Advancements in Autism Diagnosis Arrive in Saudi Arabia with Canvas Dx
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 13, 2026 — In a significant development for pediatric care, Cognoa and The Ability Center have announced the exclusive introduction of Canvas Dx in Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking, FDA-authorized, AI-driven diagnostic tool serves as an aid for accurately diagnosing autism in children aged 18 to 72 months who demonstrate developmental delays. The innovative platform is set to expedite the diagnostic process, furnishing families with clear and actionable insights earlier than traditional methods allow.
The emergence of Canvas Dx marks a pivotal step in the realm of neurodevelopmental healthcare. It promises to enhance clinicians’ capabilities to not only confirm or rule out autism but also to produce comprehensive reports that bridge the gap between observed behaviors and established criteria set out in the DSM-5. These reports commendably delineate each child’s developmental strengths alongside their challenges, ushering in a new era of personalized healthcare based on precision medicine.
Dr. Mohammed Aldosari, a Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ability Center, voiced his enthusiasm about the platform’s capabilities. “Families are in search of clear answers and a structured plan for the future. During my tenure at the Cleveland Clinic, I witnessed firsthand the transformative nature of Canvas Dx,” he stated. Dr. Aldosari emphasized that the technology enables healthcare providers to deliver transparent, evidence-based outcomes and detailed clinical profiles. This in turn allows for the development of tailored intervention strategies that meet the specific needs of each child.
Raneem Alangari, a Clinical Psychologist at the Ability Center, echoed these sentiments. “We are proud to incorporate Canvas Dx into our offerings at the Ability Center. Based on our clinical experiences, the platform is not only efficient and user-friendly for both clinicians and families but also supports remote assessments when necessary. The fact that it has received FDA authorization, along with compelling real-world evidence, serves to bolster clinicians’ confidence, enabling families to gain quicker diagnostic clarity,” she affirmed.
In a broader context, Dr. Sharief Taraman, CEO of Cognoa, articulated the company’s mission of serving children irrespective of geographical barriers. “We believe in the right of every child to have access to early diagnosis and quality care, no matter where they live. By partnering with the Ability Center, we now extend our reach to children across Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions, as well as Arabic-speaking families in the United States. The delay in obtaining answers for these children can last years, and it’s critical to understand that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to remarkable improvements. Studies demonstrate that over a third of these children no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for clinically significant impairments by the time they reach early school age,” he said.
The importance of early diagnosis and intervention cannot be overstated. Research consistently indicates that identifying developmental delays at an early stage and implementing targeted support can lead to marked improvements in language, learning, and adaptive skills, thereby enhancing long-term developmental trajectories. With Canvas Dx, clinicians can achieve diagnostic clarity within weeks, in stark contrast to the months that traditional evaluation methods usually require. This time savings is particularly crucial when considering the developmental window during which children’s brains are most responsive to therapeutic intervention.
Canvas Dx operates through a streamlined procedure designed to uphold both accuracy and efficiency. Initially, healthcare providers identify concerns related to a child’s development and recommend Canvas Dx. Caregivers then utilize a secure smartphone application to complete brief questionnaires and capture short videos reflecting natural interactions. The clinical team subsequently reviews these inputs, and the system analyzes the data, resulting in a Positive, Negative, or Indeterminate diagnosis. The clinician can then discuss the findings with the family and create a personalized action plan.
For families in Saudi Arabia with concerns about their children’s developmental milestones, the Ability Center offers consultations related to Canvas Dx, with services available in both English and Arabic. Families can reach out to the Ability Center directly at +966 55 072 4770 or via email at info@abilitycenter.sa. More information can also be found on their website, www.abilitycenter.sa.
As a specialized rehabilitation center, the Ability Center, helmed by Dr. Aldosari, is dedicated to fostering the unique abilities of neurodiverse children. The center curates individualized treatment plans, empowering each child to realize their full potential with confidence and independence.
Ultimately, the introduction of Canvas Dx into the Saudi Arabian healthcare landscape represents a notable advancement in autism diagnostics, promising to change the lives of families seeking clarity and support during crucial developmental years.
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Tags: #Saudi, #HealthNews, #EducationNews