Latest news with #RehabilitationCenter
Observer
29-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Seminar discusses autism spectrum disorder
MAHADHA: The Department of Social Development in Al Buraimi Governorate organised a seminar on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the auspices of Shaikh Saif bin Abdullah al Maamari, Wali of Mahadha. The seminar aims to raise community awareness and familiarise professionals with the latest rehabilitation and support methods for people with disabilities. Several specialists in disability care presented four working papers. The first paper, titled 'Services Provided by Al Wafa Rehabilitation Center for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder", was followed by 'Early Intervention for Speech and Language Delays in Children." The third paper addressed 'How to Interact with Children on the Autism Spectrum," while the fourth covered 'Sensory Challenges in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder." The event explored therapeutic, behavioural and educational aspects of ASD, highlighting available rehabilitation services, sports and recreational activities, and coordination mechanisms with the Ministry of Education to monitor inclusion cases. A key focus was the importance of early intervention systems and their role in developing language skills, factors influencing language growth, and strategies for children with speech and language disorders. The event also outlined early indicators of autism spectrum disorder. - ONA
Muscat Daily
05-04-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Royal Order for national autism centre in Oman hailed
Muscat – Health and education experts in Oman have welcomed the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to establish a dedicated centre for the care and rehabilitation of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describing the move as an important step in supporting an underserved segment of society. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Center will be established with an allocation of RO7mn in Muscat. Experts said the project reflects the government's continued commitment to addressing the needs of people with autism and supporting their families, while also contributing to broader national goals under Oman Vision 2040. Dr Nadia Ali al Ajmi, Director of the National Autism Centre, said the initiative marked a critical advancement in social support. 'The new centre will support individuals with ASD and raise awareness of existing service gaps,' she said. Dr Nadia Ali al Ajmi Dr Nadia added that the facility will offer integrated services, enhance skills among specialists, and provide early diagnosis and assessment. She explained that the centre's services would include evaluation of individual conditions, rehabilitation programmes focused on social behaviour and communication, and therapies such as occupational, speech, educational and behavioural therapy. Families of individuals with ASD will also receive guidance on how to address daily challenges. 'Specialised training based on international standards will be introduced for professionals working in the field,' she said. Dr Laila Saleh al Shaqsi, paediatric consultant at the Royal Hospital's Department of Developmental Medicine, described the centre as a 'strategic step' in the implementation of Oman Vision 2040. 'It will empower individuals with disabilities and contribute to their integration into society,' she said. Dr Laila highlighted the planned collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the University Medical City in offering early diagnosis and ongoing rehabilitation. She added that the centre would also serve as a base for data collection and research on autism, supporting the development of early intervention strategies and national policy. Dr Alia Salim al Ghabshi, Head of the Board of Directors of the Oman Autism Society, said the initiative would address major gaps in current services, particularly in early diagnosis, rehabilitation, and education. 'The centre will provide a safe and structured environment for individuals with ASD to build social, linguistic, and behavioural skills,' she said. She added that the centre would also work to raise community awareness and reduce social barriers, enhancing acceptance and inclusion. Public outreach initiatives would further support these goals, while improving the quality of life for individuals with autism. Dr Alia also noted that the Royal Orders include a directive to assess the need for similar centres in other governorates. 'This is a basic step towards ensuring equitable distribution of services across Oman,' she said.
Times of Oman
02-04-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
HM grants OMR7 million to establish an Autism Spectrum Disorder Centre
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has graciously issued his Royal directives to allocateOMR7 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 Royal directives also mandate studying the need for such centers in other governorates and setting a timeline for their establishment based on the number of cases in each governorate. These royal directives, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day, reaffirm the profound attention His Majesty dedicates to his sons and daughters with disabilities, emphasizing 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 center aims to provide distinctive and specialized 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 center will be constructed on the extended premises of the National Autism Centre in the Wilayat of A'Seeb, covering a built-up area of approximately 26,000 square meters, with a daily capacity to serve 150 cases. The center, 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 specialized rehabilitation halls equipped with modern tools and technologies to promote social integration. It will also provide specialized recreational programs 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 center will serve as the central authority for specialized training programs for autism spectrum disorder professionals, issuing professional licenses in this field and offering continuous training for families across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The center 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. The establishment of this center 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.
