Dubai Towards Helping the Autistic

By Yasma Baalbaki, Staff Reporter, The Pawprint

According to Khaleej Times, Dubai has issued new practice guidelines in support of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal is to improve the treatment services, protocols, and social services provided to children and adolescents on the spectrum.

Around the world, people with autism aren’t granted equal opportunities in all spheres of their lives including education, healthcare and employment. Dubai strives to demolish this inequality “with the implementation of the inclusive health policy program of the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020 that forms part of the ‘My Community… A City for Everyone’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai” (Khaleej Times). 

With these new guidelines, Dubai aims to become an accessible city for the autistic ensuring the protection of their rights and high quality of life. 

Finally, based on the Khaleej Times, “The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one in 160 children worldwide have ASD”. That is why Dubai aims to support people with ASD through guidance, social integration, and access to proper healthcare.