Launch of autism-friendly kits' initiative announced
In line with the objectives of the 'Year of the Community' and as part of the #RamadanInDubai campaign, the Dubai Autism Center has announced the launch of an initiative aimed at empowering children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to participate in social and public events. This initiative involves the distribution of specially designed autism-friendly kits, furthering the Centre's efforts to support the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with autism, particularly during significant occasions such as the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.
Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center, stated: 'This initiative is part of our commitment to contributing to the goals of the 'Year of the Community,' as declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to foster a cohesive and thriving society. It also aligns with our ongoing dedication to supporting families and enabling children with autism to actively engage in social and recreational activities. We recognise the challenges parents face when taking their children to public spaces, and through this autism-friendly kit, we aim to facilitate these experiences and make them more comfortable and enjoyable.'
Al Emadi emphasised that supporting and empowering People of Determination with autism is a collective social responsibility that requires comprehensive collaboration across all sectors.
He further noted that this initiative contributes to enhancing the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with autism, in line with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination and the 'My Community ... A City for Everyone' initiative, which aims to transform Dubai into a disability-friendly city.
Razan Qandil, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Dubai Autism Center, highlighted that the kit serves as a valuable tool for families to help manage sensory challenges that children with autism may encounter when interacting with their surroundings.
She added, 'This kit is more than just a collection of tools; it is a means to promote the independence of children with autism and encourage their families to participate in social events without concerns over sensory triggers, especially given the increase in activities and family gatherings during Ramadan and Eid.'
Qandil also pointed out that these kits are distributed to public venues and organisations certified as Autism-Friendly, including Dubai Police stations in Al Barsha and Al Muraqqabat, Dubai Airports, Dubai Frame, Children's City, Quranic Park, Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Hatta Heritage Village, several libraries affiliated with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai Ambulance Corporation, and the Endowment and Minors' Trust Foundation - Awqaf Dubai.
The Dubai Autism Center encourages parents interested in obtaining the kit to apply through the Center's official communication channels. The Center reaffirms its commitment to launching initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism and foster their seamless integration into society.
The Autism-Friendly Certification Program (AFCP), a pioneering initiative in the region, was launched by the Dubai Autism Center in September 2022.
Designed to recognise exemplary organisations in the public and private sectors, the programme aims to foster a more inclusive community by encouraging higher accessibility standards for individuals with autism.
Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2001. The Centre aims to provide specialised services to take care of children with autism and provide support for their families and caregivers as per Decree No. 26 of 2021 issued by the Ruler of Dubai. The DAC's services include educational, psychological and rehabilitative programmes for children with autism.
The financial resources of the Dubai Autism Center come from subsidies, donations and charitable endowments.
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disorders, typically appearing within the first three years of a child's life and persisting throughout their life stages. Autism affects an individual's communication and social abilities, leading to their isolation from those around them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2021 report, one in 36 children has ASD. This prevalence is observed to be similar in most countries worldwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Adha 2025: Dubai Police warn against speeding, reckless driving ahead of holiday
Dubai Police have issued a strong warning to motorists, urging them to refrain from speeding during the upcoming Eid Al Adha break, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving that could turn celebrations into tragedy. 'Don't spoil Eid's joy by driving at high speeds,' said Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, acting commandant assistant for Operations Affairs and acting chairperson of the Dubai Event Security Committee (ESC). He stressed that exceeding speed limits not only puts lives at risk but can also lead to serious physical, psychological, and financial consequences. In preparation for a safe and seamless holiday, authorities have launched an extensive security plan, which includes 515 security patrols, 130 civil defence vehicles, two helicopters, and 62 ambulatory stations. Additionally, 34 marine security boats and traffic patrols will be deployed to help reduce congestion and ensure rapid emergency response. 'Whether on land, sea, or in the air, our teams are ready,' Al Mazroui said. 'We are working closely with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to secure all prayer grounds and mosques while maintaining smooth traffic flow across the emirate.' Al Mazroui also urged caution for those enjoying outdoor activities. He advised beachgoers and jet ski enthusiasts to avoid crowded areas where families gather and to keep an eye on children, especially near pools and beaches. Similarly, drivers in desert areas were reminded to operate their bikes and four-wheel-drive vehicles responsibly and avoid speeding. He further warned against the use of fireworks, calling on families to keep children away from them. 'Fireworks can cause burns, permanent injuries, and even ignite fires that threaten lives and property,' he said. To support public safety, the Command and Control Centre will operate 24/7 to handle emergency calls. Residents were encouraged to contact 999 only for emergencies, and to use 901 for general inquiries. Violations can also be reported via the 'Police Eye' service on the Dubai Police website. As part of the broader security effort, Dubai's transportation network will be reinforced with 104 trains, over 30,000 taxis and limousines, 1,240 public buses, and 43 marine transport vehicles. In addition, 18 hospitals and clinics will be on standby throughout the holidays to provide prompt medical assistance when needed. In a bid to further engage the community, the Event Security Committee will organise sports competitions for workers in areas such as Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, and Al Muhaisnah, running from 5pm to midnight on the first two days of Eid. 'We want everyone to enjoy Eid safely, on the roads, at the beaches, and in their neighbourhoods,' Al Mazroui said.
