Finding the right school for a child with special needs can be overwhelming. Still, the list of special needs schools in Abu Dhabi gives parents access to some of the region’s most specialised and supportive educational institutions.
Over the past two decades, the UAE has made remarkable progress in creating an inclusive education system. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top special needs schools and centres in Abu Dhabi — their services, areas of focus, and how they support both children and families — so you can find the environment that best suits your child’s needs.
- How Abu Dhabi supports children of determination
- Special needs schools in Abu Dhabi
- Additional centres and services
- Choosing the right special needs school in Abu Dhabi
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
How Abu Dhabi supports children of determination
Abu Dhabi stands out for its holistic approach. The city aims to ensure that every determined child receives quality education. Abu Dhabi does more than just school offerings, as it has crafted an ecosystem, ensuring real-life skills and family support complement academics.
In these institutions, you will find:
- Multidisciplinary assessment and evaluation
- Specialised autism programs
- Speech and occupational therapies
- Physiotherapy and sensory integration programs
- Early intervention services for young children
- Vocational and life-skills training for older students
- Art, music, and physical education
Many of the special needs schools in Abu Dhabi support an inclusive education model, enabling children to transition into mainstream classes gradually, where possible.
Simultaneously, schools train the parents via counselling sessions and workshops. This helps ensure the parents can reinforce therapy and learning at home.
In addition, these schools are the city’s vision to equip every person of determination with the necessary tools to learn and thrive.
Top special needs schools in Abu Dhabi
Whether you’re searching for speech therapy, ABA-based instruction, or a holistic learning environment, through the list below you will find different options that help you make an informed choice.
Emirates Autism Centre (EAC)
Founded in 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Emirates Autism Centre is a private centre specialised in autism. It is a trusted name among families seeking autism-focused education and therapy.
The centre operates all year round with state-of-the-art classrooms designed to meet the needs of its students. It starts with professional assessments. Following this, the centre tailors interventions, such as Speech therapy, Occupational therapy, Adaptive physical education, and Societal inclusion
In addition, children at the centre also learn vocational skills and practical housekeeping activities. All these can help them be independent in life. Emirates Autism Centre follows evidence-based, structured programs, such as PECS, LOVAAS, and TEACCH
Location
It’s located in Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Contact information:
+971-2-642-7557
2. Future Rehabilitation Centre
Future Rehabilitation Centre was established in 2000 to provide special education and therapy-based programmes to children of determination. This centre offers various services, including academic learning, therapy, and assessment
Its curriculum comprises creative arts, physical education, communication skills, extracurricular activities, and vocational and life skills training. Besides, the school creates individualised education plans that cover functional skills designed to build independence and confidence.
Location
It’s located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Z9, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information:
+ 971-2-553-3506
3. Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education (MRC-NECC)
Established in 2007, this school is operated by the New England Centre for Children under contract with ADEK. Its mission is to provide world-class education to children in the UAE with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This school offers an early intensive educational program based on the principles of ABA. In addition, preschool classrooms serve children aged four to six, and the Day School classrooms serve children aged seven to 14. Each child is given an individualised plan designed carefully to track measurable progress as the school adopts the ACE® curriculum.
Besides, starting at age 14, MRC-NECC students have the opportunity to experience a variety of internships and volunteer placements to evaluate their interests in future jobs.
Location
It’s located in No. 32, Zone 23, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information:
+971-2-691-8888
4. Stars for Special Abilities and Early Intervention Centre
This learning centre has been assisting children with special needs since 2006. It does this through a combination of education and therapy.
This centre comprises a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, therapists, and special educators. They all collaborate to devise individualised support plans for children with dyslexia, hyperlexia, dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, mild autism spectrum disorder and other learning difficulties.
Not just that, the centre offers an array of services like Speech and language therapy, Occupational therapy, ABA therapy, Early intervention program, Academic programs, Play and Music therapy, and Anger management program
Location
It’s located on Al Saada St W, 3rd St., Abu Dhabi.
Contact information
+971-2-446-2048
5. Al Karamah School & Training Institute
Al Karamah was established by ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) in partnership with Aspris Children’s Services. This school nurtures the development of children with autism and learning difficulties aged three to 16. It follows the British National Curriculum, which is adapted to suit the needs of its students.
The programs at this school infuse academics with life skills and communication. Besides, with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on personal development, this school builds the students’ life skills and confidence.
The Training Institute supports students between the ages of 14 and 25 years and prepares them for adulthood.
Location
It’s located on Al Karamah Street, Al Manhal, W14 01, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information:
+971-2-412-1999
6. Abilities Development Centre for People of Determination LLC
The centre was inaugurated in 2007, offering academic and therapeutic services for children with intellectual disabilities and autism between the ages of four and 18.
