise in ASD prevalence internationally, establishing evidencebased clinical guidelines is critical. The UAE offers a range of services for children and adolescents with ASD with the aim to improve the quality of services within a comprehensive system of care. The Dubai Clinical Practice Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Children and Adolescents (from Birth to 18 Years of Age), Version 1 aims to provide clinical guidance to healthcare professionals involved in managing ASD based on the best available local and international evidence. ASD management approaches are ranked in these guidelines based on their strength and availability of empirical evidence to support them. The clinical guidelines shall be read in conjunction with any new empirical evidence that arises after 2021.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, adolescents, children, clinical guidelines, evidence-based practice, neurodevelopmental disorders, Dubai, UAE, United Arab Emirates

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