QU Health Launches Educational Webinar Series to Support World Autism Month

In a commitment to furthering knowledge and elevating patient care, the Continuous Professional Development Department of Qatar University (QU) Health Sector has announced the commencement of an educational webinar series. These webinars are designed to raise awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aligning with the objectives of World Autism Month.

This collaborative initiative, committed to advancing care for individuals with autism and undertaken in partnership with esteemed national stakeholders such as Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Sidra Medicine, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Renad Academy, and the Child Development Center for Special Needs, aims to establish a comprehensive platform for learning and dialogue on various aspects of ASD.

Commencing on 24 April, the weekly webinar series will span five consecutive weeks, presenting participants with an exclusive opportunity to engage with national experts, actively contribute to discussions, and broaden their understanding of ASD. Each session will explore distinct elements, with the inaugural webinar delving into diagnosis and genetic factors. Subsequent sessions will explore interdisciplinary management strategies, debunk prevalent misconceptions, and offer insights into the lived experiences of patients and their families navigating ASD.

Dr. Zachariah Nazar, Head of the Continuous Professional Development department at QU Health Sector, highlighted the importance of working with national stakeholders to advance awareness and share expertise, stating, "These educational sessions represent a collaborative effort to support individuals with autism and their families. By partnering with leading national stakeholders, we can enhance awareness and understanding and ultimately improve the quality of care provided to those affected by ASD."

According to a 2019 study, statistics indicate that the prevalence of ASD in school-age children in Qatar stands at an estimated 1.14%. This underscores the imperative for the establishment of multiple governmental and private services dedicated to providing personalized care and support for patients and their caregivers.

The webinars extend an invitation to all interested parties and can be accessed through the QU Health sector YouTube channel. Participants are encouraged to pre-register via the QU Health Sector website to secure their participation and actively contribute to these pivotal discussions.