Dubai Healthcare City Supports ’Walk For Autism’ In Collaboration With Child Early Intervention Medical Center, Genesis And Saathi

Fun-Filled Event At Zabeel Palace On 30 April To Draw Participation Of School Children And Special Needs Centres

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder affecting one in 91 children today and has no timely medical detection or cure, according to Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of TECOM Investments Sciences’ Cluster.

DHCC added autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioural challenges.

As part of its commitment to raise awareness on autism and to commemorate the autism awareness month, Dubai Healthcare City is collaborating with Child Early Intervention Medical Center, as well as autism support groups Genesis and Saathi,to launch ‘Walk now for Autism’.To take place in Zabeel Park on 30 April at 5.00pm, the initiative will witness the participation of hundreds of children from different schools and special needs centers along with their families.

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of the Sciences Cluster at TECOM Investments, said: “We are proud to be a part of this thoughtful initiative and look forward to supporting further charity-driven events that seek to improve the well-being of our society. DHCC is committed to raising awarenesson autismthrough its centers that cater to children with Autism as a part of its mission to bring quality care close to home.”

Through ‘Walk now for Autism’, we aim to help caregivers as well as the community know that not all hope is lost in the treatment of autism. We invite people’s participation in large numbers to ensure the initiative is a resounding success. It will also give them an opportunity to help autistic children feel a part of mainstream society.”

‘Walk for Autism’ was launched during a gala dinnerat Dubai Festival City in the presence of media and families of children with autism spectrum disorders. Videos of recovery success storieswere also played for the benefit of the attendees.

Dr. Hibah Shata, BDS, MSC, FDSRCSI, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Child Early Intervention Medical Center, said: “The Autism Walk is one of our community projects that helps raise awareness and provides better acceptance to children affected with autism. We are very happy to join hands with DHCC for this initiative.

“The support we have received from special needs’ centers in Dubai and several private and government institutions is overwhelming. We look forward to the participation of thousands of volunteers at this year’s walk that will be filled with activities, games and fun for the entire family.”

During the launch event, parents of autistic children had an opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with Jason Garner, Counselor at Child Early Intervention Medical Center.

‘Walk for Autism’ has been designed as a fun-filled family event with entertainment and various activities planned for children such as face painting, bouncing castles, clowns, magic show and games. The venue will also include a bazaar, painting exhibition, as well as a health and safety exhibition, in addition to a medical and dental corner and food corner.

The gold sponsors for ‘Walk for Autism’ are Emirates NBD and Samsung Medical Centre-Index Holdings. Dr. Nicolas and ASP, the American Hospital and Park Regis Hotel Kris Kin Hotel, Abela and CO and Deah Hydraulics LLC.are the silver sponsors for the initiative.
 

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Apr 18, 2011

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