Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)
Offered by Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)
Abu Dhabi government authority leading early-childhood development, with a strong focus on early detection of developmental delays — including autism — and a dedicated Early Intervention Guide for families.
<p></p><p>The <strong>Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)</strong>, established in 2019, is the government body responsible for early-childhood development in Abu Dhabi — covering health and nutrition, child protection, family support, and early care and education for children from conception to age 8.</p><p>
</p><h3>Why it matters for autism families</h3><p>ECA is central to <strong>early detection</strong> in Abu Dhabi, which is the single biggest factor in long-term outcomes for autistic children. It works in partnership with the Department of Health, ADEK, ZHO, and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center.</p><p>
</p><h3>Key initiatives</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Universal Developmental Surveillance & Screening pilot</strong> — a programme for routine developmental monitoring of children aged 0–3 in Abu Dhabi, designed to catch delays and disabilities as early as possible. Run in partnership with Mubadala Health, Kanad Hospital, and Al Dhafra Hospitals.</p></li><li><p><strong>Abu Dhabi Early Intervention Guide</strong> — a publicly available guide for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities. Covers what intervention services exist, how to access them, and what to expect.</p></li><li><p><strong>Parent training pilots</strong> — sessions for parents of young children with autism, providing practical strategies for use at home and explaining which therapies can help.</p></li><li><p><strong>Paediatrician training</strong> — programmes to train doctors in developmental surveillance so concerns are picked up at routine visits.</p></li><li><p><strong>Knowledge-sharing sessions for caregivers</strong> — co-run with ZHO and ADEK, focused on young children with autism.</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>How families use it</h3><ul><li><p>Download the Abu Dhabi Early Intervention Guide from <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eca.gov.ae/">eca.gov.ae</a> — distributed free to clinics, service providers, and government offices.</p></li><li><p>Ask your paediatrician about the developmental surveillance programme if you have concerns about milestones in a child under 3.</p></li><li><p>Watch ECA announcements for parent training sessions and workshops.</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Authority website: <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eca.gov.ae/">eca.gov.ae</a></p>