14-04-2021

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Bahrain Autistics Society organised a ceremony titled "Autism is Distinction" yesterday evening to mark World Autism Awareness Day. The event was held virtually, with the participation of the society’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Issa Jawad Hashim, and board members. In his opening remarks, Humaidan praised the efforts of the Bahrain Autistics Society and its role in raising community awareness and promoting its culture through various events, activities, and programmes. He also acknowledged the contributions of other civil society organisations, official bodies, and private sector institutions working to empower people with disabilities—particularly those with autism spectrum disorder—by supporting their integration into society and the development of their talents and potential. On this occasion, Humaidan stressed the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s commitment to supporting all efforts to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder. He highlighted the ministry’s focus on improving rehabilitation and educational services in private centres, whose annual costs are covered in 12 centres, including 6 dedicated to rehabilitating individuals with autism. He also noted the role of 25 private centres licensed by the ministry that actively contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals with autism and the development of their capabilities. The number of individuals registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Development with autism has reached 877, all of whom benefit from services including care, rehabilitation, financial support, and the provision of prosthetic devices. He further pointed out that the ministry is working to expand diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services and has completed preparations to launch a comprehensive disability complex in the next phase. This facility will provide all essential services for Persons with Disabilities, with one of its buildings dedicated to autism rehabilitation. The centre—the first of its kind in the Kingdom—will offer advanced services for individuals with autism and accommodate approximately 100 beneficiaries. For his part, the President of the Bahrain Autistics Society, Mr. Zakaria Al-Sayed Issa Jawad Hashim, stated that World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to shed light on the reality of this segment of society and to advocate for further achievements in education, health, and other sectors for people with autism. He stressed that they are an integral part of society and can actively contribute to its progress, thanks to the talents, abilities, and exceptional capabilities with which they are endowed—capabilities that, in some cases, surpass those of their peers.