RIYADH: A comprehensive database on public and private sector services for autistic children will be launched soon, according to Princess Samira Bin Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairperson of the Society for Families of Autistic Children. Princess Samira was speaking at a symposium which kicked off Sunday in Riyadh, which brings together a number of experts, officials, specialists and researchers who deal with autistic children especially in the areas of social, education and health services. She said the participants are presenting papers focusing on the importance of joint efforts to help these children. The symposium reflects the determination of families of autistic children to inform the public about the care and services needed by this group of young people. She apologized to families for not meeting the goals set by the National Program for Autistic Children, which defines the rights of autistic children and their families. She pointed out that officials are still considering this one of their top priorities. Addressing the first session chaired by Dr. Naser Al-Mousa, Dr. Muhammad Al-Ourafi outlined the religious perspective towards autistic children. Dr. Thamer Al-Ghashyan, a Member of the Shoura Council, presented a paper in which he focused on the role of the council. He said 13 of its members have a close relationship with the families of autistic children, in addition to various council committees including Social Affairs, Families and Youth, which are involved in providing services for children with disabilities, including autistic children. He said the committee had reviewed most of the laws and bylaws defining services for these children, in preparation for drafting integrated legislation. In the second session entitled the “Experience and Experiments of Autistic Centers”, Ahmad Al-Mehameed, a lawyer, presented a paper in which he discussed the rights of children with disabilities, particularly autistic children. The session was concluded with two workshops focusing on the playing skills of autistic children.
