Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is poised to launch a dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care and Rehabilitation Centre, following the royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. A budget of OMR7 million has been earmarked for this essential initiative, underscoring His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering all members of society.
Dr. Nadia bint Ali Al-Ajmiya, Director of the National Autism Centre, highlighted that the creation of this centre reflects His Majesty’s resolve to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. She pointed out that this initiative reinforces the significance of comprehensive healthcare, psychological and social support, and equitable inclusion for those with ASD and their families.
The centre is designed to offer an integrated care environment that caters to the specific needs of individuals with autism. It will provide early diagnosis and assessment services, therapeutic interventions, psychological support, and specialized training programs for both families and professionals. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for people with ASD and promote greater awareness and understanding of autism within the community.
Furthermore, Dr. Nadia detailed the centre’s planned services, which will include thorough evaluations to assess individual needs, rehabilitation programs focused on developing social and communication skills, occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational support, behavioral therapy, and various other supportive services.
These initiatives will significantly improve the provision of care and advance innovative integrated services across multiple areas.
The centre will offer a wide range of services, including thorough assessments and early evaluations to determine individual needs. It will feature integrated rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing social behaviors and communication skills, encompassing occupational therapy, speech therapy, educational and behavioral therapy, along with various support services. Furthermore, the centre will provide guidance and counseling for families to help them navigate challenges, as well as specialized training programs for both families and professionals working in the autism sector.
Dr. Laila bint Salih Al-Shaqsiya, a pediatric consultant in the Developmental Medicine Department at the Royal Hospital, highlighted that the creation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre, established under Royal directives, represents a strategic advancement towards fulfilling the "Oman Vision 2040" objective of empowering individuals with disabilities and safeguarding their rights.
This initiative underscores Oman’s commitment to this vital community and bolsters national efforts to create a comprehensive environment for the care of children and adults with autism.
The centre's mission is to promote their integration into society, representing a meaningful investment in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Dr. Laila pointed out that the centre will improve the quality of services available to individuals with ASD by partnering with healthcare professionals from the Ministry of Health and university medical centers to deliver a full spectrum of rehabilitative therapies, including behavioral, linguistic, occupational, and special education interventions, as well as recreational activities. These initiatives will ensure ongoing support for families.
The center will be instrumental in training medical and educational professionals by hosting workshops and training sessions that involve psychologists, educators, and parents. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for effectively assisting individuals with autism.
Dr. Laila emphasized that the center will contribute to scientific research by gathering and analyzing national data on the prevalence of autism and its influencing factors. Establishing a reliable database will empower the government to formulate effective early intervention strategies and evidence-based policies, ensuring optimal practices in autism care.
Dr. Alia bint Salim Al-Ghabshiya, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, characterized the Royal initiative to create the Autism Spectrum Disorder Centre as a groundbreaking move. It demonstrates His Majesty’s commitment to enhancing services for individuals with autism and their families, paving the way for a more supportive and promising future for this essential segment of society.
She further noted that the center will fill significant gaps in existing services by providing a specialized environment for early diagnosis, rehabilitation, educational support, and training. Additionally, it will work to increase community awareness and foster scientific research on autism, thereby improving the quality of life for this population.
The center aims to address challenges by offering early diagnosis services, behavioral and occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, family training, and enhancing integration programs within schools and communities, ultimately reducing the burden on families.
Specialized centers create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters the development of social, linguistic, and behavioral skills for individuals with autism.
This approach allows individuals to gain increased independence while enhancing their learning and employment prospects. The center will also be instrumental in training educators and employers on effectively engaging with individuals on the autism spectrum, thereby aiding their integration into educational institutions and the workforce. Additionally, community awareness initiatives will work to dismantle social barriers and promote acceptance of this demographic.
Expanding Services to Other Governorates
In light of the Royal directives to assess the necessity for similar centers in other governorates, the Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association highlighted that this is a crucial move towards ensuring equitable service distribution throughout Oman, particularly in light of the existing disparities in service access across different regions.
To achieve this effectively, field studies should be conducted to ascertain the specific needs of each governorate. Coordination among government entities and specialized organizations is essential for service integration, along with the provision of trained personnel through targeted training and qualification programs. Engaging families and civil society in the planning process will ensure that the centers meet their needs. Furthermore, sustainable funding must be allocated to guarantee the ongoing operation and enhancement of these centers.
Engagement of Civil Society
Dr. Alia bint Salim Al-Ghabshiya, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, emphasized the significance of involving associations and civil society in supporting the center and ensuring the longevity of its services. Organizing awareness campaigns to improve understanding of autism and promoting the inclusion of individuals with autism are vital steps in this process.
She underscored the significance of collaborating with government entities to present proposals aimed at enhancing and broadening services, while also mobilizing volunteer efforts within the center to support various activities and programs. Collaborative initiatives among the government, organizations, and civil society will be crucial for the center's success in fulfilling its objectives and maintaining its services for individuals with autism and their families.
A Beacon of Hope
Khamis bin Khater Al-Salti, a parent of a child with autism, expressed that the creation of this specialized center symbolizes a long-awaited beacon of hope for many parents of children affected by autism in Oman, particularly given the noticeable rise in cases in recent years.
He stressed that this commendable initiative for this unique segment of society will offer personalized care by thoroughly addressing their mental and psychological needs, thereby facilitating their integration into the communities around them.
The center aims to provide optimal care focused on enhancing their capabilities and delivering appropriate support for both them and their families. It will play a vital role in early intervention, improving behaviors and fostering communication skills.
Al-Salti further noted that the establishment of a specialized center will allow for the accommodation of a significant number of individuals affected by autism from various regions of Oman, ensuring they receive essential care in conjunction with the efforts of relevant institutions. With a team of qualified and specialized medical professionals, the center can guarantee improved care, thus promoting the active involvement of individuals with autism in their family and community settings.
Shamsa bint Abdullah Al-Sharjiya, another parent of a child with autism, highlighted that the Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre is not merely a national initiative but a meaningful humanitarian effort of great importance.
She emphasized that this initiative reflects the wise leadership's commitment to its youth, underscoring a sincere concern for their well-being and requirements.
She remarked, “This generous initiative conveys a message of hope, assuring us that our children are central to the national vision, receiving the care and support they need. It marks a groundbreaking step towards empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future filled with opportunities and the development of skills.”
Al-Sharjiya further noted that the creation of this center revitalizes hope and inspires parents like herself, allowing them to pursue their paths with confidence and tranquility, secure in the knowledge that the nation is dedicated to supporting all its children. She expressed her appreciation for the royal backing, which ensures that their children receive the care they deserve and instills in parents a noble sense of hope for a better future.
