The King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, in collaboration with the Autism Families Association, organized a discussion hosted by His Highness Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Farhan Al Saud, Chairman of the Association's Board of Directors, and moderated by writer Saiga Al-Shammari, as part of “Cultural Communication Mondays,” which aims to highlight social issues with a humanitarian and cultural dimension.
The meeting was dedicated to discussing the reality of people with autism in the Kingdom and opportunities for future development, with the participation of a select group of specialists, families of people with autism, and a number of people interested in social issues.
His Highness Prince Saud began the meeting with a simple introduction to autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing that early awareness and proper understanding are the first steps toward empowering this group. He noted that the rate of diagnosis in the Kingdom has risen, reflecting growing awareness among families and educational and medical institutions.
His Highness spoke about his experience in this field, explaining the importance of joint action between the government, private, and non-profit sectors to provide a supportive environment that contributes to the integration of people with autism into society and gives them fair opportunities in education and employment.
His Highness discussed the most prominent challenges facing people with autism and their families, stressing that society's acceptance of their differences is a fundamental pillar in improving their quality of life. He called for raising awareness of practical methods that translate empathy into concrete initiatives and projects.
The meeting addressed the role of cultural communication in improving the expression and interaction skills of people with autism, reviewing some of the modern methods used to develop their abilities, such as visual programs and alternative means of communication, noting that community awareness still needs to be continuously promoted through the media and national initiatives.
At the end of the meeting, His Highness shared some of the touching humanitarian experiences he had during his work with people with autism, expressing his gratitude and appreciation to their families for their patience and generosity, and calling on society to continue supporting and assisting them.