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A series of community activities and events were hosted by Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) in April, as part of the institute’s diligent efforts to promote and endorse a better understating of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ongoing, month-long public awareness campaign was in support of the 10th annual World Autism Awareness Day, which is marked worldwide in early April.
In several countries around the world (including Qatar), April is observed as the Autism Awareness Month. This year is particularly significant as it marks a full decade since World Autism Awareness Day was initially observed on April 2, 2008. World Autism Awareness Day was first proposed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, to the United Nations in 2007 and was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly in 2008, garnering consensus from all member states.
Children who suffer from the disorder commonly demonstrate a range of symptoms that include difficulties with communication, social interaction, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Speaking on QBRI’s efforts to increase public awareness on autism, Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director of the institute, said: “QBRI is committed to driving solutions for many of Qatar’s (and the region’s) most pressing health challenges and transforming the healthcare of the Qatari population and the region. With good mental health within the country being a top priority, Autism is one of our areas of focus. Besides fostering progressiveness in research and training, QBRI also aims at supporting and recognizing individuals with autism. Working towards this goal, we organized various events including lectures, media campaigns, courses to train professionals, and family-friendly activities throughout the month of April. The aim was to increase awareness, while dispelling some of the common misconceptions about the condition. We also sought to instill a sense of tolerance for those afflicted with autism and an understanding of the difficulties they encounter on a daily basis.”
To shed light on the importance of early detection of autism and the intervention that should follow, QBRI took part in the Autism Awareness Day Celebration conducted at Qatar Foundation’s Al Shaqab. QBRI’s booth was geared towards a family-oriented day of fun and learning. QBRI’s Autism campaign featuring educational and family-friendly activities at the Gulf Mall and similar events conducted in partnership with the Qatar National Library witnessed great turnout and went further in helping increase public awareness.
On a more academic note, QBRI contributed to several broader discussions around the country by nominating leading scientists to give talks and answer questions on ASD across multiple platforms, including broadcast media. Additionally, presentations will be made this month at the Ministry of Public Health to ministry officials, health professionals and families who have children with autism.
QBRI is one of HBKU’s three national research institutes, supporting Qatar’s national health priorities through research activities and scientific breakthroughs that impact both the country and the overall region. As an institute dedicated to improving and transforming healthcare of the Qatari population as well as the world, QBRI’s latest campaign is aimed at supporting and recognizing individuals with autism to enhance public understanding.