Captain of Ireland's rugby team visits Dubai Autism Center

O'Driscoll attended a presentation by the Centre on challenges faced by autistic children. He also visited its various educational and recreational facilities where children are taught to overcome autistic behaviors through therapeutic, educational programmes based on art, music and games. Through education and encouragement, the institute helps the children to communicate better with others and develop their talents to lead independent lives

"I was amazed by the positive and cheerful outlook of the teachers and children at the institute. Colourfully painted walls, children's drawings and neatly arranged art books lend a pleasant atmosphere to the institute and it did not look any different from any other school. It was obvious that the children are
talented, most of them are engaged in learning arts, language and mathematics depending on their aptitude,' said Brian O'Driscoll.

"It was encouraging to know that most of the students have made good progress and are now able to communicate better with their friends and family. I was glad that DAC is being supported by individuals and corporate organisations such as Zabeel. I felt proud that I am associated with such a socially responsive company."

Zabeel Investments recently donated AED 500,000 to the upkeep of the facility and its many activities after realising that 70 students were on the waiting list for September 2006 and that the centre could only accommodate 48 students

"After reading several articles published on autism and the lack of support the Centre was facing, we decided to be associated with them,' said Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman, Zabeel Investments.

"There is not much awareness of autism in the UAE and it is the responsibility of the corporate sector to come forward to support organisations like DAC that help train autistic children to face future with confidence. Children are the future of this country and we must do our best to help them,' he added

In Dubai to view the progress on Tiara Residence, Zabeel's community development on the Palm, O'Driscoll heard about the Centre's activities from Zabeel and decided to visit.

"We appreciate O'Driscoll taking time off from his visit in Dubai to spend time with the children. It is because of the generous support of individuals and corporate like Zabeel we are able to run this facility. We are dependent on funds and donations to expand the facility and invest in research on autism,' said Mohammad Al Emadi, Director General, Dubai Autism Centre who accompanied the Irish captain.

In DAC, there are four children in a class led by two teachers - Arabic and English speaking - to provide a high quality teaching environment. In a therapy setting, children either spend a one-on-one session with the therapists or together in a group. The therapies provided are speech, occupational, play and music.

The Dubai Autism Centre was launched in November 2001 by the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is a non-profit organisation. Started as a resource centre for parents and professionals, providing information, books and videos on autism, today DAC has become a full-fledged facility providing comprehensive educational programmes aimed at integrating autistic children into mainstream society.