Salalah – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in collaboration with OQ, opened Salalah Autism Center on Wednesday in Dhofar. 

The opening was graced by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. 

The facility was made possible through support of OQ Salalah, which funded the project as part of its commitment to bolstering community partnerships. It aims to provide support and rehabilitation for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, facilitating their seamless integration into society.

Umayyah bint Hassan al Nahdi, head of Al Wafa Centre for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Salalah, provided insights into the centre’s operations. She highlighted the facility’s state-of-the-art rehabilitation tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of 80 individuals with autism. These tools encompass special education, physical therapy and psychological support.

Spread over 1,550sqm, the centre will conduct rehabilitative and therapeutic programmes, in addition to raising awareness on autism spectrum disorders in the community.

Designed to the latest international standards, the centre prioritises individual needs of children with autism, ensuring an environment conducive to their growth and development. In addition to providing therapeutic interventions, the centre offers invaluable guidance, counselling and support to families, helping them navigate the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorders.