Kuwait focuses on enhancing living conditions of people with autism

• The World Autism Awareness Day aims to spotlight people with autism and their need for assistance to enhance their lives and alleviate their suffering, enabling them to lead easier, fulfilling lives as integral members of society.

On Monday, Sheikh Firas Saud Al-Malik Al-Sabah, the Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, expressed that the State of Kuwait joins the international community in celebrating World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2. He emphasized the commitment to “enhance the services offered to them to enhance their living standards.”

The Minister of Affairs remarked in a press statement on this occasion that World Autism Awareness Day is a day declared unanimously by the United Nations in 2007. It aims to spotlight people with autism and their need for assistance to enhance their lives and alleviate their suffering, enabling them to lead easier, fulfilling lives as integral members of society.

He explained that Kuwait, represented by the Public Authority for Disabled Affairs, has been and continues to be a pioneer and leader in caring for and rehabilitating people with disabilities. The country is always keen on developing the services provided to them to enhance their living conditions. This includes providing health, psychological, and rehabilitative care, as well as educational support and schools tailored for their needs.

He stated that providing appropriate support to autistic individuals and adapting to and accepting this condition would enable them to enjoy equal opportunities and fully participate in society. This shift from merely raising awareness to enhancing acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions is crucial for their integration into society.

Minister Al-Sabah stated that Kuwait’s participation in the international celebration reflects its commitment to caring for people with disabilities in general and those with autism in particular. This commitment is demonstrated through attention to their education, rehabilitation, and employment, just like the rest of society.

He emphasized the importance of defining autism to ensure that each individual plays a role in providing assistance to people with autism disorders and their families. This includes integrating them into society, boosting their self-confidence, improving their quality of life, offering psychological and social support, raising awareness of their rights, and spreading information about the need for attention and appropriate rehabilitation and educational programs.

He explained that individuals with autism possess full capabilities and experience strengths and weaknesses like the rest of society. This indicates that the Public Authority for Disabled Affairs is making continuous efforts to overcome all obstacles and barriers hindering their integration into society.

He highlighted that the authority places great importance on healthcare for autistic patients and educating the public about achieving optimal quality of life through parental care, support, and medical guidance in health, psychological, and rehabilitative care for autistic patients. This is aimed at enabling them to achieve sustainable success and integration into the labor market, promoting comprehensive quality education, and showcasing their contributions in all aspects of life.