Care and support for autistic children in the community was the subject of a recent symposium held by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
According to Dr Madeeha Kamal, senior consultant paediatrician at HMC, the autism symptoms often become obvious once a child starts school. “Symptoms include social isolation and an inability to connect with other children. Teachers are often the first to notice these symptoms and raise the issue with parents,” explained the physician.
The symposium looked into the symptoms and diagnosis of the autism spectrum disorder as well as participants discussing case studies and the most recent international research on the subject.
The symposium was attended by speakers from the United States and over than 150 medical and nursing teams, healthcare professionals and parents.
“One in 68 children around the world is affected with autism. These figures are increasing especially in male children who are four times more likely to be affected by this disorder than females. We are currently researching the incidence rates of autism in Qatar and the hereditary factors that cause this disorder. We believe in the big difference we could achieve when we highlighted the importance of administering medical and behaviour treatments to get positive results and to enable the child to integrate into school and
community,” said Dr Kamal.
“Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is characterised by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication. The symptoms of autism become apparent in the first three years where some of these symptoms can be managed and allow the affected person to live independently and others are advanced which requires continuous support throughout life,” said Dr Kamal.
Dr Kamal said early detection and diagnosis is key to ensuring children with the condition are able to live full and active lives.
Dr Kamal said parents who are concerned about their child should in the first instance visit their nearest Primary Health Care Corporation centre. Children between three and eight years will then be referred to Rumailah Hospital for follow-up care and assessment and those aged three to eight years are referred to Hamad General Hospital’s paediatric clinics in the Outpatients Department.
Dr Kamal said HMC recently held a workshop for PHCC doctors to raise awareness about diagnosing autism and
hyperactivity.

“The symptoms of autism become apparent in the first three years where some of these symptoms can be managed and allow the affected person to live independently and others are advanced which requires continuous support throughout life”