Dubai Autism Center launches its 19th Autism Awareness Campaign

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the Dubai Autism Center launched its 19th annual autism awareness campaign. The campaign will run for a full month, starting on World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2 of each year, as approved by the United Nations General Assembly.

Mr. Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Autism Center, said: "The message of our annual campaign this year aligns with the objectives of the 'Year of the Community,' declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to consolidate the foundations of an inclusive society that accepts all its diverse groups."

He emphasized that supporting and empowering people with autism is a societal responsibility that requires comprehensive cooperation across all sectors to ensure their integration in a way that allows them to fully utilize their potential and contribute to sustainable development. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support of this campaign, noting that His Highness's patronage of the campaign reflects the wise leadership's commitment to providing an inclusive and sustainable environment for people of determination to ensure their active participation in society.

Mr. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center and Member of its Board of Directors, said: "Supporting and empowering people with autism is a societal responsibility that requires comprehensive cooperation across all sectors to ensure equal opportunities and enable them to actively participate in society. This is why the campaign highlights the importance of raising community awareness of the characteristics of individuals with autism and the challenges they face, which contributes to creating an inclusive environment that meets their needs and helps them achieve their full potential."

It also includes organizing weekly workshops in all schools across the country to raise awareness about early detection methods for autism, in addition to dedicating weekly segments to the "Balsam" program on Noor Dubai TV to increase awareness about autism. Additionally, the center will offer free early detection and comprehensive assessment sessions for children with autism and developmental disorders.

It's worth noting that autism organizations around the world celebrate World Autism Awareness Day by organizing a number of activities and events, and inviting public and private institutions to light up major city landmarks and buildings in blue to participate in marking the day. Several government and private entities have taken the initiative to light up their buildings and facilities, most notably the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and Global Village. Since its inception, the Dubai Autism Center has sought to raise community awareness about autism spectrum disorder, not only by raising awareness of its symptoms, but also by educating individuals and institutions about the requirements for appropriate treatment of people with autism through launching numerous awareness campaigns and programs.