Sharjah Autism Center celebrates World Autism Spectrum Disorder Day
World Autism Spectrum Disorder Day is observed on April 2 of each year by the Sharjah Autism Center, which is connected to the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS). Promoting Neurodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is the theme for this year. It seeks to highlight the needs and rights of people with autism spectrum disorder while also increasing community knowledge and profound understanding of this condition.
In addition, the ongoing celebration in April highlights the significance of embracing neurodiversity and integrating this group into society, acknowledging their unique skills and contributions across a range of fields, promoting appropriate support from educational, medical, and social institutions, improving the positive outlook for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, taking into account individual differences and variations in thought, communication, and learning styles, sharing success and excellence stories across multiple fields, and highlighting the incredible outcomes that can result from supporting this group.
Dr. Siham Al-Humaimat, Director of the Sharjah Autism Center, regarding the meanings of this year’s slogan, said:
"Promoting neurodiversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals" is the theme of this year's event. It emphasizes how inclusive policies and practices can improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and help achieve sustainable development goals, as well as the positive intersection between neurodiversity issues and international efforts to achieve sustainable development.
She went on to say: The phrase highlights how crucial it is to increase awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity in order to achieve sustainable development, combining two key ideas: neurodiversity and the sustainable development goals. Building inclusive and safe societies for everyone (Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), guaranteeing non-discrimination and closing social gaps (Goal 10: Reducing inequalities), and empowering people with neurological differences in education, employment, and community participation are all necessary for a more just and sustainable world (Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 8: Decent Work). involving all groups, including those with neurodiversity, in order to strengthen partnerships for development (Goal 17).
According to her, the motto urges us to view neurodiversity as a force for good that helps create more innovative, equitable, and inclusive societies. It also asserts that include individuals with autism spectrum disorder in development plans is both their right and beneficial for everyone.
Mr. Wael Allam, Director of the SCHS’s Educational, Pedagogical and Rehabilitation Services Department
He underlined that the Harvard Medical School website defines neurodiversity as the belief that individuals coexist with their environment and engage with it in a variety of ways, that there is no right or wrong way to think or learn, and that differences shouldn't be seen as signs of weakness.
He went on to say: According to the Neurodiversity Institute's website, the Neurodiversity Movement began as a movement advocating for the human rights of individuals with autism spectrum disorder before spreading to include those with learning disabilities, Tourette syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions.
According to him, the Neurodiversity Movement aims to achieve justice, peace, and belonging by encouraging acceptance and inclusion of those with neuro diversities. The degree of alignment between the objectives of the Neurodiversity Movement and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is readily apparent. In line with the objectives of the Neurodiversity Movement, which include achieving full integration, acknowledgment, and appreciation of the various forms of neurodiversity, the tenth goal, for instance (reducing inequalities), seeks to guarantee a decent life for everyone and equality in all areas in all nations.
According to the Sustainable Development Goals page on the UN website, the sixteenth goal is "peace, justice, and strong institutions," which refers to the pursuit of safe, just, and peaceful societies free from violence and fear, without any group being marginalized. The Neurodiversity Institute's values—justice, respect, integrity, and compassion—align with these objectives.
According to Allam, if we compare the movement's objectives with the objectives of sustainable, all-encompassing development to rescue the globe, we can see a wider relationship. In this regard, we might be able to quote the Neurodiversity Institute:
"When we are acknowledged and our rights are upheld, we will discover connections to the world from which we previously felt excluded. We want to share our neurodiversity with each other and with the larger world where we belong." Neurodiversity Institute
Various educational awareness activities
The Sharjah Autism Center is keen annually to organize a group of diverse awareness and educational activities to celebrate World Autism Spectrum Disorder Day. These activities aim to engage the community and enhance its understanding and support for people with autism spectrum disorder. Among the most prominent events that will be organized are:
The scientific symposium in cooperation with the University Hospital in Sharjah
which, with the subject "Disorders Associated with Adolescence for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder," will take place on April 29, 2025, in the university hospital auditorium. It is given to parents and professionals in the area with the intention of increasing understanding of the behavioral, social, and psychological difficulties that adolescents with autism spectrum disorder encounter as well as sharing best practices.
Art gallery
It is going to be held on April 23 and 24, 2025 at the College of Fine Arts at the University of Sharjah, where students’ artistic creativity is going to be highlighted, which contributes to enhancing their self-confidence and gives society an opportunity to see their abilities from a positive perspective.
Swimming activity
On April 17, 2025, in the Al-Ma’rifa International School swimming pool, it is a sports event dedicated to students of the center and other centers with autism spectrum disorder. It aims to highlight their physical abilities, enhance self-confidence, and provide them with the opportunity to participate in a positive competitive atmosphere.
