Friday 26 / April / 2024
Muscat: Autism campaigners in Oman have welcomed the fact that autism is now on the agenda of the Shura Council, signalling greater efforts by Omani society to understand and deal with autism.
Recently, the Social Development Committee of the Shura Council discussed proposals presented by the Oman Autism Society, including the establishment of autism centres and the integration of pupils suffering from autism in schools, their press release stated.
Khalid Al Malki, board member of the Oman Autism Society (OAS), welcomed the Committee’s invitation for a panel discussion with all relevant authorities and societies to look into their proposals.
“Thankfully, the Shura Council has understood the issue and is ready to discuss our proposals,” he stated.
Al Malki also recognised the progress the Sultanate has made when it comes to autism.
“There has been notable progress in terms of awareness about autism and the services provided to autism sufferers. If we look at the situation three or four years ago, it is better now,” he noted.
However, Al Malki added that awareness, both at the level of families and society in general, will have to be further developed.
“(Greater) Awareness about autism will help solve the difficulties,” he added.
Hilal Al Sarmi, member of the Health Committee at the Shura Council, said there has been “progress” in improving the situation, but financial resources are lacking.
“The Ministry of Social Development plays a good role in this, providing some children with financial help, but not all. There are not enough financial resources to support everyone and worldwide, there are few specialists, who can work with people suffering from autism,” he said.
Al Sarmi further said that from a health perspective, there are “big challenges” that people with autism face in Oman.
He told the Times of Oman (TOO) that there are no clinics for diagnosing autism in Oman, no doctors have specialised in the treatment of autism and there is a shortage of medicines needed to treat autism.
“We need to have a national centre for autism and specialists who can work with people suffering from autism,” he pointed out.
Such a centre seems to be on its way. Last month, TOO had reported that Oman LNG would fund the construction of the first National Centre for Autism in Muscat in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development.
Last Wednesday, the Association for the Welfare of Children with Disabilities and Al Habib and Co. agreed on setting up a rehabilitation centre in Al Mesana’ah for disabled children, including those suffering from autism, the Oman News Agency reported.
Al Sarmi said there are only a few specialised schools for people suffering from autism in Muscat, the fees for which is not affordable for low-income families.
Instead of separate, specialised schools, Al Malki of OAS said that as part of a strategy developed by UNICEF, he expects children suffering from autism to be integrated into government schools, where they will be provided with the necessary tools to deal with their condition.
He added that pupils currently face learning difficulties in public schools, as they lack the necessary facilities. He said that the normal curriculum will have to be modified as pupils suffering from autism cannot cope with the pace of other students. He further stressed the need for specialised teachers, who can work with these pupils.
Al Malki further noted that facilities for people with autism are still concentrated in Muscat, forcing those outside the capital to travel large distances.
“My son has to travel 150 km to receive just one and half hours of rehabilitation. I know families who travel 300 km a day,” he said.
The discussion with relevant authorities and societies will take place in the beginning of February, Al Malki said.
