A virtual-reality experience aimed at helping teachers and caregivers understand the sensory overload faced by people with autism has opened in Abu Dhabi.
Described as the first such immersive room in the Middle East, the Autism Reality Experience will also help parents of children with autism learn how to care for them better.
It is based at the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and was developed by UK-based Training 2 CARE after extensively interviewing 150 children with autism. Widely adopted in the British Isles, Training 2 CARE operates 12 mobile simulators charging more than £1,000 per session.
Inside a dark room, participants wear eyeglasses to distort their vision and thick hand gloves to restrict their ability to grasp objects, while sounds of a clock ticking, a dripping water tap and a vacuum are played through headphones.
The sounds are amplified, with various fragrances added to the atmosphere, as they are asked to complete simple tasks, such as writing on Post-it notes or placing pennies in a piggy bank. The sensory overload makes even simple tasks almost impossible to carry out.
The simulation, which opened on Monday, is free to use and is designed as a learning tool for people living, caring for and working with people with autism.
"We know what autism is, but I’ve never felt what it’s like to have it," said Shahrina Shahid, whose 18-year-old son Zuheir Haqeem is on the autism spectrum and has Joubert syndrome.
“You can explain what autism is, but to feel it is something else entirely. That is what my son has been going through his entire life, and he could never express it,” added the Malaysian citizen, who was moved to tears by the experience.
She was among a few mothers who joined The National inside the sensory room.
South African Karen van der Westhuizen, whose 21-year-old son Liam was diagnosed with autism aged six, described the experience as “overwhelming and emotional".
“The little things that bother him aren’t something you notice, but now I realise it,” she said, emphasising how vital the room could be for teachers and schools.
Sharifa Yateem, owner of the Sharifa Yateem Centre for Rehabilitation, said the experience had strengthened her commitment to care for children with autism. “My job is to make them as independent and happy as possible. This experience reinforced everything I’ve been advocating. I’ve always tried to put myself in their shoes, and now parents can, too.”
Its introduction in the region provides a new "platform for promoting empathy, awareness and improved care for children on the spectrum", she added.
Glenn Knight, chief executive of Training 2 CARE and the creator of the Autism Reality Experience, said the impact of the simulation is immediate.
"When you walk in a person's shoes you can build empathy and you can make things inclusive," he said.
“Every day we see people realise what they’ve been doing wrong and how to make adjustments. This is why the experience is so important.”
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and behaviour.
About one in 100 children globally are believed to be on the autism spectrum, the World Health Organisation says.
Symptoms include delayed language, learning, movement and cognitive skills, hyperactivity and anxiety.
Sensory issues are common in people with autism, but experiences differ for each person.
According to the National Autistic Society, a leading UK charity, processing everyday sensory information can be difficult for people with autism.
"These sensory differences can affect how they feel and act, and can have a profound effect on a person’s life," the charity said on its website.
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SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
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Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
A defined benefit plan is where the benefit is defined by a formula, typically length of service to and salary at date of leaving.
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