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Several initiatives are being staged across Bahrain to raise awareness about autism and celebrate the abilities and achievements of individuals on the spectrum, coinciding with World Autism Awareness month in April.
Special Families Support (SFS) Bahrain group has made a striking collage of handprints, showcasing their commitment to the cause.
The artistic initiative is part of their special campaign entitled ‘Growing together in autism acceptance’. SFS families and friends were invited to share handprints of any colour with their name on it and the submissions were compiled to produce two collages.
“This month, we celebrate our neuro-diverse children and the SFS family,” a representative of the support group told GulfWeekly.
“While spreading awareness is important, our campaign stresses on acceptance and advocacy, post awareness, as both of these are equally needed.
“Those who shared the handprints took an oath pledging their support to the cause,” she added.
SFS has creatively defined ‘AUTISM’ by giving a new meaning to each letter, with ‘a’ standing for advocate acceptance, ‘s’ for support independence and so on.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
The United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, however, supporters of the cause worldwide focus on activities and campaigns throughout April.
This year’s theme is ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’, highlighting the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability. It aims to showcase how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of SDGs.
The Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Difficulties, in partnership with the Interior Ministry and Exhibition World Bahrain, will stage the annual Run for Autism on April 19, from 8am until noon, at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.
“This year’s Run for Autism is made even more meaningful through the generous support of our partners. Together, we are sending a strong message of unity, inclusion and compassion,” Alia for Early Intervention and Alia Rehabilitation Centre director Dr Shaikha Rania Al Khalifa said.
Both Alia for Early Intervention and Alia Rehabilitation Centre operate under the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Difficulties.
“This important community initiative aims to raise public awareness, foster inclusion, and celebrate the abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. We invite people of all ages and abilities to participate – whether by running, walking or joining the festivities in support,” society public relations head Khalid Al Awadhi said.
In addition to the three- and five-kilometre runs, the event will also feature entertainment activities for families and children, awareness booths and support resources, giveaways, refreshments and more.
Individuals with autism will receive special recognition as well.
“We are planning to stage a motorcycle ride for the cause on April 25,” Shahzaib’s Club House founder and director Amena Shahrukh said, adding that more details will be announced soon.
Shahzaib’s Club House is a local community of differently abled people. It was founded by Amena three years ago, as an extension of her personal journey with her late son, Mohammed Shahzaib Lali, who was differently abled, and died of pneumonia at the age of 21.
For more details, follow @sfs.bahrain, @aliaautismcenters and @shahzaibsclubhouse.
SFS’ campaign
A: Advocate acceptance
U: Understand neurodiversity
T: Tolerate sensory stimming
I: Integrate and educate
S: Support independence
M: Mandate equality
