AT THE CONCLUSION OF ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE IV INTERNATIONAL AUTISM CONFERENCE 2026 IN ABU DHABI
As a strategic partner in this international event, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) concluded its distinguished participation in the IV International Autism Conference 2026, demonstrating its pioneering role and vast experience in empowering and supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and improving the quality of services offered to them and their families.
Experts, specialists, decision-makers, and representatives of pertinent institutions from all over the world attended the conference, which was hosted by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from April 25 to 28, 2026. It created a global forum for knowledge sharing, reviewing the most recent experiences and professional practices, and debating the future of autism spectrum disorder services in light of rapid scientific and technological advancements.
SCHS’s participation reflects its long history in this field, as it has been keen to provide an integrated institutional experience that combines specialized humanitarian work, professional expertise, and a vision based on rights, inclusion, and independence, in line with the best international standards in the care and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Specialized Scientific Contribution
SCHS made a notable scientific appearance by presenting a number of specialized research papers that addressed pivotal topics, including the impact of social and demographic characteristics on the adaptation of families of people with autism, the disorders associated with autism spectrum disorder during adolescence, and differential diagnosis after adolescence. These topics reflect the importance of early intervention, continuity of support, and integration of services across different age groups.
SCHS also participated in providing practical workshops that focused on developing professional and educational skills, including simplified reading for people with autism spectrum disorder, building the competencies of "shadow teachers" in inclusive schools, in addition to methods of supporting and assisting families in dealing with psychological pressures and daily challenges.
Showcase of Institutional Experience and Achievements
Through its booth at the conference, SCHS displayed a variety of programs and projects it carries out in the areas of awareness, rehabilitation, and empowerment. It also included examples of community products and initiatives and artwork created by its members, highlighting the significance of art and culture as a means of expression, integration, and boosting self-confidence.
It also highlighted inspiring success stories of people who, thanks to specialized educational and training programs, were able to achieve an active presence in society and positive participation in various fields, which embodies the true impact of investing in people and capabilities.
Souq Al-Warraqeen
SCHS's pavilion witnessed a distinguished presence of the "Al-Warraqeen Souq" through the display of a range of purposeful cultural and educational publications that reflect SCHS's message of spreading awareness and promoting inclusive culture.
In addition to highlighting the role of culture in addressing the issues of people with disabilities and strengthening their presence in the social and cultural scene, this involvement serves as evidence of the significance of knowledge and literature as two key means in developing a more inclusive society.
The participation of the Al-Warraqeen Souq also provided an opportunity to introduce the qualitative initiatives launched by SCHS, and to highlight sustainable projects that combine the cultural and human dimension, and contribute to consolidating the values of awareness, social responsibility and solidarity.
This participation confirmed that empowerment is not limited to rehabilitation and educational services, but extends to knowledge, access to culture, and creating real spaces for participation, creativity, and influence.
Developing Specialized Services
In this context, Her Excellency Mrs. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS, affirmed that participation in the IV International Autism Conference constituted an important milestone within SCHS’s ongoing efforts to develop specialized services and enhance the exchange of experiences with institutions and experts from around the world.
She said, “We are proud to participate in this international event, which brings together leading experts and stakeholders in autism spectrum disorder. It provides us with a valuable opportunity to showcase our institutional experience and learn from leading global practices. Empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorder begins with believing in their abilities, providing them with high-quality services, supporting their families, and creating inclusive educational and social environments that open doors for their participation and independence.”
She added: “At SCHS, we believe that collaborative work, innovation, and the use of knowledge and modern technologies are essential elements for building a more inclusive and just future, and we will continue our efforts to provide the best services according to the highest professional and humanitarian standards.”
A Humanitarian and Developmental Message
SCHS’s participation emphasized that “autism” issues are no longer limited to traditional services, but have become linked to an integrated system that includes education, health, psychological and social support, employment, modern technologies and artificial intelligence, ensuring a more independent and dignified life and broader opportunities for community participation.
The participation also reflected the importance of national and international partnerships in developing services, sharing experiences, and building more sustainable and efficient business models that respond to the changing needs of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
Comprehensive Recommendations to Enhance Diagnosis, Intervention, and Inclusive Education to
Support People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
SCHS's team participating in the conference presented a set of recommendations that focused on the importance of in-depth diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder through multidisciplinary teams, in addition to expanding the training base for psychologists and enhancing their knowledge of diagnostic tools and tests at different age levels, with special attention to adolescence for people with autism spectrum disorder.
The team also stressed the importance of raising awareness about early intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder, and providing specialized training to qualify teams capable of preparing documents according to the "Easy to Read" method in both Arabic and English, which contributes to providing materials suitable for adults with the disorder.
The recommendations also included expanding training and qualification programs for learning support teachers, enhancing their awareness of best practices and strategies that support the quality of inclusive education, in addition to formulating a system of policies and ethical rules regulating their work, and setting mandatory policies for inclusive schools that define the tasks and powers of the learning support teacher within classrooms.
In the same context, the team recommended that families or students with autism spectrum disorder should not bear any additional costs related to educational services, through a system that ensures the regulation of fees in a way that guarantees fairness and equality with their peers without disabilities, in addition to enhancing the continuity and development of the financial support system and home programs in a way that is appropriate to the economic, family and logistical circumstances of the different cases.
He also called for the creation of an accurate statistical database that classifies cases of autism spectrum disorder according to degree and severity, which would contribute to designing interventions more appropriate for mild cases and enhance opportunities for their inclusion, in addition to strengthening the guiding role of mothers in providing support and guidance to families of people with autism spectrum disorder.
An Ongoing Commitment to the Future
After its involvement ended, SCHS reaffirmed its dedication to carrying out its humanitarian and development mission, expanding its specialized services and programs, and strengthening its standing as a preeminent organization at the local and regional levels.
SCHS affirmed that the conference's accomplishments represent a new turning point in the journey of work and giving as well as a chance to build on past successes in a way that helps create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has access to opportunities, rights are upheld, and individual differences are respected.