Choosing a school for your kid with special needs in Dubai is a bit like entering a maze – it’s not all rainbows and unicorns, but it doesn’t have to be a headache either. We get the struggle because, well, we’ve been there. In this blog, we’ll highlight the top five schools, discuss local services, understand the educational framework, and learn how Goally’s learning tools can be your trusted companion.
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Top 5 Special Needs Schools in Dubai
Right off the bat, let’s tackle the main question – the best schools for neurodivergent kids in Dubai. Our focus here is to offer a helpful roundup, not to play favorites. Every child is unique, after all. Here’s a nifty table for quick reference.
| Name | Star Rating | Reviews | Address | Hours of Operation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center | 4.8 | 50 | Excellence Plus, Business Venue Building – Umm Hurair Rd | Closed, Opens 9 AM Thu | An educational consultant located at Excellence Plus, offering specialized services to address learning difficulties with a focus on excellence. |
| Seed Special Education Center | 4.8 | 50 | UAE Red Crescent Authority – Room No. 304 – Building 19 Street 1 | Closed, Opens 8 AM Thu | A dedicated education center situated at the UAE Red Crescent Authority, providing special education services and support with a focus on growth. |
| Dubai Center for Special Needs | 4.1 | 35 | 45th St., Near Safa Park, Sheikh Zayed Rd | Closed, Opens 7:45 AM Thu | A school located near Safa Park, committed to meeting the special needs of students, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. |
| Special Needs Future Development Center | 4.7 | 24 | Villa No – 9 6th St – behind Dubai Public Library | Closed, Opens 8 AM Thu | A specialized education center situated behind Dubai Public Library, dedicated to the future development of students with special needs. |
| Small Steps Learning Difficulties Center | 4.8 | 8 | Dubai – United Arab Emirates | Closed, Opens 7:30 AM Thu | A school in Dubai providing essential learning support with a focus on small steps, ensuring personalized attention for students facing difficulties. |
Now, before you start comparing, remember this: The best choice isn’t about the star ratings, it’s about what suits your kid the most.
Are There SEN Schools in Dubai?
Wondering if Dubai has SEN schools? The answer is a resounding yes and quite a few top-tier ones. Indeed, there’s a reason why Dubai is making strides in supportive and innovative special needs education. However, it’s crucial to understand that each school will differ in approach and offerings.
Moreover, look at more than just the curriculum. Check the kind of individual support, therapy sessions, and the overall environment the school provides. Remember, SEN schools can be advantageous for kids with thinking and learning differences, offering tailored educational experiences.
Read more: Autism Schools in Dubai | Parent Guide
Can an Autistic Child Go To a Normal School in Dubai?
Can a kid with autism attend mainstream schools in Dubai? Well, the solid truth is that it varies by individual scenarios. Many schools in Dubai ensure inclusivity, providing supportive environments to children with special needs. That is to say, it’s totally feasible.
Above all, consider the practical side too. Formal education isn’t just about academia but emotional, social, and life-skills development. To clarify, the critical perspective to consider is whether the school can cater to your child’s individual needs effectively and dynamically.
Read more: Autism in Schools
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Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more. It also 100+ video classes teaching social skills.
How Does UAE Help People with Special Needs?
No doubts about it: UAE’s commitment to special needs isn’t limited to theories; it’s apparent in concrete measures, too. In other words, UAE shows a significant understanding of the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
For example, it establishes a robust legal framework to protect their rights. Also, several government initiatives and services target people with special needs. Certainly, the UAE’s vision for inclusivity and equal opportunities is an encouraging benchmark.
Is Dubai Disability Friendly?
Dubai’s commitment to become disability-friendly is more than just ink on paper. It’s an action plan well underway. Firstly, there’s the city’s commitment to becoming fully accessible by 2020 following the launch of the ‘Dubai Disability Strategy 2020’.
Secondly, the local government is committed to rebranding people with disabilities as ‘people of determination,’ reflecting the spirit they embody. That’s Dubai for you – not just coping, but determined to make a difference in the lives of kids with special needs.
How Goally Can Help
Evidence shows that kids learn best when they’re having fun. Many teachers recommend using learning tech like Goally to engage with kids in a way they love.
In the classroom, Goally can help kids with:
- Following directions by providing visual and verbals supports to help them understand each task.
- Staying on task by providing timers and reminders to help them stay focused.
- Communicating with their teachers and peers through the AAC Talker app that allows them to express wants and needs.
- Identifying and regulating their emotions before children have a meltdown because they are overstimulated.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
To Sum Up
Optimal educational support for neurodivergent kids is more than just academic. It’s about supportive environments, individual attention, expert intervention, and the understanding that each child’s learning journey is unique.
In conclusion, providing an environment where every child feels accepted, valued, and capable matters. With Dubai’s supportive framework and Goally’s innovative solutions, your child is well-placed to shine, fostering progress that’s more than academic – it’s empowering. And in the long haul, isn’t that what truly matters?
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
