DoH Chairman reaffirms support to patients on World Autism Day

WAM: Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), on the occasion of World Autism Day, highlighted the department’s continued attentiveness to provide the necessary support to autistic patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Hamed said, “In line with our wise leadership’s commitment to enabling people of determination across all fields, and in marking World Autism Day, we at the Department of Health– Abu Dhabi (DoH), reiterate our support to all people of determination by strengthening their role, empowering them to take part in society, and contributing to their development process.”

He continued, “DoH works in collaboration with all concerned entities to develop and update regulations that allow private and public sectors to launch initiatives and research programmes that give people with autism the support needed to have an active role in society. As such, we work tirelessly to ensure the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic care services for people on the spectrum, in accordance with the best international practices.”

Explaining the importance of early diagnostic, he said, “DoH pays great care and importance in ensuring children have an ideal environment in their early development and childhood. By ensuring that their health needs are met, we commit to facilitating a healthy and safe life that would allow them to have an active part in shaping the future of our country and achieving its ambitious goals. Early diagnostics of autism is one of the most important means of achieving the best outcomes with regards to treatment and improving patients’ lives.”

“We must all come together to address the needs of people with autism in a way that allows them to reach their highest potential and enhance their social interaction. Additionally, it is important that we continue to raise awareness on autism and educate the community and parents on identifying the best ways to support people with autism and enable them to overcome their challenge,” he concluded.