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Muscat Daily
8 hours ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches programme to support for children with autism
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), through the National Autism Centre, has launched a summer programme aimed at supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by combining rehabilitation and recreational activities. The initiative, which began on Tuesday, provides a structured and supportive environment to help children develop essential life skills during the summer break. An official from the ministry told Muscat Daily that the programme is designed to enhance behavioural, social, academic and functional skills through practical experiences tailored to each child's individual needs. 'It ensures each child receives the maximum benefit based on their unique potential,' the official said. The programme supplements ongoing rehabilitation services provided throughout the year and places a strong emphasis on communication and language development. Individual and group sessions incorporate alternative communication methods and assistive technologies to help children express themselves more effectively. Improving social interaction is a key focus, with group activities encouraging cooperation and peer engagement. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies are employed to reinforce positive behaviour, while academic support is offered through reading, writing and arithmetic sessions. Sports and art activities are also included to aid the development of motor skills. The programme is being held in two phases at the National Autism Centre: The first from June 3 to 19, and the second from June 22 to July 3. Each day is divided into two sessions – 8:30am to 10:30am and 11:00am to 1:00pm – aligned with the children's energy levels and abilities. 'Through this programme, we aim to offer an integrated setting that supports children with autism during the summer. It thoughtfully blends rehabilitation, education and fun, boosting their self-confidence and enhancing core skills,' the official added. The sessions are supervised by a multidisciplinary team comprising behavioural therapists, speech and language specialists, and occupational therapists, ensuring a comprehensive approach that encourages active participation and sustained motivation.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
20 artworks by children with autism spectrum disorder
MUSCAT: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Ministry of Social Development, represented by the National Autism Centre in collaboration with the Royal Opera House Muscat, inaugurated the Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging.' The event was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers; and in the presence of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, along with several high-ranking officials and members of the State Council. The exhibition aims to showcase the talents and creativity of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting their abilities particularly in the creative arts — as a means of expression that helps them communicate, interact socially, stimulate creative thinking, build self-confidence and promote social inclusion. The exhibition features 20 unique artworks created by children with ASD, along with a collection of artistic products. This year's works reflect themes of national identity and citizenship, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and community responsibility while raising public awareness of the individual's role in nation-building. It also highlights the role of culture and art in strengthening social cohesion and delivering meaningful messages through a visual language accessible to all segments of society. The Second Autism Spectrum Disorder Art Exhibition, titled 'Citizenship: Identity and Belonging' was opened on Tuesday evening. The event also featured the official launch of the children's story 'A Spectrum of Light', the second in a series inspired by the real-life experiences of individuals with ASD. The book, authored by Fawzia bint Ali al Fahdiyah and illustrated by Haneen al Lawati, is supported by Omantel. The story tells the inspiring journey of a child with ASD and showcases the efforts of the National Autism Centre in supporting and developing the child's skills. The book aims to promote awareness, acceptance and empathy among children towards their peers with ASD. Additionally, an agreement was signed during the ceremony with the Mohammed al Barwani Foundation for Charitable Works to support the establishment of a Hydroponic Agricultural Reserve, designed to provide vocational training for individuals with ASD. The initiative seeks to offer a supportive learning environment where participants can acquire hydroponic farming skills, enhance their social integration and raise public awareness about the importance of including individuals with ASD in community and developmental activities. The National Autism Centre continues to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programmes; and specialised educational and psychological services aimed at developing the skills of children with ASD and enhancing their integration into society. The centre also strives to organise exhibitions and events that showcase the talents of these children, encouraging interaction with their families and the wider community to build a supportive and inclusive environment that recognises their needs and celebrates their abilities.