Web Release
21 hours ago
- Web Release
Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare Launch Integrated Child Development Centre in Dubai
Aster Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare GCC, in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, a prominent leader in child development services, has announced the opening of a new Integrated Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, Dubai. This innovative centre offers a holistic approach to child development, providing a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities. An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre offers screening, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services designed to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth. By nurturing these abilities, the centre empowers children to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Services include screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental, communication, and motor disorders, as well as behavioral assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. As part of its comprehensive diagnostic framework, the centre offers Psycho-Educational Analysis to integrate insights across disciplines and create personalized intervention plans. Equipped with internationally recognized assessment tools, it ensures evidence-based care across all stages—from screening to therapy—for children aged 0–16 years. What sets this centre apart is its seamless collaboration between medical and rehabilitation teams, combining hospital and clinic-based care under one roof. DYU Healthcare's proven Standard Operating Procedures, developed over a decade of experience in India, guide the centre's operations. This includes care for children discharged from the NICU and those requiring ongoing support in early childhood. DYU's team-based approach has consistently delivered impactful outcomes for children with a wide range of developmental challenges. In this collaboration, DYU Healthcare is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of its proven models of care, while Aster Clinics provides strategic leadership and guidance, to ensure the integration of these services within the UAE healthcare landscape. This partnership brings together Aster's established healthcare infrastructure and DYU's specialized expertise in child development. Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre's opening, saying, 'The Integrated Child Development Centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE. Our partnership with DYU Healthcare enables us to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to child development. This is only the beginning, and we are excited to expand these services across the Aster Network in the UAE.' Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the importance of addressing the growing demand for specialized care in the UAE. 'With the increasing number of parents concerned about their children's development or behavior due to disorders like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will provide proper assessment, counseling and integrated, specialized care for children if required. Our goal is to deliver early, impactful interventions that will make a lasting difference to children's lives.' Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, ' We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, offering medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof to save parents time and resources. Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions. We look forward to expanding Aster DYU Centres across the UAE to serve more children.' Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500. With a skilled team, advanced equipment, and an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures comprehensive, evidence-based care. Over the next two years, the centre plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach, including partnerships with local nurseries, primary, and middle schools to extend services within school premises. This collaboration between Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare marks a major step forward in child development care in the UAE, promising lasting impact for children and their families.
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Fitness Challenge Returns with Bold Rebrand and Community Focus
The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) is set to return for its ninth edition from November 1 to 30, aligning with the UAE's 'Year of the Community' and introducing a fresh new brand identity to mark its evolution and growing impact. Launched in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative has become a cornerstone of Dubai's wellness movement. With over 13 million participants across eight editions, DFC aims to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. This year's edition was officially announced at a recognition ceremony for partners, government entities, schools, businesses, and community groups who have helped shape DFC's success. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, praised the initiative's wide-reaching influence, saying it continues to support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The 2025 calendar features 30 days of free, inclusive activities, including returning favourites like Dubai Ride (Nov 2), Dubai Stand-Up Paddle (Nov 8–9), and Dubai Run (Nov 23). A new flagship event, Dubai Yoga, will close the month-long challenge with a citywide sunset session on November 30. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the rebranding reflects DFC's dynamic spirit and its role in shaping healthier lifestyles, enhancing well-being, and reinforcing Dubai's global reputation as a premier place to live and work. Following a record-breaking 2.7 million participants in 2024, data shows DFC's lasting benefits: 18% reported improved physical health, 15% experienced better mental well-being, and 14% felt increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety. With this year's community focus, organisers hope to inspire even broader participation across all segments of society. News Source: Emirates News Agency
