Vocational programme helps kids with autism integrate into society

Abu Dhabi: Zaid was six years old when he was diagnosed with autism and subsequently enrolled in a vocational education programme run by New England Centre for Children in Abu Dhabi (NECC- AD). He could not speak and threw tantrums every few days.

Now 15, Zaid is a cheerful teenager. He is interning at the Emirates College for Advanced Education and was a volunteer at the recent IX Mena Games.

“Zaid’s case is an example that autism can be controlled effectively if detected early. With April being Autism Awareness Month, we would like to emphasise that the focus of awareness must shift to early detection and diagnosis, so that these children get a better chance to become independent,” said Dr Pam Olsen, chief programme officer at NECC-AD.

Modelled along the lines of a school of the same name based in Boston, Massachusetts, NECC-AD was set up in 2007 to offer intensive one-to-one instruction to children with autism.

Located in Mohammad Bin Zayed City, the centre currently has 212 students.

About 30 per cent of its students eventually get fully integrated into regular schools.

“More accurate diagnosis about autism is needed to distinguish it from other conditions like global developmental delays or intellectual deficits,” said Dr Olsen, behaviour analyst and special education teacher.

While there is no cure for autism, Dr Olsen reckons education could make a huge difference. Abdullah Al Sharqi, whose 11-year-old son is undergoing treatment at NECC-AD, said one-off awareness events provide no real benefits for the children.

“We need year-round awareness,” he said.

“Mothers of children with autism suffer a great deal,” said another parent Umm Yusuf. “Part of it comes from the feeling that her child’s condition is not easy to deal with. So she is unable to anticipate the future. Another challenge is lack of acceptance by the community,” she added.