Autistic kids face tough challenges

Shamila Jamaluddin, Staff Reporter

ABU DHABI: In order to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday hosted activities to raise awareness of autism in the UAE as part of their annual CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)programme.

The programme was geared to motivate more parents to come forward if they notice anything different in children as early intervention is key to an affected child’s progress.

 Ambassador of Philippines to the UAE Hjayceelyn Aurora Quintana graced the occasion along with Dr Amal Galal Sabry, Director, Emirates Autism Center, and senior management from Line Investments and Property.

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day on April 2 every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout the world.

Moreover, aiming to find the best practices to integrate children with autism academically and socially Mushrif Mall had lined up many activities and programmes for parents and their autistic children.

The Mall on Tuesday engaged with the community through hosting different activities such as arts and crafts, game station and live entertainment. There was cake cutting, release of balloons and unveiling of the Mushrif Mall’s new autism event logo.

In addition to the light up in blue activity, the audience was entertained with mascots, children’s activity zone (colouring booth/ face painting), plaque and bouquet presentation, fashion show for special kids (spring collection) and autism talks.

Aravind Ravi Palode, Mushrif Mall Manager said as it is the ‘Year of Tolerance’ we believe in the importance of engaging with people of determination to cultivate greater inclusiveness and togetherness in the UAE. “Educating the public about autism is important as society needs to be more supportive and understanding of the difficulty autistic children face during their daily life.” Wajeb Al Khoury, Director, Line Investments and Property said, “Children with autism and their families face unique and daunting challenges that the community can never fully appreciate and we hope to raise awareness for the syndrome and ultimately help parents find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle.”