Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

We are here to help

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how an individual communicates and interacts socially with others. Individuals with ASD can have a wide range of symptoms.  Clinical presentations are unique, with individuals showing differences in the type of symptoms they have, the number of symptoms they have, the severity of their symptoms, and their intellectual abilities.   

ASD is a complex disorder. We aim to provide a thorough assessment of ASD that considers an individual’s unique needs and strengths. We provide school-age and adult assessments of ASD.   

At Sage, we also have extensive experience at the interface with other support services in the community. We work closely with residential centers in the region, collaborate with international centers of excellence, and with community-based providers and support services locally – drawing on our team’s extensive experience with local regulators, providers, charities and social services.  

Sage also has specialized therapists to support parents and families of people with ASD whose exemplary love and patience often need to be bolstered with professional support to help maintain their own mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

Autism assessments typically involve a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s behavioral, developmental, and medical history. Once the clinician has carried out a detailed history, they may want to do a screening test for Autism (3Di) which may be followed by a more specific diagnostic assessment (ADOS2). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale 2nd edition (ADOS2) is a standardized diagnostic assessment of social, imagination and communication skills of individuals who may have autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is suitable for all ages, backgrounds, and developmental levels.    

You can also contact us about our ASD service if you are a family member, loved one, or carer of a person with ASD who is experiencing stress, burnout or emotional exhaustion and need support with coping mechanisms and other strategies to maintain or recover your mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

Who can benefit from it?

You might benefit from an ASD Assessment if:

 

  • You notice that you navigate social situations and communicate with others differently to your peers and often feel like you ‘don’t get it’ or others don’t ‘get’ you.  
  • You often find it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.  
  • You can be very honest in a situation, and this may sometimes mean people describe you as ‘blunt’ when you don’t mean to be.   
  • You find it hard to know how you feel and communicate this to others.   
  • You tend to be skilled at noticing small details and patterns compared to others around you.  
  • You have extensive knowledge of particular interest areas and really enjoy talking about this. 
  • When you are doing something, you can really focus on it and prefer to do this uninterrupted.   
  • You prefer having a routine over spontaneity.   
  • If you have a family member with autism and have concerns for your child (or your own) behaviors and development.  

Your child might benefit from an ASD assessment if: 

  • Teachers or professionals have noticed delays in meeting developmental milestones and learning, and they may behave differently to their peers at school.  
  • You are noticing they don’t respond to their name, tend to avoid eye contact or engage in repetitive movements.    
  • You notice your child is not talking as much as other children or they prefer to play on their own rather than in social groups.   
  • You may notice they engage in repetitive play and tend to have a limited range of interests. They may express a preference for talking about their special areas of interest over other things.  
  • You notice your child prefers to have a routine and may become quite upset if this is disrupted.  
  • You notice child responds to certain sounds, textures, or other sensory inputs in an unusual manner. They may seek out or avoid certain sensory stimuli. 
Dr Wafa Saoud Clinical Psychologist, Lead of Children and Adolescent Services

Dr Wafa Saoud is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist, specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents, and emerging adults.

Dr Romena Toki Clinical Psychologist, Child, Adolescent & Adult Specialist

Dr Romen Toki had the privilege of working with children and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds in the UK and now in the UAE.

Everyone deserves Our special care

Ava's Journey

Ava, an 8-year-old girl, was referred to Sage Clinic by her school due to concerns about her social and communication skills. Ava's teacher had noticed that she often struggled to interact with peers, had difficulty maintaining eye contact, and exhibited repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping and rocking back and forth when excited.

Upon arrival at the mental health clinic, Ava and her parents met with one of our psychologists who completed a thorough assessment which included exploration of Ava’s developmental history, medical history, family history, current difficulties and strengths. Our psychologist advised that based on the information gathered, it would be relevant to explore possible Autism, and recommended the family schedule an Autism Assessment for Ava.

