The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al Rajhi and SAMA Governor Dr. Ahmed Alkholifey inaugurated on Sunday the Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) that hopes to become a leading independent legal entity in the field at the regional level through its services and by applying the planned goals. The goal include providing and modeling rehabilitation services, contributing to conducting research studies in the field of autism spectrum disorder, developing professionals, in addition to support families by raising community awareness about ASD, vocational rehabilitation (VR) and provide a model for housing solutions for them. The ribbon-cutting ceremony that was held here in the presence of ministers and banks' representatives with the highest standards of health safety and preventive measures adopted by the Kingdom and confirmed by the Ministry during the coronavirus pandemic being applied during the inauguration. The opening ceremony would have not been possible without the collective social responsibilities efforts and cooperation among the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority and the generous support of Saudi banks. The center had opened in January 2020 for a pilot-operating phase during which cases were accepted, technical and administrative staff were recruited, and strategic plans were developed for the growth of the center in the coming years. The ribbon cutting was followed by an introductory tour of the center's facilities. The ACE emphasizes that the pilot phase did not affect its outputs and activities, while achieving great virtual success, the most prominent of which is: the provision of more than 800 treatment sessions remotely within the program "I train my child". More than 72 hours of awareness lectures and training sessions were provided to more than 2,300 people. The ACE also participated in a global study beside more than 60 participants from 30 countries around the world related to the effects of pandemic (COVID-19) on people with special needs and their families. Not to mention that during the pilot phase, the ACE has launched its account on the volunteer platform, in addition to approximately 984 hours of training for many volunteers in different fields. Moreover, the center is keen to activate its role in scientific research through holding scientific sessions on the future of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with Saudi and international experts. To achieve these goals, which serve individuals with ASD and help integrate them into society, the ACE works to attract qualified experts and specialists in the field according to the highest international standards and experiences. — SPA
