The autism awareness month campaign, organised by the Ministry of Public Health  (MoPH) in co-operation with various partners, and hosted by Qatar Foundation (QF) was launched yesterday at a family fun day event in the Al Shaqab equestrian centre, Education City.
The event was jointly organised by Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Autism Families Association, Nomas Centre under the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Renad Academy. 
World Autism Awareness Day was first proposed by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, to the United Nations in 2007 and was adopted without a vote by the UN General Assembly. The first World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated on April 2, 2008, to raise awareness of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder.
HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari highlighted the importance of increasing public education about autism spectrum disorder, noting that such awareness events provide important opportunities for public education and understanding.
“It is important to intensify our collective efforts to fully support people with autism so that they can be integrated into society and participate with their peers in school activities, recreation, and work, according to their abilities.” 
The community day provided ample opportunity for families and children to take part in various events, including interaction with horses, different sports, and various recreational and awareness activities.
Dr Mariam AbdulMalik,  managing director of the Primary Health Care Corporation said: “We are honoured to be a part of this national drive to not only raise awareness of autism but to also encourage friends and collaborators to become partners in the movement toward acceptance and appreciation. This is an opportunity to embrace a new perspective, to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and to draw attention to many individuals facing an autism diagnosis each year.” 
Additional  autism awareness promotion activities will be held during April. These have been organised by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development  and its affiliated schools, Qatar University, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medical and Research Center, WISH, Qatar Autism Families Association, Nomas Centre under the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Renad Academy, Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing, Ontario Centre for Special Education, Step by Step Centre for Special Needs, Mind Institute and Shafallah Centre for Children with Special Needs. 
The activities include awareness and recreational activities for families. Some events also include free screening for children, various presentations, and educational and awareness lectures to highlight what autism spectrum disorder is and how it affects individuals with the condition and their families.
Machaille al-Naimi, president of community development, QF, who attended the event, said: “We are delighted to host such an important event today, and to see so many members of the community in attendance.”
“Through our World Autism Awareness Day activities, we aim to raise awareness. We want to demonstrate that while autism may be a permanent condition, treatment and therapy can lead to improvements. We believe that this event showcases our commitment to serving the whole community.”