Hundreds take part in Abu Dhabi walk to mark World Autism Acceptance month

More than 800 walked through the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail

Hundreds of Abu Dhabi residents, including relatives and friends of autistic people of all ages, attended the community event, held in Abu Dhabi to mark World Autism Acceptance Month. All photos: Special Olympics UAE

World Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated worldwide each April

The Walk for Inclusion event was organised to highlight the importance of autism acceptance

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa attended the event. Photo: Special Olympics UAE

More than 800 people took part in the family-friendly 2.5-kilometre walk through the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail

The event also celebrated the contributions, diversity and uniqueness of people with autism

The event was organised by Special Olympics UAE in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Special Education, Emirates College for Advanced Education and Emirates Autism Society

Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, said the event has evolved to reflect a shift from awareness to acceptance

The walk was the largest autism inclusion event held in Abu Dhabi

Hundreds of Abu Dhabi residents joined a community stroll to mark World Autism Acceptance month.

The Walk for Inclusion attracted more than 800 people, who walked 2.5 kilometres through the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail.

“The designation of this important occasion has evolved to reflect a shift from awareness to acceptance,” said Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE.

“Acceptance is when an autistic person is embraced, given equal opportunities to thrive and can experience connection to other people – and this is where we need to be.”

He said the event also celebrated the contributions, diversity and uniqueness of people with autism.

“It is important for us to not only strive for their inclusion but also to accept them for who they are and celebrate their differences,” Mr Al Hashemi said.

“Autistic individuals have a lot to teach us and walking together shows us that everyone can take steps forward and contribute in their own way.”

The event was organised by Special Olympics UAE in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Special Education, Emirates College for Advanced Education and Emirates Autism Society.

It was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa.