The Doris Duan Young Autism Center
About Company
At The Doris Duan-Young Autism Center (DDY), we live by our motto: “Expertise That Cares.” We offer a range of services for children and young adults under one roof, providing multidisciplinary care in a supportive and compassionate environment. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, our 10,063-square-foot facility offers seven key services, including assessment, clinical and therapeutic programs, inclusion and vocational programs, and community and caregiver training.
Since opening in 2014, our dedicated team—comprising Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Developmental Psychologists—has supported over 400 families. With unconditional care at the heart of what we do, we have become one of Dubai’s leading autism centers, known for personalized, innovative, and comprehensive care.
Our work has been recognized by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority Excellence Awards, receiving honors for Healthcare Innovation (2019) and as a Rehabilitation Center (2020). Additionally, our staff are trained and certified in Crisis Intervention and Prevention by Canada’s Safe Management Group.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive society for People of Determination and their families, collaborating with government agencies, academic institutions, and Dubai’s medical tourism initiatives.
Our Facilities
Early Intervention Room – Supporting early development
Therapy Room – Individualized therapy sessions
Occupational Therapy (OT) Room – Specialized care for motor and sensory development
Vision
To be a trusted leader in innovative autism care and contribute to building an inclusive society in the UAE and beyond.
Mission
To provide evidence-based, personalized care for individuals on the autism spectrum and support all families of People of Determination.
Values
Commitment – We dedicate ourselves fully to our patients and their families. We are accountable, communicate openly, and go above and beyond to deliver the best care.
Unconditional Love – We approach every patient and family with empathy, compassion, and respect, listening and supporting each other as a team.
Passion – Our work is driven by purpose. We wake up motivated to help People of Determination reach their full potential.
Our History
The center was founded by Doris Duan-Young, a US-based best-selling author who has helped over 20,000 families navigate challenges related to autism and other developmental disabilities since 1994. Through her work with Behavioral Support Services (BSS), Inc and a commitment made via the Clinton Foundation, she established the DDY Autism Center in Dubai.
The Dubai center opened on April 2, 2014, World Autism Awareness Day, carrying on Doris Duan-Young’s legacy of empowering individuals with autism.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ben Hadj Hassine, CEO and Managing Director, the center expanded to Al Razi Medical Complex, adding therapeutic centers, administrative offices, and operations departments. Dr. Ben established strategic partnerships across the GCC, enhanced medical tourism opportunities, and prioritized family education, ensuring parents and caregivers are actively involved in the growth journey of their children.
