QATAR’S role in spearheading a range of issues relating to autism has drawn the praise of the UK-based Autism Awareness Campaign (AAC). According to the organisation, currently 60mn people are affected by autism around the world, with many having no access to public services like education, health, specialist speech therapy and care.
Ivan Corea, head of AAC, said: “Qatar is blazing a trail to help children and adults with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. I want to pay tribute to HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad, for doing so much for autism. Her role in supporting the first ever UN World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) held on April 2, is appreciated.”
Qatar sponsored the resolution in the UN and WAAD became a huge success around the world.
“I now urge Qatar to help the poor, where autism is concerned; there are millions who are suffering without access to basic public services, ” Corea added.
The AAC was set up in 2000 by parents and caretakers of a young boy with austim, Charin Corea.
Autism campaigners have called on UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon to launch a world autism strategy, convene a autism conference in 2009 in order to connect with world leaders and for UN agencies such as Unicef and UNDP to help the poor in Africa and Asia.
