On April 29th, Semester 8 students of BSN program organized an impactful community engagement initiative for the children and parents through a field visit to the Salma Special Education Services Center, Ajman. The visit was part of an awareness-building effort focused on autism and early childhood care and aligned with the 2025 global theme for autism awareness: “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. This theme highlights the importance of inclusive policies and practices in promoting the rights and well-being of autistic individuals.
The students had prepared a series of informative awareness posters addressing key topics such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early intervention strategies, and effective coping mechanisms for families. These materials were presented to the parents during the visit, and students took the opportunity to explain the content and engage the parents in meaningful discussions. Following the poster presentation, the students spent the day interacting with the children at the center, using toys, games, and structured play to encourage communication, expression, and engagement. These hands-on experiences gave the nursing students valuable insights into the diverse behavioral patterns and communication styles associated with autism. Their ability to demonstrate empathy, creativity, and patience throughout the activities was noteworthy.
The students also toured the facility, gaining exposure to the different therapy rooms, activity spaces, and sensory regulation areas designed specifically for children with developmental needs. This gave them a deeper understanding of the thoughtful design and structured environment required to support children on the autism spectrum. Later in the day, the center’s staff led an interactive discussion with the students, explaining the range of services offered, including the therapeutic approaches used, structured routines, and individualized care plans. They emphasized the critical importance of early intervention and personalized support tailored to each child’s unique needs. The session encouraged active participation, with students posing insightful questions and receiving valuable clarifications from the experienced staff.
Overall, the visit was a rewarding and enlightening experience for both students and participants. It strengthened the students’ clinical and community health competencies and reaffirmed the vital role that nursing professionals play in advocating for neurodiverse populations and promoting inclusive, sustainable healthcare practices.