Ministry’s roadshow helps increase children’s awareness about autism
abu dhabi — The Ministry of Community Development and Image Nation Abu Dhabi have forged a partnership to educate schoolchildren about autism. The move is in response to the UAE declaring 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving’.
The two entities embarked on a three-day roadshow in May across the northern Emirates and visited government schools in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah. They conducted lectures and workshops for primary and secondary schoolchildren, parents and teachers. The workshops were conducted by Sharifa Yateem, the UAE’s only Emirati applied behavioural analyst and lead specialist in Image Nation’s documentary, As One: The Autism Project.
Sharifa told students what autism is and what it means to be different, using specially created video clips made by Image Nation. Workshops conducted for leadership pupils focussed on how to identify fellow students with autism and include them in the community.
Sana Mohammed Sohil, undersecretary at the ministry, said: “The Ministry of Community Development exerts a great effort to rehabilitate and fully integrate autistic patients into Emirati society.
“The ministry dedicates special attention to educating parents and society in general about the nature of the disorder, and to circulating the correct and scientific methods of working with autism, especially in children. The ultimate goal here is to help these patients move forward and advance their lives.
The ministry dedicates special attention to educating parents and society in general about the nature of the disorder. The ultimate goal here is to help these patients move forward and advance their lives.” Sana Mohammed Sohil, undersecretary at the Ministry of Community Development
The ministry therefore always cooperates with government and private agencies in the country to support them, increase their productivity and integrate them in Emirati society.”
Currently one in 68 children have a degree of autism and it is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders, particularly among young boys. Autism effects every child in different ways, depending on where they are on the spectrum.
Danielle Perissi, head of documentary and factual entertainment at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, said: “With autism on the rise all around the globe, raising awareness is more important than ever. Image Nation is proud to partner with the ministry on this innovative programme to reach children in the UAE. The continued relevance of “As One” is a testament to the unique power of film to inspire and educate, and we look forward to sharing this film with audiences at home and abroad.” — Wam