Times of Oman
03-04-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
HM's royal directives to establish Autism Spectrum Disorder Centre welcomed
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is set to establish a specialised Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care and Rehabilitation Centre, following the royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. A budget of OMR7 million has been allocated to bring this vital initiative to fruition, reflecting His Majesty's ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering all segments of society. Dr. Nadia bint Ali Al-Ajmiya, Director of the National Autism Centre, emphasised that the establishment of this centre highlights His Majesty's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism. She noted that this move strengthens the importance of comprehensive healthcare, psychological and social support, and equitable inclusion for individuals with ASD and their families. The centre aims to provide an integrated care environment tailored to meet the needs of individuals with autism. It will offer early diagnosis and assessment services, therapeutic interventions, psychological support, and specialised training programs for families and professionals. These services are designed to improve the quality of life for people with ASD and foster greater awareness and understanding of autism in society. Additionally, Dr. Nadia elaborated on the centre's planned offerings, including comprehensive evaluations to determine individual needs, rehabilitation programmes to develop social and communication skills, occupational therapy, speech therapy, education, behavioural therapy, and other supportive services. These efforts will significantly enhance care provision and promote pioneering integrated services across various domains. The centre's services will include comprehensive diagnosis and early evaluation to identify individuals' needs, integrated rehabilitation services through programs focusing on improving social behaviours and communication skills, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational and behavioural therapy, as well as support services. Additionally, the centre will provide guidance and counselling for families, helping them address challenges, and will offer specialised global training programmes for families and professionals in the field of autism. Dr. Laila bint Salih Al-Shaqsiya, a paediatric consultant in the Developmental Medicine Department at the Royal Hospital, noted that the establishment of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre, under Royal directives, is a strategic step towards achieving the "Oman Vision 2040" goal of empowering people with disabilities and ensuring their rights. This initiative reflects Oman's significant attention to this essential community and enhances national efforts to provide an integrated environment for caring for children and adults with autism. The centre aims to foster their inclusion in society, serving as a genuine investment in building a more inclusive and compassionate society. Dr. Laila emphasised that the centre will enhance the quality of services provided to individuals with ASD by collaborating with medical professionals from the Ministry of Health and university medical centres to offer comprehensive rehabilitative therapies, including behavioural, linguistic, occupational, and special education treatments, along with recreational programmes. These efforts will provide continuous support to families. The centre will also play a critical role in training medical and educational personnel by organising workshops and training sessions involving psychologists, teachers, and parents to boost knowledge and skills required for effectively supporting individuals with autism. Dr. Laila added that the centre will support scientific research by collecting and analysing national data on autism prevalence and influencing factors. A reliable database will enable the government to develop effective early intervention strategies and evidence-based policies, ensuring the best practices for autism care. Dr. Alia bint Salim Al-Ghabshiya, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, described the Royal initiative to establish the Autism Spectrum Disorder Centre as a pioneering step. It reflects His Majesty's dedication to improving services for individuals with autism and their families, ensuring a brighter and more supportive future for this vital segment of society. She added, the centre will address major gaps in current services by offering a specialised environment for early diagnosis, rehabilitation, educational, and training support. It will also raise community awareness and promote scientific research about autism, positively impacting the quality of life for this segment of society. The centre will help overcome challenges by providing early diagnosis services, behavioural and occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, family training, and enhancing school and community integration programs, thereby alleviating the burden on families. Specialised centres provide a safe and supportive environment for developing social, linguistic, and behavioural skills for individuals with autism. This enables them to achieve greater independence and improves their opportunities for learning and employment. The centre will also play a role in training teachers and employers on how to work with individuals with autism, facilitating their integration into schools and the workforce. Moreover, community awareness campaigns and initiatives will break social barriers and foster societal acceptance of this group. Expanding Services to other Governorates Regarding the importance of Royal directives to study the need for similar centres in other governorates, the Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, emphasised that this is a pivotal step in ensuring fair distribution of services across Oman, especially given the disparities in service availability between regions. Achieving this effectively can be done through field studies to identify the actual needs of each governorate, coordination among government agencies and specialised associations to ensure service integration, and providing specialied staff through training and qualification programmes. Involving families and civil society in planning will ensure that centres address their needs. Sustainable budgets must also be allocated to ensure the continuity and development of these centres. Engagement of Civil Society Dr. Alia bint Salim Al-Ghabshiya, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, stressed the importance of involving associations and civil society in supporting the centre and ensuring the sustainability of its services. Organising awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of autism and encouraging the integration of individuals with autism are essential steps. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with government agencies in presenting proposals to improve and expand services, activating volunteer work within the centre to support various activities and programs. Joint efforts between the government, associations, and civil society will ensure the centre's success in achieving its goals and sustaining its services for individuals with autism and their families. A Glimmer of Hope Khamis bin Khater Al-Salti, a parent of a child with autism, stated that the establishment of this specialised centre represents a beacon of hope eagerly awaited by many parents of children affected by this condition in Oman, especially in light of the relative increase in cases in recent years. He emphasised that this noble gesture for this special segment of society would provide them with tailored care by deeply understanding their mental and psychological needs, ensuring their integration into their surrounding communities. It would offer the best possible care aimed at enhancing their abilities and providing appropriate support for them and their families. The center will contribute to early intervention, improving their behaviours and developing their communication skills. Al-Salti added that having a specialised centre will enable the accommodation of the largest possible number of individuals affected from various governorates of Oman, providing necessary care alongside the efforts of relevant institutions. With the availability of qualified and specialised medical staff, better care can be ensured, thus facilitating the active participation of individuals with autism in their family and community environments. Shamsa bint Abdullah Al-Sharjiya, also a parent of a child with autism, emphasised that the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre is not just a national project but a noble humanitarian gesture of great significance. She added that it embodies the wise leadership's attention to its children, highlighting its genuine interest in their quality of life and needs. She stated, 'This generous initiative carries a message of hope, granting us reassurance that our children are at the heart of the national vision, receiving care and support. It represents a pioneering step that fosters empowerment, opening the door to a brighter future where opportunities are created and capabilities are honed.' Al-Sharjiya also remarked that the establishment of this centre renews hope and energises parents like herself, enabling them to continue their journey with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that the nation extends its hand to all its children without exception. She expressed her gratitude for the royal support, which provides their children with the care they deserve and offers parents a noble sense of optimism for a better tomorrow.
