The State of Qatar joined world countries in celebrations marking the World autism Awareness Day, which falls on the second of April of each year. It was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The State of Qatar celebrates this occasion, under the slogan "Inclusive Quality Education for All", as an expression of its deep belief in the necessity of spreading awareness and education regarding autism patients, and emphasizing the importance of integrating and empowering them to become a positive addition in the comprehensive development process that the State of Qatar seeks and approved in Qatar National Vision 2030.

In a message on the occasion of World autism Awareness Day, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that the United Nations supports the rights of persons with autism to fully participate in society, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In its pledge to leave no one behind, the 2030 Agenda represents a commitment to reducing inequality through social, economic and political inclusion for all people, including persons with disabilities. Yet many persons with autism still live in isolation, discriminated against and disconnected from their communities, in institutions or even in their own homes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these inequalities through the loss or reduction of services at school, in homes and in the community. We need to ensure that the rights, perspectives and well-being of persons with disabilities, including those with autism, are an integral part of building forward better from the pandemic,the UN Secretary General said.

The solution lies in more community-based support systems for persons with autism. We must also establish inclusive education systems and training programmes that enable students with autism to access the educational path of their choice. And we must make technology solutions available for persons with autism to live independently in their communities. Active consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations should be at the centre of these efforts, he added.(MORE)

Data from the Planning and Statistics Authority reveal that the number of people with autism spectrum disorder registered in centers for people with disabilities in the country reached 1,465 in 2020, with 599 Qataris (480 males and 119 females), while the number of non-Qatari people is 866, distributed between (687 males and 179 females).

The State of Qatar pays special attention to the category of people with autism spectrum disorder, which is represented in the services provided to them through specialized centers, and the necessary medical care in health centers and hospitals. The country has achieved tangible successes, especially during the past years in this field. The Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. (26) of 2019 regarding the establishment of the National Committee on the Affairs of Women, Children, the elderly and persons with special needs. Its tasks included "monitoring the situation of the rights of people with disabilities", including people with autism, and ensuring the implementation of policies that support them.

The State of Qatar has also played an important role in raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder at the international level. In 2007, HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser supported the campaign that called for the establishment of the World autism Awareness Day during the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was unanimously approved by the member states of the United Nations.

The State of Qatar has launched the National autism Plan (2017/2022), which aims to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as spread of awareness and care for the family, focus on educational and health aspects and on facilities, early intervention and infrastructure, in addition to continuity of care and development as well as purposeful education and social participation.

In an effort to contribute to Qatars national development strategy, the Doha International Family Institute, a member of Qatar Foundation, conducted a study on the health of families living with autism spectrum disorder; The results showed that families with children with autism face difficulties in obtaining good services in a timely manner, and parents of children with autism face challenges related to social and emotional support and short-term care, in addition to negatively affecting relationships between spouses and siblings.