ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of Sheikha Mouza bint Suhail, the Executive Committee of the International Autism Conference has launched a global awareness campaign under the slogan Smile… Your Smile Is Enough to Make Them Happy, unveiled on the sidelines of the closing of the 4th International Autism Conference 2026.
The campaign reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to empower People of Determination and highlights a strategic direction toward transforming awareness initiatives into sustainable programmes with lasting local and international impact.
The campaign is built on a profound humanitarian message: that acceptance begins with a smile.
It aims to evolve into a global community movement that enhances awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), promotes positive interaction and inclusion, and contributes to building a more understanding and inclusive society, with plans to expand globally by 2027.
A key pillar of the campaign is the engagement of individuals with autism as main ambassadors, who will share their experiences and inspiring stories in a model that reinforces empowerment and enhances public understanding of their capabilities and potential.
In addition, a digital platform will be launched to enable individuals and institutions to join and actively contribute to spreading the campaign’s message on a wide scale.
The campaign also includes a series of initiatives and interactive activities, such as field visits to schools, universities, and public and private institutions, participation in community events nationwide, the production of digital awareness content, and the launch of the Autism Voices platform.
It will also feature training programmes and support sessions, contributing to the development of a sustainable community network of supporters and ambassadors of change.
His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, stated that the campaign represents a true translation of the message of turning awareness into simple daily behaviour with profound impact—enhancing acceptance and bridging gaps within society.
He emphasised that involving individuals with autism as campaign ambassadors reflects an advanced awareness approach based on empowering them to share their real experiences, thereby strengthening societal understanding of their capabilities and supporting their broader inclusion.
Amina Al Haidan, CEO of the International Autism Conference, extended her gratitude to Sheikha Mouza bint Suhail, the honorary patron of the campaign, for her support.
She noted that the initiative represents one of the most prominent community outcomes of the conference, emphasising that a smile is not merely a symbol, but a universal human language that fosters acceptance, breaks barriers, and opens new horizons for communication and understanding among different segments of society.
She added that the idea of the campaign originated during the third edition of the conference in 2025, where Mahmoud Hegazy, a Person of Determination with autism, was selected as one of its faces.
This model reinforces empowerment and supports self-advocacy by enabling individuals to express their needs and advocate for their rights independently, through a simple humanitarian initiative centred on spreading smiles and positive messages.
This approach continued in the 2026 edition through the participation of Emirati youth Ahmed Al Hashemi, Ahmed Al Mulla, Yousif Al Mulla, as well as children Zayed Al Zaabi and Dana Zuhair, reflecting the campaign’s message of direct human engagement with the community.
Dr Ousha Al Mehairi, Director of Mouza bint Suhail Center, stated that the campaign represents an advanced model of integration between community awareness and specialised practices. She highlighted that raising awareness about autism is no longer optional but a humanitarian and developmental necessity that requires collective efforts from individuals and institutions.
She noted that the campaign contributes to strengthening a culture of acceptance, empowering families, and improving quality of life through innovative and sustainable approaches.
The Smile… Your Smile Is Enough to Make Them Happy campaign calls on all segments of society—individuals and institutions of all ages, backgrounds, and specialties—to join this global humanitarian initiative, contribute to spreading its message, and help bring smiles to the faces of individuals with autism and their families.
The campaign aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family 2026, emphasising the role of the family as a key partner in supporting and empowering individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Global statistics indicate that 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while more than 270 million people worldwide live with the condition. This underscores the importance of community initiatives to raise awareness and create a lasting positive impact.