Activities planned across Dubai to once again highlight Autism Awareness Month

Saturday, Jan 05, 2013

The 2nd April marks World Autism Awareness day and throughout the month, the Child Early Intervention Medical Center (CEIMC) in collaboration with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) are holding activities to raise awareness of this prominent condition.

The 2nd April marks World Autism Awareness day and throughout the month, the Child Early Intervention Medical Center (CEIMC) in collaboration with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) are holding activities to raise awareness of this prominent condition.

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Globally, it is the fastest growing serious developmental disability yet there is no medical detection or cure for it. The incidence of autism within the UAE and worldwide is on the rise. In fact, last week the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US released new research stating that as many as one in 50 school children are affected, a sharp increase from one in 110 two years ago. Awareness of the condition and improved diagnosis and assessment techniques mean that more cases are coming to light, but children and families affected continue to need support.

Activities taking place throughout the month include the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, which sees Dubai’s famous landmarks illuminated for the cause, an Autism Awareness gala dinner supported by Alwaleed Bin Talal foundation Global and the increasingly successful Walk for Autism community event. Educational activities will also take place, including a professional workshop at the Ministry of Health Auditorium highlighting the importance of early detection, developmental screening and early intervention, which aims to further educate and support Dubai’s healthcare professionals in screening and identifying children that may be at risk at an early stage.

His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global commented “It is our responsibility to increase awareness of autism, to emphasize the need for their social empowerment, and to help create a brighter future for our beloved children around the world. The Alwaleed Foundation supports good causes lead by impactful organizations, such as CEIMC.”

Dr Hibah Shata, Managing Director of CEIMC said “World Autism Day is an opportunity for everyone in the UAE to support families and individuals affected by the condition, to draw attention to the public health impact it presents and to help improve the future for everyone who struggles with the disorder on a daily basis”.

“Through the ongoing collaboration with DHCC, the support of UAE Red Crescent, Jumeriah Group, Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation, and many more individuals we aim to hold impactful community and educational activities and ensure increased awareness of autism across the nation” said Carolina Tovar the CEO of Child Early Intervention Medical Center.

Marwan Abedin, CEO of DHCC said “CEIMC work tirelessly throughout the year and the successful community activities organized are at the forefront of drawing attention to the disorder. DHCC’s mission is to provide, promote and facilitate academic and tertiary healthcare, education, research and community service of the highest quality to Dubai, the UAE and the region. We thank CEIMC and other providers at DHCC in their efforts to continue to raise the standard of healthcare for our people.”

The Light It Up Blue campaign to mark World Autism Day on April 2nd, with the support of Jumeirah Group, will see iconic buildings, landmarks and schools across the Emirate lit up to draw attention to the cause. That evening, an Autism Awareness Gala Dinner at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel arena, under the blue lit Burj Al Arab will display presentations highlighting the community’s role in supporting children and individuals affected with Autism. Supported by the Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global, the evening will include a video presentation from Professor Stephen Shore, of Adelphi University, who was diagnosed with severe Autism as a child and has gone on to achieve two Masters and is in the process of obtaining a PhD. A video on Growing Together a successful program for special children by Princess Alia Foundation at Jordan. Music will be played by the famous Arab violinist Habib AL Berto who shall dedicate his music that evening to children affected with Autism.

The Fifth Annual Walk for Autism will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Supported by UAE Red Crescent and organized by CEIMC in collaboration with DHCC, more than 10,000 people are expected to take part in the family event in Dubai’s Zabeel Park to raise awareness of the disorder and highlight the importance of integrating special needs children into our community.