The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (The Mall at WTCAD) has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Emirates Autism Centre to host its tenth Autism Week from April 20th-24th under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development of the UAE.
The aim of the interactive five-day children’s festival is to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, which currently affects 1 in 68 children worldwide. To bring everyone together, The Mall at WTCAD has created a programme of exciting activities and workshops for Autism Week, all designed to support autistic individuality.
“Our community is at the centre of everything we do at The Mall at WTCAD. We are fully supportive of all segments of our community, including those with special needs, and so we are excited to host the Autism Awareness Week,” says James Waugh, general manager of The Mall at WTCAD.
During the Autism Week, on the ground floor of The Mall at WTCAD, children are invited to explore their imagination. As those with autism are seen to excel in creative tasks, there will be a special range of arts and crafts workshops, face painting, bracelet making and slogan making. For extra fun, there will also be roaming entertainment and loveable mascots to ensure that there’s something for all the family. Finally, there will also be a team of experts to help parents understand the condition, advising them on how early detection is key.