A number of awareness activities will be held including walks and educational programmes at different places throughout April to educate people about autism and individuals living with the condition.
Activities will be held to coincide World Autism Day on April 2 and Autism Awareness Month. The Ministry of Public Health and several other healthcare and educational institutions will organise awareness and recreational activities throughout April. The activities will include education for parents of children with autism, general public as well as training for healthcare professionals. Activities will highlight the impact Autism can have on individuals and their families.
In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, tabled by Qatar and with the support of H H Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, declaring April 2 as the official World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
This year’s World Autism Awareness Month campaign in Qatar will begin with a family event organised on April 1 at Al Shaqab, Doha’s premier equestrian center, from 10am to 2 pm. Activities are open to all families impacted by autism; they will be able to enjoy horseback riding, sports and other recreational activities. Additional events will be organised by Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medical and Research Center, World Health Innovation Summit (WISH), Qatar Autism Families Association, Nomas Center under the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Renad Academy, Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing (QISH), Ontario Center for Special Education, Step by Step Centre for special Needs, and Mind Institute.