On the day of the Autism assessment, Ava and her family were greeted by two of our psychologists who specialized in developmental assessments. The psychologists explained that Ava would be undergoing an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment to evaluate her social and communication skills and determine whether she met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

During the assessment, Ava engaged in a series of structured and semi-structured activities designed to elicit social and communicative behaviors. The psychologists observed Ava's interactions with toys, her responses to social cues, and her ability to engage in reciprocal conversation.

After completing the assessment, our psychologists scored the tests, completed the report and scheduled a feedback session with Ava's parents to discuss the findings. They explained that Ava displayed several behaviors consistent with ASD, including difficulties with social reciprocity, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

They made recommendations for support for Ava, including speech therapy to improve her communication skills, social skills training to enhance her ability to interact with peers, and occupational therapy to address sensory processing challenges. Ava, an 8-year-old girl, was referred to Sage Clinic by her school due to concerns about her social and communication skills. Ava's teacher had noticed that she often struggled to interact with peers, had difficulty maintaining eye contact, and exhibited repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping and rocking back and forth when excited.

Upon arrival at the mental health clinic, Ava and her parents met with one of our psychologists who completed a thorough assessment which included exploration of Ava’s developmental history, medical history, family history, current difficulties and strengths. Our psychologist advised that based on the information gathered, it would be relevant to explore possible Autism, and recommended the family schedule an Autism Assessment for Ava.

On the day of the Autism assessment, Ava and her family were greeted by two of our psychologists who specialized in developmental assessments. The psychologists explained that Ava would be undergoing an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment to evaluate her social and communication skills and determine whether she met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

During the assessment, Ava engaged in a series of structured and semi-structured activities designed to elicit social and communicative behaviors. The psychologists observed Ava's interactions with toys, her responses to social cues, and her ability to engage in reciprocal conversation.

After completing the assessment, our psychologists scored the tests, completed the report and scheduled a feedback session with Ava's parents to discuss the findings. They explained that Ava displayed several behaviors consistent with ASD, including difficulties with social reciprocity, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors.

They made recommendations for support for Ava, including speech therapy to improve her communication skills, social skills training to enhance her ability to interact with peers, and occupational therapy to address sensory processing challenges.

FAQ's

How long does the ADOS assessment take?

Is the ADOS assessment invasive or painful?

Does my child need to prepare for the ADOS assessment?

Can I stay with my child during the ADOS assessment?

Will the results of the ADOS assessment provide a diagnosis of autism? Will the results of the ADOS assessment provide a diagnosis of autism?

Related Services

Neurodevelopmental, Educational & Neurocognitive Assessments

At Sage, we provide comprehensive neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments and cognitive testing for adults, adolescents, and children.

learn More

Therapy for Gifted and Talented Children and Teens

Gifted children possess exceptional abilities and talents, yet they often face unique challenges that can affect their emotional well-being and social development.

learn More

Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns

Eating disorders are complex and distressing conditions with profound physical, psychological and socio-occupational consequences…

learn More

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is an anxiety disorder in which the person experiences either obsessions or compulsions, but often both.  Recent studies estimate that between 1 and 3 % of the population experience OCD…

learn More

Family Therapy

Families are complex, dynamic relationships – and like all complex relationships, they sometimes need help with strengthening communication, learning, emotional regulation and managing boundaries.

learn More

Parent Coaching

Parenting can be rewarding, joyous and exciting – but it can also be scary and frustrating. Every parent faces challenges and needs help from time to time. When a challenge is complex or is too difficult to manage…

learn More

How it works

We know it’s likely to have been a struggle to get this far, but we are with you every step of the way. Our process is simple – we work with you to develop a unique plan and provide the a level of support according to your needs, whilst ensuring measurable and sustainable outcomes.

Appointment

Book an appointment by calling us on +971 4 575 5684 (or you can book online) and tell us what you are having difficulty with.

Consultation

We offer availability with highly experienced therapists suited to your needs and book the appointment for you.

Therapy

Meet the practitioner and begin the road to self-improvement. Have any concerns? Let us know so we can assist.

JOIN US TODAY

We always care about
your mental health

Our goal is to support individuals, couples, families and groups experiencing challenges with mental, behavioral or emotional wellbeing to overcome these challenges, learn new skills, and thrive at life.