Nambiar, Seema2013-11-182013-11-182013-01100111http://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/407DISSERTATION WITH DISTINCTIONThis research seeks to explore, examine and highlight the current availability and appropriateness of educational provisions for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its implications on their learning and development. Learners with ASD as well as parents, special educators, general class teachers, occupational, behavioural and speech therapists participated in this mixed research method of study. Classroom observations, interview-based questionnaires and documentary evidences have been capitalized upon for rich insights into factors that influence and impact the educational development of learners with ASD. The study findings indicate a dearth of key elements for the set up of a comprehensive and efficient education system that includes and caters to the needs of such learners. This research highlights and confirms the need to plug the gaping loopholes in educational provisions and empower learners with ASD to cope better with their disability and society. Significant and interesting facets relating to the needs and potentials of such learners have been observed and participants’ viewpoints have been given a voice here. This research concludes with a number of recommendations that can possibly enhance the learners’ potentials and eventually pave their way towards attaining a rightful place in mainstream society.enautismSpecial Educational Needs (SEN)inclusionUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)classroom observationsdisabilityDissertation