Qatar Foundation (QF) is advancing its decade-long vision for inclusive autism support across education, research, and community development with its new Autism Community Hub – a digital platform that unites services, resources, and expertise, making co-ordinated care and guidance more accessible for families and professionals across Qatar.
The platform has been developed as a flagship initiative under the QF Autism Strategy 2025-2035 – a 10-year framework launched in April 2025 to build a fully inclusive ecosystem for people with autism – and represents its first phase. It responds to a critical gap faced by families, particularly in identifying and navigating autism support following an initial assessment request.
The Autism Community Hub, which can be accessed by visiting https://www.qf.org.qa/community/autism, aims to help individuals navigate services and pathways, while co-ordinating guidance, through centralising information on programmes, research opportunities, and community resources available within QF.
It is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals – as well as a platform for healthcare professionals, therapy providers, researchers, policymakers, and government entities – and aims to help users make informed decisions throughout every stage of their autism journey.
Dr Dena A al-Thani, associate professor, Head of Computer and Electrical Engineering Division, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is the chair of the QF Autism Task Force.
“The Autism Community Hub underscores Qatar Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bridging gaps in autism support, ensuring individuals and their families stay informed, connected, and supported at every stage,” she said.
“By creating a trusted space for guidance, clarity, and connection, the platform aims to enhance the quality of life for families and foster a strong sense of belonging and inclusion throughout their journey.”
At HBKU, autism research supports this mission through a multidisciplinary approach that explores genetic and biological factors, investigates brain function and development, and advances the use of innovative technologies for more precise assessment and intervention. It also contributes to the development of targeted therapies and informs policies that improve access to diagnosis, care, and support services.
Among the Autism Community Hub’s key features is a clearly defined autism pathway, guiding users from initial diagnosis through education and long-term support. The platform also includes a comprehensive, searchable directory of services and programmes, making it easier for families to identify and access the support they need.
The platform also offers centralised updates on the progress of the implementation of the QF Autism Strategy, alongside news, insights, and community stories that nurture shared learning experiences, peer-to-peer support, and connections.
Future phases of the platform will focus on gradually enhancing personalisation, community engagement pathways, and the integration of research and innovation elements, data, and insights, further strengthening its role as a connected and evolving platform for autism support in Qatar.
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, is a global advocate for autism awareness, whose 2007 proposal led to the United Nations’ adoption of World Autism Awareness Day, marked annually on April 2.
