The Dubai Autism Centre (Dac) will start its seventh annual campaign today, this year's theme coming under the banner, "Discover what fascinates a child with autism".
Activities will continue throughout the month and will take place at malls, social clubs and various other venues, focusing on how to help people with autism improve their areas of strength.
"We have to understand the nature of autism, and know that each individual with autism has a talent," said Mohammed Al Emadi, the director general of the centre, which opened in 2001 and currently has 43 students taking part in individualised intervention programmes.
Students receive a wide range of care, including behavioural, speech and occupational therapy.
Enoc, the Emirates National Oil Company, in partnership with the centre, will launch its own campaign, "AUTISM - Accept.Embrace.Empower".
The second campaign in as many years, the project will help to increase people's knowledge on the condition and will also support the construction of a new treatment centre for Dac, said Noaman Al Saleh, of Enoc's CSR and public relations department.
Customers can make a donation at Enoc stations.
Support will also come from the hotel company, Jumeirah Group, which will illuminate certain well-known buildings - such as the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the area surrounding Wild Wadi -in blue.
Al Zahra Hospital will temporarily turn a shade of blue. The lights will be turned on between 7pm and midnight today and tomorrow. Staff will wear blue ribbons, and educational pamphlets will be handed out at designated tents in Jumeirah Beach Residence, among other places.
