In light of its mission towards capacity building within the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) service provision, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) – a research institute within Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – has recently concluded two specialised training courses that help professionals accurately assess and diagnose autism.
The courses, which encompassed the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – second edition (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R), were hosted at the HBKU Research Complex in Education City. Eligible professionals from select organisations were invited to attend the eight-day classroom training and licensing session.
The sessions were geared towards clinicians and professionals having experience in working with individuals with ASD - whether clinically or for intervention. Dr. Omar El-Agnaf, acting executive director at QBRI, said: “Our institute is committed to the improvement and transformation of healthcare through innovation in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the Qatari population and the region. We believe this training will serve in enhancing diagnostic services for individuals with the disorder in the nation and look forward to future opportunities yet to be explored.”
ADOS-2 and ADI-R are internationally recognised as golden standard tools in ASD diagnosis. Due to their high specificity and sensitivity, their reliability has been acknowledged by researchers. The professional training was conducted in collaboration with BeginningwithA, an independent consultancy - based in Cambridge, United Kingdom – which offers quality training and services, for professionals and for people affected by autism. Upon successful completion, participants were awarded a certificate of course achievement on clinical reliability.
Dr Rachael Archard, a clinical psychologist at Sidra Medicine, said: “The ADOS-2 training has been invaluable when considering the assessment and diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This multi-disciplinary approach allows for a range of helpful intervention options for young people and their families in Qatar. The training exceeded my expectations, particularly with the opportunity to observe and practice the ADOS-2 with an actual family. I am excited about using the ADOS-2 with young people here at Sidra Medicine.”
The training courses come as part of QBRI’s commitment towards capacity building through the training and development of highly skilled professionals. An ongoing month-long public awareness campaign has been launched by the institute in support of the tenth annual World Autism Awareness Day marked worldwide in April and globally celebrated on the second of the month. So far, the institute has taken part in an array of community events and broad expert discussions and presentations.
