Muscat: Dr. Nadia bint Ali Al Ajmi, Director of the National Autism Center, emphasized that this center reflects His Majesty’s deep care for all segments of society, especially people with autism. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for healthcare, rehabilitation, and psychological services in Oman, she emphasized, adding that the center will also focus on training professionals and families, promoting inclusion, and advancing community awareness.
The center’s programs will include occupational therapy, speech and behavioral therapy, and educational support, in addition to early diagnosis and comprehensive evaluations. Support services for families and global-standard training programs will ensure lasting impact and empowerment.
Dr. Laila bint Saleh Al Shaqsi, pediatric consultant at the Royal Hospital, called the center a strategic pillar of Oman Vision 2040, aligning with the nation’s goals to empower people with disabilities and integrate them into society. She highlighted the center’s role in early intervention, capacity building, and data-driven policymaking, noting its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and University Medical City.
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The center will also serve as a hub for research and national data collection, enabling Oman to track autism trends and formulate evidence-based care policies.
Dr. Alia bint Salem Al Ghabshi, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, described the center as a lifeline for families. Dr Alia highlighted that this noble initiative fills a major service gap and offers a safe, structured environment that promotes independence and social integration for individuals with autism.
She stressed the need to extend similar centers across other governorates, supported by studies, cross-sector cooperation, trained personnel, and sustainable funding.
For parents like Khamis bin Khater Al Salti and Shamsa bint Abdullah Al Sharji, the center is more than a facility—it is a message of hope. “The establishment of this specialized center for autism spectrum disorders is a ray of hope awaited by many parents of children with this condition in the Sultanate of Oman, especially in light of the relative increase in the number of cases in recent years,” said Al Salti.
Shamsa bint Abdullah Al Sharji, the guardian of an autistic child, emphasized that the Autism Spectrum Disorder Center for Care and Rehabilitation is not just a national project; rather, it is a noble humanitarian gesture that means a lot to us and embodies the wise leadership’s care for its children and its genuine concern for their quality of life and needs.
