A Science Café session in Msheireb brought experts, institutions and families together to bridge awareness gaps on autism and learning disabilities, emphasising practical inclusion and shared responsibility across Qatar’s community.
Experts and stakeholders gathered at Bin Jelmood House Monday for the second Science Café session of 2026, focusing on neurodevelopmental conditions and the importance of collaboration in building a more inclusive society.
The session, titled “Different Abilities, Shared Futures: Disability and Success,” was organised by Msheireb Museums in partnership with Sidra Medicine. It explored autism and learning disabilities through scientific research, education, technology and mental health perspectives.
Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Mohamed Tolefat, Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the importance of such platforms in connecting institutions with families and the wider public.
“We take care of persons with disabilities from early childhood and early intervention until 21 years old,” he said, noting that services span “different severity and intensity” levels, including autism spectrum disorders.
Dr Tolefat stressed that one of the centre’s strengths lies in its integrated model. “All the services are under one umbrella... physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, psychologists and psychiatry, all in one place,” he explained.
However, beyond service provision, he underlined the critical role of awareness and collaboration. “We do have awareness programmes throughout the year... for corporations, schools and even tourism areas like hotels,” he said, adding that parents are also supported through direct training and communication channels.
Events such as the Science Café, he noted, play a vital role in strengthening these efforts. “We do interact not only with parents but with all the different entities that take care for autism in Qatar... we bridge the gaps and act as a complement to others like Sidra, HMC and the Ministry of Education.”
He emphasised that the value of such gatherings lies in shared learning. “It is important for everyone to come together to bridge the gap between themselves and try to learn from each other,” he said.
Dr Tolefat added that participants benefit most from practical engagement.
“They interact not only theoretically but practically... and come up with inclusive ideas for activities between autism and other children and people in society.”
The session forms part of ongoing efforts in Qatar to promote inclusion, encourage dialogue and ensure that awareness translates into meaningful, everyday practices across communities.
