RIYADH: Following the success of the Taif Aziz Caravan for people with autism, the Society of Autism Families is gearing up for the launch of the Kingdom’s first digital clinic powered by a team of experts, doctors, and specialists.

The Taif Aziz Caravan was the first of its kind to travel across Saudi Arabia. Launched by the Society of Autism Families in June 2023, it offered integrated healthcare services to those with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as specialized medical consultations and free services.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Taif Aziz Caravan raised awareness about early detection of autism spectrum disorder.

The convoy lasted nearly four months, covering about 12,000 km and visiting 53 cities in the Kingdom. The initiative earned the Society of Autism Families the International Excellence Award in Corporate Social Responsibility in London recently.

Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the organization, told Arab News: “This award holds immense importance for social work worldwide. Winning it for our innovative Taif Aziz Caravan project is a well-deserved recognition of the association's exceptional community contributions.”

Introducing the digital clinic project, he said: “Our work is ongoing and boundless, driven by a passionate commitment to serve.”

He went on to say that the Digital Autism Clinic will provide rehabilitative, medical, and therapeutic services to people with autism across the Kingdom. “This is just the beginning of our plans for greater advancements in this field, God willing.”

The organization’s digital platform allows beneficiaries to easily register and access all available services.

“No pioneering project is without its challenges. However, we tackle these obstacles with well-established strategies and meticulous planning,” Prince Saud said, noting that despite challenges, the convoy achieved its goal within a short timeframe, ensuring the necessary support, and conducting comprehensive social and psychological assessments.

“Awareness empowers society to embrace diversity and enhances the quality of life for everyone. Community understanding is fundamental to supporting individuals with autism effectively,” he added.

The association actively promotes awareness through various initiatives and projects, “as we recognize the significant impact of community awareness about autism spectrum disorder and its profound effect on various areas of life,” the chairman said.

Noting the collaborative efforts taking place in the Kingdom to uplift communities, Prince Saud said: “In Saudi Arabia, collaboration between institutions from all sectors — governmental, private, and nonprofit — is a hallmark of our approach to achieving collective progress.

“I take this opportunity to thank our partners across these sectors for their unwavering support. Together, we achieve both impact and development.”

The Society of Autism Families raises awareness through various initiatives, including high-quality media productions such as the play “Sala 4” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the world’s first 3D series on autism, under the supervision of a team of specialists, as well as the production of the first song in the world featuring people with autism, among other initiatives.

“Continuous presence and active participation in major events, exhibitions, and conferences, along with social media platforms, are key mechanisms for highlighting inspiring real-life stories and advocating for change,” Prince Saud added.

According to the association's website, autism spectrum disorder refers to a collection of conditions marked by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and non-verbal communication, alongside unique strengths and differences.

The site explains that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of diverse types, shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which influence each individual in a distinct way.

The term “spectrum” highlights the vast diversity in the challenges and strengths each child with this disorder may exhibit. While the most noticeable traits typically emerge between the ages of two and three, in some instances, early diagnosis can occur as young as 18 months.

The WHO reported that one in every 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.