World Autism Awareness Day

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd of each year as "World Autism Awareness Day." The United Nations has consistently worked to uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ensuring their equal participation in various aspects of life.

Each year, the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, represented by the Sharjah Autism Center, celebrates this day by organizing its annual campaign to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder. The campaign aims to increase community awareness and share success stories of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

The city was the first to introduce specialized services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the United Arab Emirates during the 1994-1995 academic year by establishing a department affiliated with the Institute of Intellectual Education (formerly).

In February 2002, the Sharjah Autism Center was established and inaugurated as the first specialized Emirati center providing educational and therapeutic services suitable for students with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The center includes a special section for young people with autism spectrum disorder, which was opened in 2007 to continue developing and expanding services to include adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.