Missed, Masked, and Misunderstood: Zainab El-Sibai Announced as Distinguished Speaker at the 5th World Pediatrics Summit, June 18–20, 2026
We are delighted to officially announce that Zainab
El-Sibai, Educational Psychologist, United States, will be joining us
as a distinguished speaker at the 5th World Pediatrics,
Perinatology, and Emergency Pediatrics Care Summit & Exhibition,
taking place from June
18–20, 2026, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This prestigious CME/CPD-accredited global gathering brings together
pediatricians, neonatologists, perinatologists, psychologists, emergency care
professionals, researchers, educators, and healthcare leaders from around the
world. With a shared mission to advance pediatric healthcare through
evidence-based practice, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the
summit continues to serve as a premier international platform for knowledge
exchange and professional development.
Speech Title:
Missed,
Masked, and Misunderstood: Rethinking Autism Assessment in Girls
Autism has long been viewed through a predominantly male lens.
Diagnostic criteria, screening tools, and even clinical expectations have
historically been shaped around how autism presents in boys. As a result,
countless girls on the autism spectrum remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or
diagnosed far later than their male peers.
In her highly anticipated session, Ms. El-Sibai will explore the
critical gaps in traditional autism assessment frameworks and challenge
professionals to reconsider how we evaluate neurodevelopmental differences in
girls.
Why
This Topic Matters Now More Than Ever
Research increasingly shows that autism in girls often presents
differently from the “classic” diagnostic profile. Girls may:
- Mask or camouflage social
difficulties
- Develop coping strategies
that hide core symptoms
- Exhibit socially acceptable
restricted interests
- Internalize distress rather
than externalize behaviors
These differences frequently lead to girls being labeled as shy,
anxious, sensitive, or even oppositional—rather than being evaluated for autism
spectrum differences. Many are diagnosed only in adolescence or adulthood,
often after years of mental health struggles, burnout, or misinterpretation.
Ms. El-Sibai’s presentation will examine:
- Gender bias in diagnostic
tools
- The phenomenon of social
masking and its psychological cost
- The impact of late or missed
diagnosis on mental health
- Culturally responsive and
inclusive assessment practices
- Practical strategies for
clinicians, educators, and pediatric professionals
Her session will be especially valuable for pediatricians, child
psychologists, school counselors, developmental specialists, special educators,
and emergency pediatric professionals who encounter neurodivergent children
across various settings.
Zainab El-Sibai is a respected Educational Psychologist based in the
United States with extensive experience in child development, psychoeducational
assessment, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Her work centers on
equitable evaluation processes, early identification of developmental
differences, and supporting families navigating complex diagnostic journeys.
She is widely recognized for advocating a strengths-based approach to
autism and learning differences. Her professional focus includes:
- Autism spectrum assessment
- Neurodiversity-informed
educational planning
- Early intervention
strategies
- Special education advocacy
- Mental health support for
neurodivergent youth
Through clinical practice, professional training, and community
outreach, Ms. El-Sibai has contributed to reshaping conversations around
autism—particularly in girls and underrepresented populations.
Her presence at the 2026 summit underscores the event’s commitment to
highlighting emerging research, inclusive clinical models, and global best
practices in pediatric care.
Learn more about Ms. El-Sibai here:
https://pediatrics.utilitarianconferences.com/speaker/ms-zainab-el-sibai
A Global Platform for
Pediatric Advancement
The 5th
World Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Emergency Pediatrics Care Summit &
Exhibition continues to grow as a leading international conference
dedicated to pediatric excellence.
Held in the vibrant city of Dubai, this three-day summit will feature:
- Keynote lectures from global
thought leaders
- CME/CPD-accredited
scientific sessions
- Interactive panel discussions
- Clinical case studies
- Poster and oral research
presentations
- Industry exhibitions
showcasing medical innovation
Participants will gain practical insights into neonatal care,
perinatology advancements, pediatric emergency response, developmental health,
mental health integration, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The inclusion of sessions focused on autism assessment and
neurodevelopment reflects the evolving understanding that pediatric care must
be holistic—addressing not only physical health but also cognitive, emotional,
and developmental well-being.
Bridging
Pediatrics and Mental Health
One of the most powerful aspects of Ms. El-Sibai’s upcoming presentation
is its interdisciplinary relevance. Autism assessment is not solely the domain
of psychologists—it directly intersects with pediatric practice, early
screening, emergency care, and school-based interventions.
Missed or misunderstood autism can lead to:
- Anxiety and depression
- School refusal or academic
burnout
- Social isolation
- Misdiagnosed behavioral
disorders
- Crisis presentations in
emergency settings
By recognizing subtle presentations in girls earlier, pediatric
professionals can initiate timely referrals, supportive care pathways, and
family education—dramatically improving long-term outcomes.
Her session invites healthcare professionals to move beyond checkbox
diagnostics and adopt a more nuanced, developmentally informed, and
gender-sensitive framework.
Advancing Inclusive
Pediatric Care
As healthcare continues to evolve toward patient-centered and culturally
responsive models, conversations about neurodiversity are becoming central to
pediatric practice worldwide.
This summit offers an important opportunity to:
- Update clinical knowledge
- Earn CME/CPD credits
- Network with international
experts
- Engage in evidence-based
discussions
- Explore emerging pediatric
research
- Strengthen interdisciplinary
collaboration
Professionals attending from across continents will contribute to a
dynamic exchange of ideas aimed at improving pediatric outcomes globally.
Join
Us in Dubai – June 18–20, 2026
We invite pediatricians, psychologists, nurses, researchers, therapists,
educators, policy makers, and healthcare leaders to be part of this
transformative event.
📍 Location: Dubai, UAE
📅 Dates: June 18–20, 2026
Secure your place today:
https://pediatrics.utilitarianconferences.com/registration
WhatsApp Contact:
https://wa.me/+971551792927
Be
Part of the Conversation That Changes Lives
Autism in girls has long been missed, masked, and misunderstood. By
rethinking assessment frameworks and challenging outdated assumptions, we can
move toward earlier identification, stronger support systems, and better mental
health outcomes for neurodivergent children.
The 5th
World Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Emergency Pediatrics Care Summit &
Exhibition promises to be a landmark event in advancing inclusive
pediatric care. With expert voices like Zainab
El-Sibai leading critical discussions, attendees will leave empowered
with knowledge, tools, and renewed commitment to equitable child healthcare.
We look forward to welcoming you to Dubai for three days of innovation,
collaboration, and global impact.
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