SCHS CONFIRMS ITS LEADERSHIP AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER IN THE IV INTERNATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE 2026 IN ABU DHABI
By participating as a strategic partner in the IV International Autism Conference 2026, which will be hosted by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from April 25 to 28, 2026, SCHS (SCHS) affirms its leadership position in empowering and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The Zayed Authority for People of Determination is organizing the conference in collaboration with Lotus Holistic Group, ADNOC, and the international platform "Skills4Mind," as well as in strategic partnership with the Department of Community Development, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism, and SCHS. This national integration will steer autism towards innovation and sustainable empowerment.
More than 3,000 people from more than 25 nations are anticipated to attend the fourth edition, which will include a select group of speakers and specialists from across the world. Along with broadening the scope of the Innovation and Technical Solutions Exhibition, it also entails the introduction of high-quality training initiatives and programs.
This international event embodies the advanced role of the United Arab Emirates in developing an integrated and comprehensive system of services for people with disabilities, based on innovation and global standards, and contributing to enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainable social inclusion.
A Global Platform and a Vision for the Future
In her speech at the conference's opening, Her Excellency Mrs. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS, will affirm that the conference serves as a global forum for sharing knowledge and experiences and foreseeing the future of autism spectrum disorder services, particularly in light of the swift advancements in artificial intelligence and innovation, which open up new avenues for more precise diagnosis and more successful rehabilitation programs, thereby improving the independence and quality of life of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
A Pioneering Journey Since Its Founding
Since its establishment in 1979, SCHS has adopted a holistic approach based on providing integrated educational, rehabilitative and therapeutic services for people with disabilities. It was one of the first institutions in the region to provide specialized services for people with autism spectrum disorder since the 1994-1995 academic year, in a step that preceded the establishment of the Sharjah Autism Center in 2002, which constituted a qualitative leap as the first specialized center to provide integrated services for this group.
Quality Services within an Integrated Educational Environment
The Sharjah Autism Center provides its services annually to more than 137 students, within an integrated educational and rehabilitation environment, supervised by a multidisciplinary team of about 49 teachers, psychologists and educators, reflecting SCHS’s commitment to providing high-quality services based on consideration of individual differences and promoting independence and social integration.
SCHS relies on advanced scientific tools for assessment and diagnosis, in addition to implementing global educational programs such as the TEACCH curriculum, and providing integrated therapeutic and rehabilitative services that include occupational and speech therapy and behavioral support, as well as vocational rehabilitation programs for older age groups, ensuring continuity of support across different age groups.
World Autism Spectrum Disorder Day
Every year, the Sharjah Autism Center celebrates World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. This celebration is not limited to one day, but extends throughout the month of April, as the center implements an integrated program of awareness and interactive activities targeting various segments of society, with the aim of spreading a culture of acceptance and promoting the integration of people with autism spectrum disorder into society.
Integrated Service Model
In terms of achievements, the center has successfully developed an integrated model for providing specialized services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It has also enabled a number of students to be integrated into mainstream schools, with some transitioning to vocational rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, the development of a pathway for students to access centers like the Masarat Rehabilitation Center represents a significant step forward, as it prepares students for vocational training alongside their academic degrees, thereby enhancing their employment prospects.
Outstanding Achievements
Among the most notable achievements is the center’s commitment to keeping pace with developments in the field of special education by employing modern technology, such as using the “Yanmo” application in data management and plan preparation, in addition to using tablets and educational and communication applications such as “Bab Noor” to support student learning.
The Sharjah Autism Center affirms that empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorder extends beyond providing specialized services. It encompasses building an informed society that believes in their abilities and embraces their differences. Every story of progress and every skill acquired represents a step towards a more inclusive and humane future. The center reaffirms its commitment to supporting students and their families and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion, based on its belief that every person has value and that investing in people is the foundation for building a cohesive and sustainable society.
Family Empowerment
SCHS places particular emphasis on the role of the family as a key partner in the rehabilitation process, through specialized support and guidance programs that contribute to enhancing families' ability to cope with daily challenges. It also adopts a holistic approach to dealing with autism spectrum disorder, based on the integration of the education, health, family, and community sectors, in line with national priorities, especially with the declaration of 2026 as the "Year of the Family" in the United Arab Emirates.
Outstanding Scientific and Professional Contribution
In addition to organizing workshops that focus on Easy-to-Read texts for people with autism spectrum disorder, developing the skills of shadow teachers in inclusive schools, and helping families overcome psychological pressures, SCHS's participation in the IV International Autism Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi is witnessing a remarkable scientific presence through the presentation of specialized working papers addressing crucial issues, such as the impact of social and demographic characteristics on the adaptation of families of people with autism spectrum disorder, disorders associated with autism spectrum disorder in adolescence "challenges and interventions, and a study on the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in adolescence.
Inspiring Success Stories
SCHS also presents an inspiring success story of young Yousef Abdul Rahman Al Mulla, who is participating as a speaker in the opening session, providing a living example of the impact of educational and rehabilitation programs in empowering people with autism spectrum disorder and promoting their active participation in society.
A Distinctive Pavilion that Reflects the Integrated Experience
On the sidelines of the conference, SCHS is organizing a special pavilion through which it will present its most prominent awareness initiatives and publications, including the “60 Seconds” series on autism spectrum disorder, and products of the “Takween” brand, in addition to an art exhibition of works by members of the Art for All Center, reflecting their creative abilities and artistic talents, along with a documentary presentation of SCHS’s achievements in this field.
SCHS’s participation in the IV International Autism Conference 2026 reflects its commitment to continuing to develop its services and strengthen its partnerships with various local and international entities, contributing to the exchange of experiences, supporting scientific research, and achieving a sustainable impact that benefits people with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and their communities.
Additionally, SCHS thanks the Zayed Authority for People of Determination as well as all partners and organizers for their efforts in making this global event a success. It looks forward to high-quality results that improve people's quality of life and aid in the development of policies and services.