In addition to a group of awareness initiatives in schools, such as the “Autism Ambassadors” initiative, where a group of school students and staff are empowered to be vocal representatives for awareness of autism spectrum disorder, through media, educational and community contributions that contribute to conveying the message of acceptance and inclusion, and effectiveness. “Fingerprint of Autism” at Al Kamal International School. It is a community school event that aims to involve students from general education in learning about autism spectrum disorder and expressing their solidarity through artistic and interactive activities, thus enhancing the culture of inclusion and acceptance in the school environment.
In this context, many awareness events and activities will be organized in the branches of the SCHS, such as advisory stations and awareness lectures that will be held in the Khorfakhan branch, as well as organizing an educational activity (cooking with a chef) for students with the participation of mothers, organizing lectures for school and kindergarten teachers in the Al Dhaid branch, and participating with the Department of Culture and Information in implementing a program (an open day containing a puppet theater show) and recreational sessions to reduce stress for mothers of students in (Al Hafiya / Buhaira Park) It includes (recycling workshop / music therapy section / various art workshops / competitions and recreational games) in the Kalba branch.
Sharjah Autism Center
The Sharjah Autism Center, affiliated with the SCHS, is one of the leading institutions in the United Arab Emirates in providing specialized services for people with autism spectrum disorder. The center was established in response to an urgent societal need to provide a comprehensive educational and therapeutic environment that considers the specificity of autism and is based on international best practices.
The center provides its services to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder from the age of 5 to 16 years, and its programs depend on the individual evaluation of each student, to ensure that he achieves the maximum degree of growth and development according to his special abilities.
The most important services provided by the center
Psychoeducational assessment services: The center offers evaluation services based on a number of standards, including the Psycho-Educational Profile, Third Edition - Arabized Version (PEP-3), the Evaluative Scale (PEP-R) for children under ten, and the TTAP scale for those twelve and up. These standards determine the children's level of development in all areas, and the educational and treatment plan is created and monitored based on the results
Training and rehabilitation services for students with autism spectrum disorder: The center provides direct training services to students after evaluating and diagnosing them and preparing an individual training plan for each student using specialized educational curricula at the hands of qualified staff.
Family support and guidance services: The Center provides family support and counseling services, in addition to home counseling services for the families of the Center’s students, and training on methods and mechanisms for dealing with children with autism.
Educational integration services: The center seeks to provide academic integration opportunities for some students in regular schools and follows up on the integration process.
Supporting activities: Such as swimming, horse riding, music therapy, drawing and handicraft services, which would contribute to achieving the goals of educational plans.
Supportive therapeutic services: Such as occupational therapy, speech and language services.
Training and technical support services: The center seeks to develop the skills and competencies of workers in the field by organizing workshops and specialized training courses, in addition to providing technical support and training services to teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder.
Community awareness of autism spectrum disorder: By organizing and participating in exhibitions, conferences, lectures, and allocating visits to schools, universities, and various entities, in addition to integrating the center’s students into the external community through various external activities.
Supportive technology service: By assessing students’ needs and providing them with appropriate tools and applications to support their learning and communication process.
120 students and 49 employees
The center is distinguished by a multidisciplinary staff that works in continuous cooperation and coordination to provide comprehensive support to students and their families, in a safe and stimulating environment that considers the educational, psychological and social aspects. It provides Sharjah Autism Center its services to 120 students who has autism spectrum disorder and works at the center (49) employees. It consists of teachers, psychologists, educational supervisors, and administrators, all of whom hold specialized degrees in the fields of special education and psychology, and are trained in accordance with the latest practices followed in the field of autism spectrum disorder.
Its most important achievements since establishment
Since its establishment in 2002, the Sharjah Autism Center has reached many distinguished achievements in the fields of education, rehabilitation and community integration, making it one of the most prominent specialized centers in the United Arab Emirates and the region.
Developing educational and therapeutic programs
The center worked to establish a comprehensive educational environment that considers individual differences and employs the latest internationally approved educational and therapeutic methods, such as the TEACCH curriculum and sensory and motor training, which contributed to developing the skills of hundreds of students.
Graduating students and then integrating them into society
A number of the Center's students were able to transfer to public education institutions, which reflects the impact of the long-term programs implemented by the Center in cooperation with families and the community.
Community awareness
The Center annually organizes educational events on the occasion of World Autism Day, and participates in local and international conferences and exhibitions, which contributes to raising the level of community awareness.
Training and development of cadres
In collaboration with universities and specialized research institutions, the center offered possibilities for continuing education and made investments to qualify and train its cadres of teachers and specialists on the newest techniques.
Community partnerships
The Center strengthened its relationships with schools, universities, and government and private agencies, which resulted in supportive joint initiatives, community integration events, and sports and artistic activities that enhance inclusion.
Maintain an advanced educational environment
The center provides modern and safe facilities, including sensory halls, specialized treatment rooms, and places for physical and recreational activities, to suit the students’ needs and enhance their comprehensive development.