The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) will celebrate tomorrow World Autism Awareness Day under the slogan "Autism is not a disability but a different ability" to highlight the need to improve the lives of children and adults on the autism disorder spectrum as well as their families, especially with the high incidence of this disorder at a global level.
Associate Professor in the Intellectual Disability and Autism Disorder Programme of the College of Graduate Studies of AGU, Dr. Sayed Saad Al Khamisi, said that the University’s celebration of World Autism Awareness Day is organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Autism Centres in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Participation is open to all those interested in autism, from parents, educators, researchers and specialists. The ceremony includes a speech by Vice President of the University, a presentation under the title "Autism Disorder: Facts and Myths" and a presentation of the achievements of the Intellectual Disability and Autism Disorder Programme, to focus on the positive aspects that exist in people with autism.
A display of these children’s talents will be displayed followed by a segment entitled "Try the autism experience" which will be an attempt in gauging how an autistic individual uses their senses and how they feel when using them. The university is also organising an exhibition to accompany the events celebrating this day.
It is noteworthy that the United Nations adopted the second of April as World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated every year since 2008. Global attention directed towards raising awareness of this disorder arose due to its negative repercussions on individuals and society, given that it is the fastest spreading disorder in the world. Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder caused by complex problems in brain growth and nervous system development in general. These complications cause difficulties in interacting and communicating with society, as well as limited and repetitive interests and activities in the autistic individual.
The World Health Organization estimated the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders at a rate of one case per 68 children. These estimates represent the number of cases on average. It is noted that some recent studies indicate much higher prevalence rates.

Source : BNA