In keeping with its ongoing efforts to raise autism awareness, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) hosted the second Autism Spectrum Disorder Symposium, which was attended by HE Mahra Al-Mutaiwei, Director of the Regional Center for Educational Planning, and featured the announcement of the winners of the sixth edition of its “Arts for Autism” competition.
The College of Arts and Sciences at ADU hosted the event, which was funded by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and co-hosted by the Regional Center for Educational Planning – UNESCO (RCEP) and the Emirates Autism Society (EAS).
The competition received over 150 art pieces from children representing a diverse spectrum of people from several centers and schools across Abu Dhabi and the UAE in its 2022 edition. HE Majid Sultan AlMheiri, Chairman of the Board of Directors at EAS, Dr. Sreethi Nair, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at ADU, and Dr. Mohammed Fteiha, Director of the Al Ain and Dubai Campuses, Al Dhafra Center, and Director of ADU’s Smart Learning Center, were all present at the occasion. Every year, ADU’s campus is illuminated in blue in celebration of Autism Awareness Month, and students take part in a range of projects aimed at boosting autism awareness.
HE Huda AlKhamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation says, “We are happy to sponsor Abu Dhabi University’s ‘Art for Autistic’ initiative to foster the outstanding creative talents and abilities of people on the autism spectrum.” Every person’s health and well-being depends on their ability to express themselves creatively, and it is well known that music may be extremely therapeutic. ADMAF’s purpose to stimulate cultural expression, generate solidarity, and sustain the vitality of our society includes engaging people of all backgrounds and abilities.”
The event resulted in two groups of winners, each representing a different age group: 6 to 12 years old and 13 to 25 years old. Rania Walid and Khalifa Alfalasi, both of the Dubai Autism Center, took first and second place in the 6 to 12-year-old category, respectively, and Mohammad Hamza of the Sharjah Autism Center took third place. Patrik John Villafuente, Youssef Hussain, and Rawdha Bassim Al Bahrani, all from Dubai Autism Center, and Saif Humaid, from Sharjah Autism Center, tied for third place. Hemdan Eissa of the Rashid Center for the People of Determination in Dubai was also honored by the judges.
