Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the 3rd International Conference on Autism Research Advancements will take place from 19-22 April 2025, at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The event is jointly organised by Zayed Higher Organization, ADNOC, Lotus Holistic Center – Abu Dhabi, and Fatima College of Health Sciences.
Coinciding with World Autism Month, the conference reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to leading humanitarian and scientific efforts that empower people of determination and enhance their quality of life. It builds upon the UAE’s continued success in care and rehabilitation, especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by offering a global platform for experts and stakeholders to present and discuss cutting-edge research and innovative practices.
The conference will highlight the latest findings in autism research, providing participants, ranging from local and international experts to practitioners and families, with access to world-class knowledge and evidence-based practices in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
The programme is designed to, facilitate the exchange of scientific and practical expertise, explore genetic, neurological, and environmental causes of autism, showcase effective therapeutic and educational interventions, promote inclusive education, employment, and community integration, empower families through psychological support and specialised workshops, leverage artificial intelligence in diagnosis and care, strengthen international and regional collaboration on intervention strategies with insight from leaders and partners.
His Excellent Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization, said: “Organising the third edition of this global conference under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing societal awareness and empowering people of determination, especially those with autism. Guided by the visionary leadership of our nation, we continue to build a more inclusive and cohesive society.
“Innovation in care and rehabilitation opens new possibilities for improving lives. Through this international gathering, we reaffirm our mission to position Abu Dhabi as a regional centre of excellence in supporting people of determination, particularly in autism, through local and global partnerships. Science remains one of our most powerful tools for empowerment, and we proudly support research and knowledge sharing through this landmark initiative.”
Dr Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President of Medical Services and Quality of Life at ADNOC, said: “ADNOC is proud to partner with the Zayed Higher Organization to co-organise this impactful conference. This initiative embodies our deep commitment to enhancing the lives of People of Determination, aligned with our national priorities of building a more inclusive society. For us, investing in people is the most valuable investment.”
Ms Amina Al Heidan, Head of Lotus Holistic Center – Abu Dhabi, said: “We are honoured to support this specialised global platform that brings together leading experts and researchers in autism. This conference is especially meaningful as it takes place during Autism Awareness Month and reaffirms our dedication to empowering individuals with autism through science-based interventions and collective action.”
The four-day event features an engaging agenda of scientific lectures and practical workshops covering topics such as, Genetic factors and the human microbiome, Biomarkers and early diagnosis, Behavioral and language intervention strategies, Educational and vocational inclusion, Nutrition and physical activity and The role of artificial intelligence in medical and therapeutic applications.
Workshops will focus on nutritional intervention, occupational and speech therapy, and early childhood intervention. The programme will also feature community dialogue sessions and contributions from families of children with autism, providing unique perspectives on care and integration.
The conference will welcome distinguished speakers from around the world, including specialists in psychiatry, neuroscience, special education, and AI. Participating institutions include, United Arab Emirates University, King Saud University, the UK National Health Service (NHS) and prestigious universities and research centers from the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Arab world.
