Today's Edition
KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)
From creating accessible infrastructure to setting top-notch standards for care, Abu Dhabi has always made space for people with autism.
A champion of inclusivity, the emirate is among the global leaders in terms of providing support to people of determination and this has been evident in the distinctive projects and initiatives it has rolled out for this sector.
Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, marked every year on April 2, Aletihad looks into a number of projects that make the emirate a welcoming, empowering space for those on the autism spectrum.
At the Airport
Travelling can be exhausting for many people, but for those with autism, it is particularly challenging. At airports, the crowds, the noise, and several things happening all at once can be too overwhelming.
Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) acknowledged the struggle and did something about it: It built a Sensory Space facility.
Within this space are two rooms where therapeutic techniques are at play. Lights are calming and special seats are available to help travellers relax. There are bubble tubes and interactive activities, too.
The space is available free of charge, with sessions lasting 45 minutes for every booking. It is located near Gate D43 and it is open 24/7.
Also at AUH, there are trained staff members who wear sunflower pins, conveying a message that they are ready to support people with "hidden disabilities". Those who need assistance may also wear special lanyards available at the pre-check-in area.
These gestures and symbols signal that help is always within reach. The AUH is "one of only three in the Middle East to have implemented a globally recognised identification system to support passengers who may require additional assistance without attracting unwanted attention", Aletihad reported earlier.
In a Mall
A mall is another environment that can be overstimulating for those with autism. This is why Yas Mall makes sure there's somewhere they can head to for some peace and quiet.
Called The Quiet Room, this safe space allows children and adults on the spectrum to block out all the noise and relax.
The mall collaborated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) so that its "visitors with autism have an exclusive place to feel at ease when the world becomes a bit too big or boisterous for comfort", it said on its website.
The Quiet Room is located on Yas Mall's Level G, next to The Male Prayer Hall.
An Interactive Showroom
To build empathy and raise awareness, a unique initiative in the capital shows people what it's like to have autism.
In its Al Bahia headquarters, the ZHO has opened the Middle East's first interactive showroom for assistive technology. Among its key features is the Autism Virtual Reality Experience, which allows individuals to experience the sensory challenges faced by those on the spectrum.
Elevated Autism Care
Besides these public services, Abu Dhabi authorities are also ensuring that high standards of care are maintained for people of determination.
In September 2024, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) released comprehensive guidelines to elevate autism care in the emirate.
The department's new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is primarily aimed at setting the stage for improved access to ABA therapy.
"ABA is a kind of research-based behavior therapy for people with autism and other developmental disorders. Its goal is to see an increase in positive behaviours and a decrease in negative behaviours," the DoH explained in a statement.
The guide is designed to enhance the collaboration between healthcare and education professionals and deliver holistic care for those with ASD.
"By ensuring that ABA services are standarised and accessible, we reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system where collaboration between healthcare and education thrives to enhance the health and well-being of all community members," Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning at the DoH, said in a previous statement.
"Abu Dhabi is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures equitable access for people of determination, empowering them to reach their full potential," he said.
