Guided by a purpose to make the UAE an inclusive place for people with Autism, the Autism Foundation (ATF) was founded in 2011. Since its humble beginnings, ATF works to provide support, ambition, and hope to the community, leading the way to creating a society that whole-heartedly accepts and welcomes those with Autism.

The Autism Trust Foundation (ATF) is a non-profitable organization registered with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, with a truly global presence in its portfolio of unique programs and initiatives throughout the world. The expanded focus would help ATF provide affordable therapy and support to children and families dealing with autism across the UAE.

Among the key developments, ATF launched Understanding Hope challenges in consonance with their objectives of making the UAE a better place for those with Autism. As a result of ATF initiative programs in communities and workshops in educational establishments, over the years more people who work support people with Autism, or who just want to make a difference in the lives of people with Autism, are becoming involved with ATF. Although no official figures are available on the total number of people with Autism in the UAE, experts estimate the statistics are similar to global prevalence.


The Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation within the field, earning its reputation as one of the most respected psychology departments in the United States. With a rich legacy spanning a century, our commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking research remains unwavering.

At the forefront of our offerings are our graduate programs in clinical and industrial/organizational psychology, recognized as exemplary with consistent placements in the top 10 rankings nationwide. The department's cutting-edge research has gained international acclaim, particularly in the domains of behavior genetics, cognitive and affective neuroscience, multisensory perception, and the exploration of consciousness.

A key aspect of our success lies in our collaborative approach. We regularly engage with colleagues in various disciplines within the Academic Health Center, including neuroscience, radiology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, and others. Additionally, our collaborations extend to the Institute for Child Development, the School of Public Health, and departments such as kinesiology, computer science, and biomedical engineering. This interdisciplinary synergy enhances our research endeavors and contributes to our standing as a hub for pioneering psychological inquiry.


As the world's largest association of psychologists, the American Psychological Association (APA) boasts a membership exceeding 117,500, comprising researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. At the core of the APA's operations is a strategic plan designed to serve as a comprehensive roadmap. This plan not only guides but also prioritizes the organization's efforts, taking into account various factors that influence the field of psychology, psychologists themselves, membership organizations, and the broader societal landscape.

The APA's strategic plan is a response to a range of influential factors, including demographic and generational trends, the impact of globalization, shifts in health and mental health-care delivery and financing, challenges associated with funding behavioral research, and the proliferation of smaller "niche" organizations. By addressing these dynamic elements, the APA positions itself to navigate the evolving landscape of psychology and effectively fulfill its role as a leading force in the advancement of the discipline.


The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) was founded with the primary objective of addressing the credentialing needs of professionals engaged in working with individuals with special needs. In 2001, IBCCES took a pioneering step by establishing industry standards for the Certified Autism Specialist credential. This certification has since become a benchmark for excellence in the field.

Annually, IBCCES diligently reviews and updates these standards through the collective expertise of its board, consisting of industry professionals. This board includes researchers from esteemed universities, a former state-level special education director, influential industry leaders, and practitioners in various fields such as mental health, behavior analysis, speech and language pathology, school psychology, occupational therapy, as well as parents.

Today, the Certified Autism Specialist standards, crafted and refined by IBCCES, have gained global recognition. Organizations worldwide utilize these standards to ensure the delivery of the highest quality care and training for professionals dedicated to serving individuals within the autism spectrum. IBCCES remains at the forefront of advancing excellence in the field of Autism through its commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to the highest standards of professional practice.


The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a collective of psychiatrists united in their mission to guarantee compassionate care and efficacious treatment for individuals grappling with mental illness, encompassing substance use disorders. Functioning as the voice and conscience of contemporary psychiatry, the APA aspires to cultivate a society wherein quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment are not only accessible but readily available.

An acknowledgment of the APA's commitment to global collaboration and recognition of excellence in mental health care is the awarding of International Membership to the Autism Trust Foundation for the Middle East. This prestigious recognition, bestowed in June 2016, comes with all associated privileges and obligations. By extending such affiliations, the APA underscores its dedication to fostering partnerships and promoting high standards of psychiatric practice on an international scale.