National Autism Centre to come up in Al Khoudh

A tender for the construction of Oman’s first National Centre for Autism was floated by the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) on Monday. The landmark facility, which will be located at Al Khoudh in Muscat, will be financially supported by Oman LNG as part of its ‘Gift to the Nation’ announced on the occasion of the Sultanate’s 45th National Day. Plans for the establishment of a national facility dedicated to autism intervention and care came in response to an uptrend being witnessed in autism cases in the Sultanate. The state-of-the-art centre will promote public awareness and understanding of autism, help diagnose and treat sufferers, as well as encourage community involvement and support for individuals with autism. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. The neurological and developmental disorder typically begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. The National Autism Centre will focus on helping individuals living with autism and generate public awareness. It aims to identify, promote, treat and educate, people on the welfare and acceptance of individuals living with autism. Besides, it will extend its services and support to encourage, promote and facilitate research and studies into the root causes, diagnosis and treatment of autism and associated conditions. This will, in turn, reduce individuals seeking treatment aboard while simultaneously building internal capabilities towards awareness, education and treatment. “The highest honour has been bestowed upon us to give these national gifts to the people of Oman,” said Harib al Kitani, Chief Executive Officer, Oman LNG. “This is a proud moment, as we witness another horizon of Oman LNG’s Corporate Social Responsibility reached. The project places a significant translation of His Majesty the Sultan’s vision towards the improvement of social welfare of Oman. “Oman LNG’s approach is to continue to, through such contributions and others alike, induce strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Social Development and Royal Oman Police and other government bodies, to complement the country’s social welfare and infrastructure to ensure these essential needs are accessible for the entire society,” he added. Zainab al Nassri