You can find various services featured at this notable centre, like Vocational training, Individual educational plan, Psychoeducational assessment, and Occupational and Speech and language therapy.
Not just that, it’s home to modern facilities like Sensory, physical education, and music rooms, in addition to a Language rehabilitation unit, making the children’s experience extra efficent.
Location
It’s located on Villa no 180, Zone 27, Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi.
Contact Information
+971-2-491-3230
Additional centres and services
If you’re not looking for full-time options and want to opt for support, these care centres can help.
1. Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO)
This is not a school, but a network of care centres that offer integrated services aimed at rehabilitation and inclusion of people of determination within the society. These services include assessment and evaluations, Occupational and Speech therapy, early intervention, and Physiotherapy.
Additionally, the organisation offers social and psychological counselling for individuals and their families. ZHO also places a strong emphasis on vocational training, extracurricular activities, and sports.
Location
It’s located on Shk. Maktoum Bin Rashid Rd, Shakhbout City, MSH44, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information:
+971-2-305-6666
2. American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology (ACPN)
This medical facility provides a wide range of services to children with developmental conditions, language disorders and speech disorders.
At ACPN, you can find services like Physiotherapy, assessments and evaluations, Speech and language, Occupational, and ABA Therapy, and family counselling.
All these are designed to improve the academic performance and emotional well-being of children of determination. In addition, all clinical staff employed by American Centre for Psychiatry and Neurology are fully registered in the UAE by the relevant health authorities (DOH and DHA).
Location
It’s located on Sheikhha Fatima Bin Mubarak Street, Al Manhal, W15 01, Abu Dhabi.
Contact information:
8002276
Choosing the right special needs school in Abu Dhabi
Deciding on the right school for your child is very personal, but there are a few things to consider.
1. Understand your child’s needs
Begin by understanding your child better. Know your child’s:
- Strengths
- Challenges
- Long-term goals
For instance, if the child has autism, they will benefit more from specialised programs, such as ABA therapy.
2. Look at the range of services
Some special needs schools in Abu Dhabi offer early intervention and therapeutic services. Conversely, other schools might offer:
- Extracurricular activities
- Vocational training
- Individual education plans
Select the school that best suits your child’s learning needs and development.
3. Explore the facility
Consider visiting the facility personally. It can give you an insight into the school facilities and environment. While there, pay attention to:
- Classroom settings
- Therapy rooms
- How teachers interact with students
Ask yourself, “Does this feel like a supportive, safe, and engaging environment for my child?”
4. Interact with the specialists
A cadre of specialists supports every centre. It usually includes:
- Special Educators
- Psychologists
- Therapists
- Counsellors
Interact with them and try to assess their qualifications and approach towards children with special needs.
4. See if there’s support available for families
The best school will do more than support the children. It will educate and empower the families. So, look for schools that offer:
- Counselling for family members
- Workshops
- Regular progress updates
Such services can help you stay actively involved in your child’s progress.
5. Consider long-term integration
While therapy and education are vital, ensuring your child is prepared for life beyond the classroom is also essential. So, consider schools that offer:
- Vocational training
- Life skills training
- Community integration
These attributes can have a lasting impact on your child’s independence.
6. Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the curriculum, therapy options, staff qualifications, and how individual learning plans are created. This will help ensure the school aligns with your child’s needs and long-term goals.
7. Trust your instincts
Lastly, remember that no comparison or ranking can replace your intuition. So, if a school feels wrong for you and your child, it definitely is.
Key takeaways
There is a huge list of special needs schools and therapy centres in Abu Dhabi. Most reputed schools offer services and curricula tailored to students with different disabilities, such as developmental conditions and autism.
Top schools offer multidimensional support, so learning goes beyond academics and covers therapeutic, social, and vocational services.
Admission processes typically start with assessment. Most schools have adept multidisciplinary teams to educate your child and nudge them towards an independent future.
FAQs
In Abu Dhabi, there are autism-specific centres, therapy-focused schools, and inclusive schools that gradually integrate students into mainstream education.
Most schools accept children from age 3. Some centres, like Al Karamah School, offer support up to age 25 through training programmes.
Yes, they do. Many schools use globally recognised methods such as ABA, TEACCH, LOVAAS, and PECS.
Yes, they do. Most centres offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, sensory integration, and behavioural support.
Yes, they can Many centres offer counselling, workshops, and regular progress updates to help parents support learning at home.
Start by understanding your child’s needs. Visit the school, meet the team, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