Observer
02-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Royal directives for autism spectrum disorder centre
MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has graciously issued his Royal directives to allocate RO 7 million for the establishment of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre in Muscat Governorate, which will operate under the National Autism Centre. The Royal directives also mandate studying the need for such centres in other governorates and setting a timeline for their establishment based on the number of cases in each governorate. Royal directives for autism spectrum disorder centre These Royal directives, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day, reaffirm the profound attention His Majesty dedicates to his sons and daughters with disabilities, emphasising the importance of providing high-quality rehabilitative and therapeutic services. These services will empower them to achieve independence, facilitate their integration into society, and ultimately contribute to building an inclusive and cohesive society that offers equal opportunities for all. The establishment of the centre aims to provide distinctive and specialised rehabilitation, care, and recreational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in a comprehensive, accessible, and integrated environment. This step will support their educational and social integration while enhancing their capabilities through all available means across various life domains. The centre will be constructed on the extended premises of the National Autism Centre in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, covering a built-up area of approximately 26,000 square metres, with a daily capacity to serve 150 cases. Royal directives for autism spectrum disorder centre The centre, envisaged to be the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East in terms of service diversity, will offer a wide and integrated range of rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. These include comprehensive rehabilitation services featuring specialised rehabilitation halls equipped with modern tools and technologies to promote social integration. It will also provide specialised recreational programmes through tailored recreational facilities and activities suited to the health conditions of enrolled individuals. Non-enrolled individuals may also access these facilities during designated times. Additionally, the centre will serve as the central authority for specialised training programmes for autism spectrum disorder professionals, issuing professional licences in this field and offering continuous training for families across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The centre will also provide temporary care services by offering suitable facilities for individuals with severe autism spectrum disorder, as well as diagnosis and evaluation services through early and comprehensive diagnostics conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Royal directives for autism spectrum disorder centre The establishment of this centre reflects the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places significant emphasis on the inclusion and empowerment of all societal groups, including persons with disabilities. This commitment is evident through its focus on enhancing health and well-being, providing high-quality and accessible healthcare, ensuring inclusive education that meets the needs of all students including those with autism spectrum disorder, and encouraging innovation and the development of assistive technologies to help persons with disabilities overcome challenges. — ONA
Observer
02-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Royal orders to establish Autism Spectrum Disorder Center
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued his Royal directives to allocate RO 7 million for the establishment of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Center in Muscat Governorate, which will operate under the National Autism Centre. The centre building will be 26,000 sqm and located in the wilayat of Seeb to handle 150 cases per day. The step comes within the framework of the care and attention that His Majesty the Sultan dedicates to children with disabilities. The directives mandate studying the need for similar centers in other governorates and setting a timeline for their establishment based on the number of cases in each governorate. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Center for Care and Rehabilitation's objectives will include providing distinguished and qualitative rehabilitation, care, and entertainment services for autism spectrum disorder cases in an integrated, comprehensive, and accessible environment that contributes to facilitating their educational and societal integration and improving their potential by all possible means in various areas of life. Its Services include comprehensive rehabilitation, such as facilities with all modern tools and technologies, specialized and integrated entertainment, providing facilities for interim care prepared and suitable for cases suffering from severe autism spectrum disorder, and diagnosis and evaluation - Conducting early and comprehensive diagnosis in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
