H M Sultan Haitham approves OR 7mn for Autism Care Centre in Muscat
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Orders approving OR 7 million for the establishment of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Centre for Care and Rehabilitation in Muscat governorate. The centre will be affiliated with the National Autism Centre and aims to provide high-quality rehabilitation, care, and recreational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Orders also direct a nationwide study to assess the need for similar centres in other governorates, with a timeline for their development based on the number of cases in each region. The initiative coincides with World Autism Spectrum Disorder Day and reflects His Majesty the Sultan’s commitment to providing equal opportunities and facilitating social integration for all individuals.
The new centre will be constructed on the site of the National Autism Centre in the wilayat of Seeb, covering approximately 26,000 square metres. It will accommodate around 150 individuals per day and is expected to be the first of its kind in the Middle East in terms of the range of specialised services offered.
The facility will provide comprehensive rehabilitation services, including specialised therapy halls equipped with modern tools and technologies to support social integration. It will also offer quality entertainment services with dedicated halls and programmes designed to suit the needs of individuals with ASD. Additionally, families of individuals with ASD will have access to training and support services.
Beyond care and rehabilitation, the centre will serve as a national hub for training professionals in the field of ASD. It will be responsible for granting licences to practitioners and providing continuous training for families and specialists across Oman.
The centre will also offer temporary care services for individuals with severe ASD, along with diagnostic and early assessment services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The establishment of the centre aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the integration and empowerment of all members of society, including individuals with disabilities. The vision emphasises the importance of high-quality healthcare, inclusive education, and technological innovation to overcome challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
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