Minister of Social Development and Family H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, UDC CEO Yasser Salah Al-Jaidah and the Founder of Autism Parents Platform Hamda Al-Hitmi, along with other officials at the launch ceremony.
Doha, Qatar: A new milestone for autism awareness and support was marked with the official launch of the Autism Parents Platform at The Pearl Island as the center is the first of its kind in Qatar to earn official community accreditation from the International Council for Accreditation and Continuing Education.
The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of the Minister of Social Development and Family, H E Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi. The launch event was also attended by the CEO of United Development Company (UDC), Yasser Salah Al-Jaidah, alongside other distinguished guests and partners.
The platform, which began five years ago as an Instagram initiative, has grown into a powerful community hub for families, caregivers, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Speaking to The Peninsula, the platform’s Founder, Hamda Al-Hitmi, shared the inspiring journey behind the project.
“Autism Parents Platform started as an Instagram platform five years ago, and we began with the women’s and the mother’s support group,” said Al-Hitmi. “Then later, we expanded our services to include play dates and events. We, the three mothers who started the initiative, became autism specialists and decided to dream bigger.”
The new facility at The Pearl includes an inclusive playground and community club designed to welcome children of all abilities. The space aims not only to provide services but also to raise broader public awareness about autism. “We had this idea to have an inclusive playground, a club where everyone can come and enjoy, whether they’re on the spectrum or not. It’s a place to raise awareness,” she noted.
Minister of Social Development and Family HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al-Nuaimi and other officials at the event.
Backed by support from a host of sponsors including the UDC, Ooredoo, Seashore Group, Blue Salon, and Lulu, the Autism Parents Platform is already making an impact. “We are so lucky to have such great sponsors who believe in us. Now our dream has come true,” Al-Hitmi said.
In addition to offering events and recreational activities, the platform also hosts workshops, training sessions, and educational programs for businesses, service providers, and caregivers seeking to become autism-friendly.
It also serves as a trailblazing model, offering comprehensive support for individuals with autism and those facing sensory and behavioural challenges in a safe, welcoming environment.
“We do workshops and training for anyone who wants to be autism-friendly—places, businesses, or even service providers and caregivers. We now support more than 500 families, and every day, we offer different activities,” Al-Hitmi added.
Yasser Al-Jaidah, Chief Executive Officer of UDC, highlighted that the company’s support for the initiative is part of its broader commitment to building inclusive, sustainable communities that promote social unity and equal opportunities for all.
Conceived as a versatile, multi-functional facility, Autism House provides an all-encompassing support system that includes family services, sensory therapies, and tailored educational and training programs. These offerings are carefully designed for different age groups and delivered by highly qualified specialists. Moreover, the center aims to function as an active connector—bridging families, professionals, and institutions to foster a resilient and collaborative community support network.
The launch event also spotlighted the resilience and dedication of parents who turned a personal journey into a national movement for awareness, inclusion, and empowerment. Looking ahead, the organisation hopes to expand beyond The Pearl Qatar, with plans to establish future branches in Al-Wakrah and Al-Khor to reach wider communities.
