Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination hosted the second Autism Guidance Forum, calling on institutions to join hands and promote collaborative efforts, to identify the causes of accelerated spread of autism spectrum disorder and ways to prevent it, reduce its spread and mitigate its negative effects on children.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation, said that the Forum is an opportunity for institutions, universities and families to highlight their responsibilities for serving and caring for people of determination, especially autistic patients, and to coordinate their efforts and cooperate to raise awareness about autism disorders and its symptoms, promote the role of autistic people, integrate and empower them in society, and support their families.
Organised in cooperation with the UAE University at its headquarters, the forum was held to complement the efforts of all parties with the provision of treatment, educational and rehabilitation services by centres and institutions concerned with the care and rehabilitation of people of determination.
It was attended by a number of officials of Zayed Higher Organisation, the UAE University and the participating entities.
Al Humaidan said that global statistics indicate that one of every 160 children around the world suffers from autism spectrum that starts in childhood and can continue beyond puberty.
"This prompts us all to pay attention and work hard to address autism disorder in view of the challenges it creates in their lives and the impact on their communication, learning and independent living abilities," he added.
He conveyed to the participants the greetings and success wishes by H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, and the Board of Directors.
On the sidelines of the forum, an exhibition was held to showcase the efforts of the entities engaged in the care and rehabilitation of people with autism disorder and the implementation of care and rehabilitation programme for this category to shed light on them and to introduce visitors and participants to these theories through the participating entities. Training workshops were also held during the forum's proceedings.