From Left: Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa, Dr Mohammed Talfat, and Dr Ayman Al Deeb.
Qatar University (QU) colleges of Engineering (CENG) and Education (CED) organised a workshop on autism in collaboration with Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs to discuss Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide solutions for children diagnosed with the disease.
In his remarks, CENG Dean Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa said: “CENG is demonstrating its commitment to tackling local and international challenges by providing research solutions for issues that are of interest to the wider community. This workshop aligns with the College’s ongoing efforts to seeking efficient solutions to issues that impact on Qatari society and beyond, and to provide various services that contribute to the country’s social and economic growth. CENG supports ASD awareness since it is one of the most commonly reported neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. The inclusion of disabled individuals in the Qatari society is consistent with the human and social development pillars stated by Qatar National Vision 2030.”
CED Department of Psychological Sciences Head Dr Asma Al Attiyah said: “Through our department, we are committed to preparing specialists in special education by motivating students to be trained in different private and government organisations in Qatar. Based upon relations with partners, we equip students with deep knowledge of the rights of people with special needs in order to get them involved in the community that believes in their rights and that respects variety.”
Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs Acting Director of Family Support and Psychological Guidance Dr Ayman Al Deeb said: “The most important issue in autism is the early diagnosis which helps find solutions and treatment for autistics and build the training programmes they need, since it will be difficult to provide the needed treatment at a late stage.”
CENG Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Associate Professor Dr Uvais Qidwai said: “One common feature that appears in almost all children with ASD is their shyness and seclusion-loving behaviour. This leads to a human-phobic attitude with such kids not being able to respond to simple phrases, social behaviors, eye contact, making friends, and ultimately lag further behind in terms of learning.
