Abu Dhabi autism centre to open doors to expatriates
This event is a way to discover their special ability and talents. Their families need this sort of support.” Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE
Now we have 50 students at our centre. More than half of them are included in mainstream schools.” Amal Galal Sabry, founder and managing director, Emirates Autism Centre
I wish the programmes are cost effective and affordable for parents to help their kids realise their potential.” Saleem Parker, South African expat
abu dhabi — In a heartening bit of development, Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Autism Centre is set open its doors to expats from next year, centre’s founder and managing director Amal Galal Sabry said on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day.
Sabry said the number of children diagnosed with autism is on the rise and more needs to be done to spread awareness on early intervention and message of inclusiveness.
The centre started operations in March 2007 but Sabry’s journey began in 1992 when her third child, Amr Sharaan, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Her world fell apart but the mother in her didn’t give up hope. With sustained efforts and early intervention programme, in 2001, Sharaan became the first autistic child in the UAE to graduate from regular school. And today, Sharaan is employed in full-time job.
Sabry opened Emirates Autism Centre to help other children realise their potential. For the centre, inclusiveness and integration of autistic kids into mainstream schools is the most important programme.
“Now we have 50 students at our centre. More than half of them are included in mainstream schools. This year, five of our students will pass from Grade 12 and return for vocational and job training. They will then join regular college and later be part of the workforce,” she said on the sidelines of Autism Awareness Campaign held by Mushrif Mall.
These kids need love, support
In a bid to accommodate more autistic kids, from next academic year of 2019-20, the centre will open doors to expatriates and non-Arabs. “We can include up to 70 kids. We also have night sessions. Students who attend regular schools return here after school hours and continue other programmes.”
The programmes include early intervention, speech therapy, sensory integration services, adaptive physical education, art and vocational rehabilitation, community integration, computer, outdoor activity, family counselling and job training.
“We want to accommodate as many kids as possible. We are also planning to open another building. We have got support from society and community members. We also have good support from organisations and institutions,” she said.
Sabry noted that her students were also part of the Special Olympics World Games.
“It was such a proud moment for all of us. Now we will host the 12th National Level Championship with 41 centres and 500 people of determination on April 23,” she added.
‘Special’ fashion show held
Sabry and her kids were also part of the mall’s awareness campaign where fashion show by children of determination, songs and speeches with participation of 50 kids and awareness talks were held.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana was also part of the events and said it was important to show acceptance towards special kids.
“A Filipino national’s son Laurence De Guzman performed here. This event is a way to discover their special ability and talents. Their families need this sort of support.”
Parents have welcomed the move by Emirates Autism Centre to include expat community.
Saleem Parker, a South African expat and father of a special needs kid, said it was great development following the conduct of Special Olympics. “I hope this is just the start and more centres, not just autism, open their doors. I wish the programmes are also cost effective and affordable for parents to help their kids realise their potential.”
The UAE leadership is set to roll out many initiatives following the Special Olympics. So there is renewed hope for people like Sabry and Parker.