Focus on 'education' as Qatar marks World Autism Day

The Ministry of Justice lit up its premises in blue in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) have participated in the World Autism Awareness Day activities this year under the theme 'Inclusive quality education for all'. The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously declared April 2 as an awareness day for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) worldwide, with the aim of highlighting this disorder and improving the lives of the individuals suffering from it. This year’s observance comes under significant local and international interest in light of the increasing numbers of ASD individuals reflected in the recent international estimates in this regard. Moreover, marking World Autism Awareness Day could also be considered as an important opportunity for shedding light on Qatar’s achievements in the field of healthcare for ASD individuals striving to integrate this category in the community. A variety of recreational and awareness activities and events to spread awareness among the families and the public on how to discover, deal with and correct spreading misperceptions about ASD have been organised and health services have been provided. The health sector’s institutions have also participated in showing their international solidarity with ASD individuals by lighting up their buildings in blue, including the MoPH, Enaya building of HMC, main building of PHCC as well as a number of primary healthcare centres. Dr Khaled Abdul-Hadi, National Health Strategy 2018-2022 lead for people with special needs, said: “Qatar’s health sector continues to confirm, through this involvement, its support for the national programs delivered by the State for providing support for children with ASD and the implementation of the programMEs aiming at raising awareness among community individuals regarding ASD, its causes, its effective treatment as well as their integration in the society”. Dr Abdul-Hadi added: “All the relevant concerned entities in the health sector exerted optimal efforts through the setting up of an integrated comprehensive national plan for the people of special needs, including individuals of ASD. This plan includes facilitating access of necessary health services, putting in place national treatment instructions, provisioning of more specialised rehabilitation services, focus on the training of staff, attracting and recruiting highly qualified staff and promoting the family role and empowering through the availability various training programmes and workshops.” ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition which appears at the early childhood stage regardless of the sex, race or social or financial status of the person. However, it is a lifetime condition. Autism spectrum disorder indicates a set of characteristics, the most important of them are great concern and interest in specific issues, tendency to routine works, encounter difficulties in traditional communication areas and following specific means for handling and treating sensory information. Usually, nothing can be noticed to differentiate between a ASD patient and others. However, their style and method of communication, interaction, behaviour and learning are different from others. The ability of learning, thinking and problem solving may vary from one to another. Providing appropriate support, acceptance and adaption with this neuro-difference may offer persons of ASD equal opportunity and complete and effective involvement in the community. Moreover, positive social and psychological interventions, such as behavioural treatment activities, may curb the difficulties concomitant with social behaviour and communication and have positive effect on wellness and lifestyle.