(Dubai) Bur Dubai: ASD/ADHD center opens; "rising demand for specialised care"

June 5, 2025, Gulf News: Dubai: Child development centre for autism, ADHD care opens in Bur Dubai 

Aster Clinics launches child therapy centre, plans UAE-wide expansion

Dubai: A new Integrated Child Development Centre has opened in Bur Dubai, offering comprehensive and interdisciplinary care for children with developmental needs.

Launched by Aster Clinics in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, the innovative centre provides a range of therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities. It will address conditions such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental challenges.

Holistic services for children aged 0-16

An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre is designed for children aged 0-16 years. It offers holistic, expert-led care, including screening, assessments, diagnosis, and customised interventions. The goal is to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth.

Focus on autism, ADHD, learning disabilities

The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualised care plans. Services include the screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental disorders, communication and motor issues, as well as behavioural assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. . . .

Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, said the opening of the centre marks just the beginning, with plans to expand similar services across the Aster network in the UAE.

“The centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE,” she said.

High demand for developmental support

Studies indicate that up to 16 per cent of children in the UAE are born with low birth weight, placing them at higher risk for developmental issues. Additionally, autism affects approximately 1 in 146 births in the UAE, and ADHD is estimated to impact up to 8.8 per cent of children.

Dr Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, highlighted the importance of meeting the rising demand for specialised care, as more parents express concerns about their children’s development.

“With more parents expressing concern about their children’s development or behaviour due to conditions like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will offer proper assessment, counselling, and integrated, specialised care where needed,” he said.

Dr Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, noted that the centre consolidates medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof, saving parents time and resources.“Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions.” . . .

Expansion plans across UAE within next 2 years

Operating daily from 9 am to 7 pm, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500.

Over the next two years, it plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach initiatives, including partnerships with local nurseries and primary and middle schools to provide services on school premises.