Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With love and support, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can go on to live good, fulfilling lives - and the success stories from Abu Dhabi Autism Centre are proving just that.
As the UAE marked World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday, the centre - which is part of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) - shared some inspiring examples of persistence among their students.
Hamad Al Hai is one them. After receiving much-needed support and training, Hamad is now employed at one of the hotels in the emirate.
For Issa, another student of Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, carpentry became more than just a hobby.
He underwent some extensive vocational training in carpentry, and now, he is fully occupied at the centre's workshop, producing artefacts that combine artistic and functional wood products.
The narratives of Hamad and Issa show how the power of training, support and inclusion can help a person with autism succeed in life.
"An integrated society provides opportunities for everyone without exception. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children with autism spectrum disorder and realise our wise leadership's vision for a more inclusive and equitable society," Aisha Al Mansoori, Director of the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, told Aletihad.
Nation's Commitment
The UAE is deeply committed to empowering people with ASD and creating an environment that allows them to thrive and become valued members of the community.
In its initiatives, the country highlights the need for their full inclusion in all aspects of life. Different training programmes are rolled out to enhance their skills, raise the quality of their life, and secure a brighter future for them. Among the priorities is to help them secure the same opportunities as any other individual.
The ZHO is one of the organisations that have been supporting this cause. With the implementation of internationally accredited care and rehabilitation programmes, the entity caters to a total of 522 students diagnosed with autism in Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, which is part of the ZHO, vowed to continue its efforts to help students with ASD live up to their potential and fulfil the place they deserve in society.
"On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, we reaffirm the continued commitment of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre to supporting and empowering students with autism spectrum disorder and promoting their integration into society, marking the Year of the Community through education and vocational rehabilitation," Al Mansoori said.
Promoting A Culture of Inclusion
World Autism Awareness Day emphasises the need for greater awareness and understanding of autism, she added.
At the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, the focus is on empowering students through education and vocational training to help them become active, productive members of society. The success of students like Hamad and Issa demonstrates how essential guidance and support are in improving their lives.
"We are proud of what we have achieved, and we call on everyone-individuals and institutions-to promote a culture of inclusion and support. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children with autism spectrum disorder and realise our wise leadership's vision for a more inclusive and equitable society."
The ZHO will be hosting the 3rd edition of the International Conference on Advancements in Autism Research from April 19 to 22 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.
Moreover, the organisation has extended its reach beyond the borders of the UAE. It has partnered with the ADQ (an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company) for the "Bridges of Hope" programme in Egypt to support and empower people of determination.
