Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), the 3rd International Conference on Autism Research Advancements will commence on April 19 and continue for four days at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.
The conference is jointly organised by ZHO, ADNOC, Lotus Holistic Center - Abu Dhabi, and Fatima College of Health Sciences.
The conference coincides with World Autism Month and affirms the UAE’s commitment to leading humanitarian and scientific efforts to empower people of determination and enhance their quality of life. It builds on the ongoing success in the UAE within the fields of care and rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with autism.
The conference will shed light on the most recent scientific studies and specialised research in autism, and represents a genuine opportunity for participants from within and outside the UAE - including experts, practitioners, and parents - to learn about the best international experiences in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The conference also aims to exchange scientific and practical expertise in the field of autism, while highlighting genetic, neurological, and environmental causes of the disorder and presenting effective educational and therapeutic practices. It will also support inclusive integration in education, employment, and society; empower families through psychological counselling and specialised workshops; enhance the use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment; and support international and regional cooperation in developing intervention strategies.
Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, said that organising the conference reflects the organisation’s keenness to continue its efforts to raise societal awareness and empower people of determination, especially individuals with autism spectrum disorder, based on the directives of the wise leadership and its insightful vision to build a more inclusive and cohesive society.
He affirmed that innovation in care and rehabilitation methods opens new horizons for improving the quality of life of people of determination and their families. He said that through this global event, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional centre of excellence in supporting people of determination, especially in the field of autism, in a spirit of cooperation and integration with local and international partners.
Al Humaidan also said that science is one of the most important tools for empowerment. Through this conference, the organisation continues to support scientific research and knowledge exchange in pursuit of a brighter future for people of determination and their families. He expressed pride in the successful partnership with ADNOC and Lotus Holistic Center in organising this important event, which reflects the UAE’s leadership in both humanitarian and scientific fields.
Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President, Group Medical and Wellbeing at ADNOC, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating, "At ADNOC, we are proud to collaborate with Zayed Higher Organisation in organising the Third Autism Conference for Research and Practice. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting and empowering People of Determination, in alignment with our broader efforts to enhance quality of life across our community. In line with our national agenda to prioritise human development as a key pillar of progress, we intend to drive impactful initiatives and continue building a more inclusive society.”
She added that this conference holds special significance as it is held during Autism Awareness Month and embodies the ZHO's strong commitment to supporting and empowering children and adults with autism spectrum disorder through joint efforts and the adoption of evidence-based practices in diagnosis, intervention, and treatment.
The conference includes a rich programme of scientific lectures and training workshops covering various topics, including genetic factors, the microbiome, biomarkers, early diagnosis, behavioral and language intervention strategies, educational and vocational integration, nutrition and physical activity and their impact, and the role of artificial intelligence in the medical field.
Workshops will be held on nutritional intervention, occupational and speech therapy, and early intervention, in addition to community discussion sessions and contributions from families of children with autism.
The conference will see wide international participation from experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, special education, and artificial intelligence, representing prestigious universities and research centres around the world, including UAE University, King Saud University, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), and academic institutions from the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Arab world.
