With 5 initiatives, the Nomo Association aims to raise awareness about autism among 300,000 people

The largest autism awareness campaign in the Eastern Province has been launched

In a pioneering step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting people with disabilities, the "Namo" Autism Association launched the second edition of its comprehensive awareness program under the slogan "Inclusion Today... Empowerment Tomorrow." This ambitious campaign aims to reach more than 300,000 beneficiaries during April, through the launch of five innovative initiatives that seek to strengthen community solidarity with individuals on the autism spectrum and empower them to effectively integrate into society.

Global and local context: Autism Awareness Month

The selection of April for these initiatives coincides with the world's observance of Autism Awareness Month, which begins with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. Globally, this month aims to highlight the critical need to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism, enabling them to live full and meaningful lives as integral members of society. Locally, these efforts align closely with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of providing an inclusive and accessible environment for people with disabilities, enhancing quality of life, and supporting volunteer work.

Details of the five initiatives of the Growth Association

The executive management of the “Growth” Association revealed that the educational package was carefully designed to highlight the daily challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The campaign is based on a realistic simulation of their needs, combining theoretical awareness with direct, on-the-ground support. The activities were launched through the following initiatives:

• The “Your Generosity is Great” initiative saw the participation of 15 commercial entities that donated a portion of their sales to support the association’s programs.
• Interactive screens at Dammam Airport: Under the slogan “A World Without Borders”, screens were launched to spread innovative awareness messages to travelers, expanding the scope of the campaign to include visitors to the region.
• The Al-Khobar Sensory Room: From April 9th ​​to 11th, the Al-Khobar waterfront will host a sensory room as part of the "From Their World, Let's Feel" initiative. Sensory rooms are therapeutic environments specifically designed to help individuals with autism relax and develop their senses. This room allows visitors to experience an accurate simulation of the sensations of those with autism, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of their condition.
• Instant consultations and “I am here” corners: Instant consultations were provided with the participation of 14 specialized entities, in parallel with the deployment of informational corners in shopping malls and hospitals to answer families’ inquiries and distribute educational materials.
• The “Wave of Silence” initiative: The association is preparing for an extraordinary event on April 24, where 500 volunteers will line up to form the visual logo of the program. This powerful collective scene embodies a profound message reflecting the significant difficulties faced by individuals with autism in expressing their feelings and communicating with the outside world.

Expected impact and importance of community engagement

These initiatives are expected to have a widespread positive impact, not only in the Eastern Province but also as a regional model for managing integrated awareness campaigns. The integration of the private sector (donors), the public sector (airports and hospitals), and civil society (volunteers) creates a comprehensive support system.

In this context, the association's executive director, Professor Jamila Al-Balharith, appealed to community members and institutions to engage positively with these vital initiatives and actively participate in their programs. Al-Balharith emphasized that raising community awareness is the "essential entry point" for empowering individuals with autism and effectively integrating them into a future characterized by inclusivity and shared empathy, thus ensuring their full rights to education, employment, and community participation.