In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to inclusivity, the final year students of the BSN program embarked on an Autism Awareness Campaign across two prominent Special Needs & Autism centers in Ajman and Sharjah on April 29th and April 30th, 2024, and at the Gulf Medical University Campus on 1st May 2024. With unwavering dedication, these budding healthcare professionals recognized the importance of raising awareness and understanding about autism spectrum disorders within their communities.
The theme for Autism Awareness Month 2024 was ‘Empowering Autistic Voices’.
Day 1 – 29th April 2024 – Monday: Salma Special Education Services, Center, Ajman, UAE
Day 2 – 30th April 2024 – Tuesday: Sharjah Autism Center, Sharjah, UAE
Day 3 – 01st May 2024 – Wednesday: Main Foyer, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
The activities planned included poster presentations, Sensory games finding hidden toys, play dough, coin rubbing art, coloring and painting, and games to stimulate gross motor activities.
Day 1 – 29th April 2024 – Monday: Salma Special Education Services Center, Ajman, UAE
Salma Special Education Services Center in Ajman is a private center with 15 children having special needs like Autism spectrum disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Behavioral Disorders, Downs Syndrome, Learning disabilities and Speech difficulties. The 8th semester students enthusiastically engaged the children in games, play, music and dance. We were also able to clarify doubts and explain the care of children with special needs to a few parents.
Day 2 – 30th April 2024 – Tuesday: Sharjah Autism Center, Sharjah, UAE
Sharjah Autism center is a Semi-government-run center with 60 children having autism spectrum disorders. The children were classified based on their developmental assessment and were divided into 8 classes. The 8th-semester students were oriented by the center staff to the routines planned for the children and the various activities that were carried out. The students provided different sensory and motor games and activities which were enjoyed by the children, which was much appreciated by the center staff.
Day 3 – 01st May 2024 – Wednesday: Main Foyer, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
On May 1, 2024, the final event for 3-day Autism Awareness Campaign was held in Gulf Medical University’s Main Foyer. The first year BSN students actively volunteered to increase awareness regarding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and recognize the hidden talents and abilities of people with autism among GMU students, faculty and staff. Puzzle Board, Sorting Candies, Colour Matching, Memory games and Posters were designed to engage participants and provide insight into the sensory experiences of people with autism. The event was attended by students, faculty members, healthcare professionals and visitors.
Overall, the three-day campaign to spread awareness about autism was a resounding success. Through a combination of educational presentations, interactive activities, and community engagement, the campaign effectively reached its goal of increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants, including students, parents, healthcare professionals, and members of the community, actively engaged in the activities and demonstrated enthusiasm for learning more about autism and how to support individuals with ASD. Through meaningful engagement with individuals and families impacted by autism, they aimed to foster a culture of empathy and acceptance.
