Abu Dhabi: A new study will seek to establish the prevalence of autism, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, within the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The study, now under consideration, will be undertaken by researchers at the capital’s leading public hospital, the Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), along with experts from US-based Cleveland Clinic, a multispecialty hospital.
It will survey children enrolled at schools, as well as those visiting clinics, to determine the pervasiveness of the disease, Dr Ahmad Almai, head of child and adolescent psychiatry at SKMC, told Gulf News.
“At our child psychiatry clinic, 8 to 13 per cent of visits each year are from patients with autism spectrum disorders. However, we expect that about 1 to 2 per cent of the overall population is actually autistic,” Dr Almai said.
Autism, which presents at early childhood, is typically characterised by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and patients also have great difficulty in using language and abstract concepts. It is believed to be caused mostly by genetic factors, although certain environmental reasons are also highlighted.
The upcoming study, which is one of the first autism-focused analyses in Abu Dhabi, will help shed light on the emirate’s health-care needs. This is especially necessary as the rate of autism has grown tenfold internationally over the last 40 years, and available special needs and autism therapy centres in Abu Dhabi often run at full capacity, with long waiting lists of people who wish to enrol their children.
“About one in 88 children suffers from autism, and this represents a staggering rise in the number of cases in the last decade. While the prevalence appears to have increased because more cases come to light with advanced diagnostic techniques, habits such as alcohol and drug use, as well as higher parental age at conception, have also contributed to this rise,” Dr Almai said.
In addition, the rate is likely to be higher in the Gulf due to the greater rate of consanguineous marriages.
The expert therefore encouraged parents to read up on developmental disorders from reliable sources, and approach a physician if they noticed delays. It is best to consult trusted medical society websites, or well-researched parenting books, rather than reading unverified sources available on the Web, Dr Almai added.
The doctor will also be chairing the fourth International Child and Family Behavioural Conference, which kicks off in the capital on Thursday (January 28). About 1,000 medical professionals are expected to attend the three-day conference, and families with members who have developmental and social disorders are encouraged to visit.
“We have international experts coming in to speak about their research on complex disorders, and families can actually try to meet them here in Abu Dhabi,” Dr Almai said.
Autism is one of the areas of focus, but researchers will also discuss their findings on a variety of other conditions, including eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and drug abuse.
