Dubai: World Autism Day will be marked on April 2 in the UAE, with blue lighting on prominent buildings across the country highighting its awareness message.
The Ministry of Community Development, in cooperation with the Emirates Autism Society, will dedicate the month of April to raising awareness on autism, which refers to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, and speech and non-verbal communication. This year’s theme is ‘Towards automony and self determination’.
In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace, Capital Gate, Shaikh Zayed bridge, Central Market, Adnoc Buildings, and the Emirates Identity Authority will be lit in blue. The same goes for the Dubai Water Canal and the Flag Island in Sharjah, the Masfoot Gate, Ajman Corniche, Fujairah Municipality, Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, besides several other landmarks.
A ‘family cruise’ will also be held in Al Ain on April 8 to give a chance to families with children who have autism to visit Al Ain Zoo. The initiative aims to give these families a chance to interact with each other and give children with autism a chance to be included in society, apart from giving them a tour of the zoo.
On April 22, another family cruise will be held at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi.
Lectures and training courses on therapeutic feeding will also be held across the UAE this month to be led by Dr Fatima Bin Hialla.
The International ASD Congress titled ‘Systems of Care for ASD’ at Dubai Health Care City that began on Thursday and concludes today, featured global and regional experts. The event explores the best practices in screening, detection, assessment and interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, care pathways for children with ASD and the latest research methodology.
Dr Karim Al Munir from Boston Chidren’s Hospital and one of the panel speakers told observed that communities and governments worldwide have a bigger role to play in streamlining systems of care for those suffering from ASD.
