Dubai: Various organisations launched initiatives on Wednesday to mark World Autism Awareness Day.
World Autism Awareness Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 and is marked on April 2 every year to raise awareness, usually by organising educational and fund-raising events.
In light of the event, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) announced the opening of the Doris Duan-Young Autism Centre.
The $1 million (Dh3.67 million) centre will provide sensory rooms, a theatre for imaginative play, a quiet room and space for group and single therapy, accommodating up to 100 adults and children.
Speaking on the occasion, founder and best-selling author, Doris Duan-Young said: “We tailor our services to provide an enriched environment complete with educational, cultural and recreational activities that promote growth, independence and social interaction.”
Light It Up Blue campaign
The Child Early Intervention Medical Centre (CEIMC) in DHCC is supporting autism this month via the Light It Up Blue campaign; its entrance by the Dubai Metro Station will be awash in blue lighting.
The CEIMC will also organise the Sixth Annual Walk for Autism on April 26, at Zabeel Park, Dubai; more than 6,000 are expected.
Also in support of autism, the Dubai College of Dental Medicine (DCDM) through its clinical arm, the Dubai Dental Clinic (DDC) located in DHCC will host an oral health drive in Mirdiff on April 2 from 4pm to 7pm.
To mark the occasion, the Community Development Authority’s (CDA) Dubai Early Childhood Development, also launched the ‘“One world for Autism” campaign, which aims to encourage families to cultivate a better understanding of autism.
The campaign this month includes workshops for Higher Colleges of Technology students, and activities for parents, children and the public to raise autism awareness in the country. These workshops will take place in Dubai and Sharjah.
