See the World Through Their Eyes

In observance of Autism Awareness Month, the Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center (AFAC) has initiated a series of activities under the slogan “See the World Through Their Eyes.” The campaign began with a teaser awareness video displayed on the Khobar Park screen along Prince Turki Street in Al Khobar. Titled “Who Said,” the video presents a short narrative aimed at correcting misconceptions and highlighting the capabilities of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

On Sunday, April 13, AFAC inaugurated another event at the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center (SciTech) in Al Khobar. The event was attended by His Excellency Eng. Omar bin Saleh Al-Abdullatif, CEO of the Eastern Province Development Authority; Mr. Mahmoud Al-Shami, Secretary-General of the Al Fozan Social Foundation; and Eng. Mustafa Al-Mahdi, CEO of AFAC. Scheduled to continue until April 17, the event aims to host interactive activities and enhance community awareness about ASD.

The event features an interactive entrance corridor, a relaxation area with sensory games, a virtual reality zone simulating the sensory experience of autism, a storytelling and interactive drawing area, a construction and demolition zone, a science dome presenting educational materials in the mornings, a social play area with games like paddle and tennis, and an

integration zone comprising five halls focused on collaborative learning and emotional understanding. Additionally, the event includes eight specialized booths, such as behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and participation from organizations like Hemam Association and Icon Association.

In the final week of April, AFAC plans to host a specialized event aimed at promoting integration and acceptance, continuing until the end of the month. This initiative is in collaboration with various governmental and non-profit organizations and will run throughout April 2025.