Call for collective efforts to support people with autism

The UAE will mark World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 2, to underscore the importance of creating a supportive and understanding environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), enabling their full inclusion in all aspects of life as valued members of society.

The UAE is committed to reinforcing social cohesion and driving sustainable development by empowering individuals with autism to develop their skills, improve their quality of life and secure a safer future, while strengthening their active participation within the community.

The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) provides internationally accredited care and rehabilitation programmes for 522 students with autism at its centres across Abu Dhabi.

Aisha Al Mansoori, Director of the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, which is affiliated with ZHO, emphasised the importance of collective efforts by institutions and individuals to support people with autism.

She noted that while there are numerous methods to foster their inclusion, the first step is to raise awareness across society, particularly within schools.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), she highlighted the critical role of early detection in facilitating integration, stating, “The earlier the intervention, the easier it is to develop the student’s abilities by focusing on education and enhancing their academic and social skills.”

Al Mansouri added that the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination tailors its programmes to each individual, designing specialised training plans and organising workplace visits to ensure tasks are performed independently and are suited to the nature of each person’s condition.

Internationally, the organisation has delivered several sessions of the Bridges of Hope programme for mothers, guardians and families of People of Determination with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The country has established specialised centres for their care, rehabilitation, empowerment, and integration into society.

Additionally, they are prioritised for prompt medical treatment in all state hospitals as recognition of their constructive contributions and their families’ efforts to support them towards productivity.

The UAE also provides them with parks that comply with global safety standards.

The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, located in the Za’afarana area of Abu Dhabi and affiliated with ZHO, provides a range of services for students with ASD.

The centre’s services include education and rehabilitation, early intervention, educational activities, and community activities such as entertainment, scientific programmes, national and religious events, and humanitarian initiatives, both within and outside the country. These services also encompass sports, arts, music, assistive technology, and therapeutic interventions including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and additional rehabilitation services.

Abu Dhabi Autism Centre is equipped with various facilities, including classrooms, music education rooms with musical instruments, academic classrooms, a sports hall, and a restaurant serving healthy meals. The centre also features outdoor play areas. A dedicated pool facilitates swimming as a therapeutic intervention.

The centre accepts Emirati students with autism aged three to five years in the early intervention department, and those aged five to fifteen years in the autism spectrum department. Individuals above fifteen years are enrolled in the rehabilitation department.

Therapeutic interventions at the centre involve behaviour modification techniques, assistive technology, specialised educational programmes, and the use of advanced devices and modern teaching techniques, including smart boards. The centre offers seven accredited services, including assessment and diagnosis, early intervention, education, training and rehabilitation, healthcare, social integration, psychological counselling, and employment support.

The new headquarters of the Al Ain Autism Centre in Al Ain City was opened in November 2020.

WAM