Child Early Intervention Medical Center, in collaboration with Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Prince Salman Center for Disability Research, the UAE Ministry of Education, the UAE Ministry of Health, the Emirates Medical Association and the Dubai Business Women’s Council, has announced the third edition of the annual Autism Around the World Conference.
The announcement came at a press conference on 23 November at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai, the venue sponsor. The Autism Around the World Conference 2011, “Healing and Education in Autism” will be held at the Zayed University Convention Center, Academic City, from 8-10 December. The three-day conference will bring together medical experts, doctors, teachers, therapists and families to deliberate on the medical and educational challenges facing children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
A diverse panel of 23 speakers from all over the world will deliver 19 workshops highlighting best treatment options and the challenges facing children with ASDs. International initiatives that help employ an integrated-approach towards education and healing will be spotlighted during the conference. In addition, the importance of integrating children with ASDs into mainstream schools will be underlined.
Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai Healthcare City, said: “We are delighted to team up with the Child Early Intervention Medical Center to support the Annual Autism Around the World Conference 2011. The event will help shed light on evidence-based interventions in the treatment of autism.
DHCC’s support of the conference comes out of our recognition that families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a range of unique issues and needs; through our engagement with such events, we seek to bring together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals and individuals. We are committed to backing events that effectively advocate support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
One of the many special presentations at the conference “Life on and slightly to the right of the autism spectrum” will be presented by Prof. Steven Shore who was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. Notably, today, Prof. Shore is an Assistant Professor and a sought-after speaker on his experience with ASD. He also guides parents and children on best ways to overcome the challenges resulting from autism disorders.
To further promote the inclusion of children diagnosed with an ASD within the UAE schools, the conference will feature presentations on topics such as “Understanding Inclusive Schooling and the Role of Behavioral Therapy”, “Promoting Social Inclusion of People with Autism and Other Disabilities in Education”, and “Critical Skills for Social Success”.
The conference will also focus on other health issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, feeding and diet, as well as the importance of communication for addressing and raising awareness on ASD.
Raja Al-Gurg, President, Dubai and UAE Business Women’s Council and CEO of the Eissa Al-Gurg Group, said: “This forum represents an interactive platform, one that gathers experts, parents and healthcare physicians that can deal with children diagnosed with Autism and special needs together, which contributes greatly to help reach effective strategies and solutions to help improve the therapeutic and rehabilitative services provided to this segment of the society.
“The conference will play a key active role in spreading awareness about Autism and the importance of early diagnosis and best methods to deal with children diagnosed with ASD and help them deal psychologically and help develop their ability to prepare from a behavioural and emotional perspective and develop their ability to pronounce and communicate to socialize with the local community. At the Dubai Business Women’s Council, we ensure our participation at similar events, as we believe in social responsibility as it is a key part of our responsibilities and objective.”
Real time English to Arabic translation will be offered at the conference, with workshops providing hands-on training in both languages. In addition, the conference has been accredited 6 hours of CME per day by the Ministry of Health (MOH). With Dubai Health Authority (DHA) recognizing the MOH accreditation, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and other professionals can earn their continuing professional development credits by attending the conference.
Carolina Tovar, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Child Early Intervention Medical Center, said: “The conference will offer networking opportunities through luncheons and social events. Attendees whether a parent, professional, teacher or caregiver will walk away from the event with novel ideas and new found knowledge. Together we can find support and new hope while acquiring the necessary skills to implement new strategies at home and the school as well as in the natural environment.”
Dr Hibah Shata, Managing Director and Head of Organizing Committee, said: “Our ultimate goal is to increase public and professional awareness. We aim to empower families and professionals with awareness on ASD to help them make informed decisions. In addition, we will highlight the need for the community to come together and help special needs children to be integrated into mainstream schools and be a part of the society.”
