MUSCAT - Oman?s first international conference on autism next month will look at the possibility of establishing a centre for the early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
The event, on March 21, will bring together private and public sector organisations and individuals associated with the treatment, care, rehabilitation, education and training of affected people.
Organised by the Language Centre Social Committee in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and to be inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, the conference will involve a number of training workshops conducted by leading experts from within and outside the country.
“Hopefully it will include a recommendation for the establishment of a centre for autism that will monitor the status of patients and activate the programme for their care, treatment and rehabilitation,” Anfal bint Nasser Al Wahibiyah, Executive Chairperson of the conference, said.
She said the event, titled ‘Accepting Difference’, would cover four main themes — modern trends in the diagnosis and treatment of autism; education of affected children; the role of the society in caring for autistic children; and training of specialists in the field.
She said the conference would provide professionals and parents a clearer understanding of the diagnostic criteria and essential strategies for education, behaviour management and communication associated with autism.
She added some 500 people, including parents, teachers, health care professionals, psychologists, social workers and volunteers were expected to attend the event.
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Oman set to host first global autism conference