Dubai Autism Centre Introduces 19th Public Awareness Initiative
The 19th Autism Awareness Campaign, launched by the Dubai Autism Centre, is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aims to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and enhance understanding of autism spectrum disorders in the UAE community.
The campaign's goals include increasing public knowledge about autism, promoting rights and opportunities for autistic individuals, and facilitating community engagement and support services. It leverages collaboration with government bodies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to amplify its impact.
Iconic landmarks across Dubai, including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Global Village, will be lit in blue, symbolizing solidarity with the autism community. The campaign also includes workshops in schools, free early detection assessments, and awareness segments on Noor Dubai TV.
The partnership network often includes government departments like the Department of Community Development (DCD), which supports social sector advancements, as well as various educational and health organizations contributing to autism care and awareness. These collaborations help the campaign directly impact the UAE community by improving access to resources, educational opportunities, and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, expressed support for the campaign in line with the national policy for People of Determination (POD). Al Tayer praised Dubai's "My Community... A City for Everyone" initiative. The campaign aligns with the UAE's "Year of the Community" and reinforces Dubai's commitment to inclusivity.
Hisham Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of the Dubai Autism Centre, emphasized that the campaign supports the national goal of fostering an inclusive society for individuals with autism. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General of the Dubai Autism Centre, stressed the importance of community-wide education on autism's core challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior.
The Dubai Autism Centre has also released a new book, "Managing Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism," by Dr. Bassam Darwish, offering practical guidance for families and educators. The 19th Autism Awareness Campaign reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to enhance autism awareness, specialized care, and integrated social services, as reflected in the UAE's general approach to social sector development.
- The collaboration network of the 19th Autism Awareness Campaign includes the Department of Community Development (DCD), as well as various educational and health organizations, aiming to improve access to resources and educational opportunities for individuals with autism in the UAE community.
- The government bodies, such as the Department of Community Development, play a crucial role in community-wide education on autism's core challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior, supporting the national goal of fostering an inclusive society for individuals with autism.
- As part of the UAE's social sector development approach, the 19th Autism Awareness Campaign reflects ongoing efforts to enhance autism awareness, specialized care, and integrated social services, including the release of a new book providing practical guidance for families and educators, in alignment with the UAE's commitment to mental health and wellness.
