H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Saidi, Minister of Health received in his office today (Wednesday) Prof. Erik Fombonne, professor of psychiatry and Director of Autism Research at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the United States of America, currently visiting the Sultanate.

The visit aims to set multi-sectorial national strategy of autism spectrum disorders. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the global and current status of the children with autism spectrum disorder in the Sultanate.

The Minister stressed that the Sultanate pay great attention to this category, as well as to provide the best health, educational, social and rehabilitation services and others. He also pointed out that the Ministry has sought to provide early detection services of the autism spectrum disorder within the health services package for child at the primary health care institutions.

In addition, Dr. al-Saidi reiterated the need to increase the awareness of the medical staff on this disorder, as well as the importance of scientific research and studies in this field. Furthermore, increasing the community awareness on mental child health and behavioral development.