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Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City, said:
'The joint initiative by DHCC and Dubai Autism Center, one of the most comprehensive non-profit organizations in the UAE, underlines the serious need to address challenges faced by those affected by the disorder. It also acknowledges the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations to help families cope with the malady.'
'Demand for focused and personalized care has risen sharply with a rapid increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism. Through the sponsorship initiative, we are confident our joint efforts will contribute to enabling individuals with autism and help them integrate more holistically into the community.'
Autism, a brain development disorder, impairs social interaction and communication, causing restricted and repetitive behavior before a child is three years old.
Current statistics show that one in every 146 children in the region is affected by autism spectrum disorder, which is becoming more prevalent than Down's Syndrome, infancy cancer, blindness or deafness.
In its endeavor to serve the community with the excellence in healthcare, research and education, Dubai Healthcare City has already initiated pioneering steps in collaboration with the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research. The foundation recently announced grants for two research collaborations between labs at Harvard Medical School and in the Middle East and also made two research fellowship awards to post-doctoral researchers. In addition, the foundation also conducted an education program on autism.
Dr. Christopher A. Walsh, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Genetics at Children's Hospital in Boston, and Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, said: 'The Dubai Autism Center is doing commendable work as an enabling centre for families faced with issues related to the disorder. I am pleased to learn about DHCC's support to the institution, which will undoubtedly further their success in providing valued services. We are grateful to DHCC for its interest and collaboration in our research efforts to better understand the causes of autism.'
Relying largely on donations, the Dubai Autism Center currently caters to 43 children aged 2 to 10 years through a variety of programs. It offers early detection and diagnosis along with educational and rehabilitation initiatives, in addition to hosting seminars and lectures by specialists in autism disorders.
Mohammad Al-Emadi Director General and Board Member of Dubai Autism Center, said: 'We are grateful to DHCC for volunteering to pay a full year's salary to the Speech Unit Staff. As a non-profit organization, all our activities are based solely on donations. DHCC's noble gesture has touched an emotional chord in every staff member at Dubai Autism Center.
'DHCC has led by example, and we are confident more organizations will consider such contributions as part of their corporate social responsibility activities.'
Last October, the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center Institute for Postgraduate Education and Research in collaboration with DHCC, hosted 'Specialty Practi-Med: Mental Health', a continuing medical education program for healthcare professionals to review latest developments in the diagnosis and management of mental health disorders, including autism. Through various initiatives, DHCC continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence in medical care, while raising awareness on debilitating conditions prevalent in the region.
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Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
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