Dh1 million donation to Dubai Autism Centre

Dubai Municipality has donated Dh1 million to the Dubai Autism Centre to support the construction of a new building.

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DUBAI // Dubai Municipality has donated Dh1 million to the Dubai Autism Centre to help pay for a new building.

“The donation comes as part of Dubai Municipality’s keenness to support projects that benefit society, especially the differently abled sections of society,” said Hussain Lootah, director general of the municipality.

“Although the amount is small when compared to our needs, Dubai Municipality contributes to the campaign viewing it as a national and social obligation, and to encourage other firms and organisations to come forward for the social cause.”

Mr Lootah said the civic body was in constant touch with the centre as it worked to find land for the new building and prepared it for construction.

The centre is a non-profit organisation established in 2001. It has 54 pupils but hopes to cater for 300 when the new building is ready.

The centre is involved in the early assessment and diagnosis of autism and its classes include speech therapy, art and music, with the aim of integrating children with society.

Mohammed Al Emadi, director general of the centre, said the municipality’s donation would boost the campaign.

Mr Al Emadi hoped more public and private organisations would help to raise funds for the project.

One out of every 110 children worldwide is affected by autism, a group of neurobiological disorders that appear within the first three years of a child’s life.

Autism affects social and communication skills, and lasts a lifetime.

rtalwar@thenational.ae