Abu Dhabi: Raising a child diagnosed with autism presents many challenges, but this difficulty is heightened in the UAE due to the limited number of special education institutions.
This September, a nationwide study will be launched to determine the exact number of children suffering from autism in the country and the number of parents registered on waiting lists to enrol their wards into dedicated institutions, a senior special needs experts said on Wednesday.
“At present, statistics from the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs indicate that more than 800 children are enrolled at special centres. But the total number of afflicted individuals could be much higher because many are still awaiting enrolment,” Dr Khowla Al Saeedi, Chairperson of the Emirates Autism Society, told Gulf News.
“The data about children attending the centres is currently available with many different entities. But it has not yet been ascertained exactly how many children are on the waiting lists. Collecting this information will greatly help decision makers in the UAE plan for the educational, health and inclusion needs of autistic individuals,” she added.
Autism is a mental condition in which the use of language, reaction to stimuli, interpretation of the world, and the ability to form and maintain social relationships are not fully established in afflicted people, and follow unusual patterns. The symptoms are present from childhood and this means that individuals require focused education and therapy.
The study to find out the prevalence of autism in the UAE will be undertaken in association with the National Bureau of Statistics, as well as local and federal health authorities, Dr Khowla said.
She was speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony held in the capital to launch a Ramadan competition for autistic individuals of all ages and nationalities. Titled ‘On the Path of Zayed’, the contest invited them to participate in voluntary work and humanitarian activities during Ramadan with the chance to claim prizes.
Participants were encouraged to post pictures and videos of their work using the hashtag #onthepathofzayed.
“The aim is to show people that autistic individuals can also make beneficial contributions to society,” Dr Khowla said.
The competition and associated events were organised in partnership with the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.
