Conclusion of the Third Edition of the International Conference on Autism Research Developments

Announcement of the First Specialized Scientific Award for Autism Research to Encourage Specialized Scientific Research

Al-Humaidan: Zayed Higher Organization supports innovative research and technologies and enhances regional and international scientific collaboration for the benefit of people of determination.

Recommendations to leverage Artificial Intelligence to provide programs that benefit individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).


The International Conference on Developments in Autism Research launched the first specialized scientific award for autism research as one of the leading global initiatives aimed at encouraging specialized scientific research that contributes to developing innovative solutions that serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The award provides a scientific platform to recognize outstanding research efforts in this vital field and support their global dissemination.

At the conclusion of its third edition, the conference called for the utilization of artificial intelligence to develop programs that benefit individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the expansion of professional rehabilitation and employment programs for individuals in these categories, the provision of job programs for individuals with profound autism who require significant support, as well as strengthening the integration of curricula based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) methods and relationship development programs.

Participants extended their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, for his patronage of the conference for the third consecutive year. They also praised the care and rehabilitation that people of determination receive in the UAE and commended the programs offered by the Zayed Higher Organization through its centers across Abu Dhabi.

The third edition of the conference was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, organized by the organization in cooperation and coordination with ADNOC, Lotus Holistic Center Abu Dhabi, and Fatima College of Health Sciences at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.

His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, expressed his happiness at the success of the conference’s activities. He thanked the successful partners ADNOC, Lotus Holistic Center Abu Dhabi, Fatima College of Health Sciences, and all the experts and parents who enriched the conference with their ideas and experiences. He pointed out that the conference stood out with its outcomes and recommendations, which will be worked on in the upcoming phase, marking the start of a new stage of joint efforts, harnessing knowledge for hope, and transforming challenges into success stories and achievements.

In his speech during the closing session, he mentioned that the conference included approximately 63 scientific lectures, 45 specialized workshops, and five discussion sessions, with over 125 speakers from experts and specialists, 54 of whom were from outside the UAE and 71 from within the country. The latest research findings in genetics, brain-gut research, neuroimaging, and the potential use of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and rehabilitation were presented, as well as discussions on early intervention strategies, educational and social integration methods, and empowering families while enhancing their educational roles.

His Excellency the Secretary-General thanked all attendees and working teams, reaffirming Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination’s commitment to continuing its support for innovative research and technologies, and fostering regional and international scientific collaboration to achieve the vision of our wise leadership in building an inclusive, cohesive society that gives every individual an equal opportunity for a dignified life.

On her part, Professor Lisa Pratt, Executive Director and Academic President of Fatima College of Health Sciences, expressed her sincere gratitude to the supporters and partners of this great event. She thanked Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination for their dedication and continuous contribution to empowering people of determination and for their essential role in the success of this conference. She also expressed her deep appreciation to ADNOC for their generous support and ongoing commitment to community development and health education, as well as to the Lotus Center for their excellent organization.

Recommendations:

The International Conference on Developments in Autism Research emphasized the continuation of sharing research, experiences, and best practices regarding autism spectrum disorder, and the need to provide employment programs for individuals with profound autism. It also stressed the importance of using functional assessments and other evaluation tools in diagnosing autism and developing intervention plans based on accurate assessments.

The conference recommended the sharing of research and best practices related to autism spectrum disorder. It emphasized the importance of using functional assessments and other evaluation tools in diagnosing autism and developing intervention plans based on precise, standardized evaluations. Additionally, it called for the encouragement of psychological counseling to support families and staff by providing guidance and basic care.

The conference called for enhancing the use of surveillance cameras in all environments where individuals with autism are present, both at home and in centers, to ensure their safety and protect their privacy. It also recommended the establishment of outcome standards for individuals with autism in specialized centers, which would help measure progress and guide the development of training programs for teachers, practitioners, and specialists.

The participants in the final statement recommended preparing and training educational staff in using artificial intelligence strategies in blended learning, diagnostic assessments, data analysis, launching awareness campaigns to enhance the inclusion of individuals with autism in society, and establishing research alliances to collect diverse data (genetics, behavior, brain imaging, biomarkers). They also suggested forming a committee of scientists and specialists to assess proposed therapeutic strategies and funding the most promising ones through supported research projects, with the results published in peer-reviewed journals.

During the ceremony, student Mahmoud Hegazy (22 years old), who has autism spectrum disorder, performed a special musical piece as a message expressing his gratitude to the UAE and the conference for hosting him. He emphasized that he has been living with autism for 20 years and, through three years of music training, he mastered playing the piano.

Link to the Specialized Scientific Award for Autism Research to Encourage Specialized Scientific Research:

https://emiratesscholar.com/directory/index.php/ijacs/research-award