Maldives Autism Association

Children’s Day 2026 – Sensory Wonderland
Every child carries within them a world of dreams, hope, and endless potential. Today, we celebrate their laughter and nurture their future with love not just today, but every day.
This year, our theme is Sensory Wonderland, a space where children can explore, play, and shine in their own unique ways. Together, parents, teachers, and children can make this day truly magical.

ދަރިފުޅުގެ ހެދިބޮޑުވުމާއިމެދު ކަންބޮޑުވޭތޯ؟ ކަމާ ބެހޭ ޚާއްސަ ބޭފުޅަކާއި މަޝްވަރާކޮށްލެއްވުމަށް ތިރީގައިވާ ލިންކް / QR ކޯޑު މެދުވެރިކޮށް ރެޖިސްޓަރ ކޮށްލައްވާ! ކޮންސަލްޓޭޝަން މުޅިން ހިލޭ! https://forms.gle/YnWAg7o48nrwJPX67

Highlights from the Maldives Autism Forum 2026.

* A heartfelt and inspirational speech was delivered by our beloved student, Ms. Aishath Fauzaa Ibrahim, reflecting on her journey as an individual on the Autism Spectrum.
Ms. Fauzaa’s refreshing and raw speech reminded us how individuals on the Autism Spectrum are more than just a diagnosis or a label. It resonated how a positive impact can be made on the lives of every autistic individual, given the right support the individual needs, rather than adopting a “one-size-fits-all” system.
Her story celebrated identity, strength, and self-awareness. Thankyou Fauzaa.

* To conclude the Forum, Chief Executive Officer of the Maldives Autism Association, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, shared key insights from the event with a future vision. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in Autism advocacy across all relevant fields.

Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development
Special Olympics Maldives

Highlights from the Maldives Autism Forum 2026.

Licensed Psychological Associate, Ms. Fathimath Eema Suwad, presented on the topic “Early identification and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She emphasized how routine developmental monitoring and timely action can make a meaningful difference in developmental outcomes for children on the Autism Spectrum.

Assistant Director of The Tree House International, and Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Ms. Chrystal Jane Honsaker presented on the topic “The Gold-Standard - Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for Autism Intervention.” As an expert in the field, Ms. Honsaker shared practical strategies to support positive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In her presentation on “Practical Strategies to overcome challenges in an inclusive Classroom”, Ms. Aminath Nuzuha, Senior Special Educator from Maldives Autism Association, explored important strategies for creating supportive spaces where every student can thrive in an inclusive classroom.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all the presenters for their valued time and effort in delivering meaningful presentations, creating a space for learning, reflection and shared understanding during the Forum.

The Tree House International
Villa College QI Campus
National University
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development
.

Highlights from the Maldives Autism Forum 2026.

A key highlight of the "Maldives Autism Forum 2026" was the Panel Discussion on “Challenges in Autism Interventions – Expert & Caregiver Perspective”, where diverse voices came together to exchange insights into various challenges, experiences and practical solutions.

The Panelists, Ms. Fathimath Shahuru, Senior Consultant Psychologist from Hulhumale Hospital, Ms. Shifna Ibrahim, Leading Teacher, SEN Department School, Ms. Shimana Zahir, Occupational Therapist, Ms. Aminath Khalid, parent of an individual on the Autism Spectrum), and the Moderator of the Panel Discussion, Dr. Mariyam Naseema, the Clinical Director of the Maldives Autism Association, discussed on the various challenges faced by caregivers, clinicians and educators in various aspects of Autism Interventions, such as Diagnostic, Therapeutic, Educational and Parent Mediated Interventions, as well as Adolescent & Life Skills Support.

The Panel Discussion reflected on the importance of collaboration in building robust systems in the mentioned areas, identifying the need for a holistic approach, to create more inclusive and supportive environments, for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, in the Maldives.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Panelists and the Moderator for their meaningful and impactful dialogue.

Hulhumale Hospital
School
of Health
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development

Highlights from the Maldives Autism Forum 2026.

Founder & Executive Chairperson of Maldives Autism Association, Madam Iham Hussain, opened "Maldives Autism Forum 2026” with a warm welcome, highlighting this years' theme “Autism & Humanity – Every Life Has Value”, which is in alignment with the Associations' vision for the future.

In her address, the Chief Guest, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Aishath Wadheefa, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunity for individuals with autism. Her message reinforced the power of unity in advancing autism awareness and support, calling for a shared commitment to build stronger, more supportive learning environments for individuals with autism.

In the inspiring keynote address, delivered by the Program Director of Maldives Autism Association, Ms. Shafeenaz Saeed, narrated the story of “Yoosuf”, a child on the Autism Spectrum, who was misunderstood by the community for the most part of his early childhood. The story resonated the reality of many Autistic individuals, attesting to how early support and inclusion can shape brighter futures for children with Autism.

Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development
of Health

In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day 2026, Maldives Autism Association hosted a dedicated Forum under the banner, "Maldives Autism Forum 2026", aimed to create meaningful dialogue between professionals, caregivers and stakeholders, with a shared vision of raising awareness and bridging the gap in services available to the Autism community in the Maldives.

This event was honored by the presence of the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Aishath Wadheefa, as the chief guest.

This is the second Forum hosted by the Association, bringing together expert clinicians, educators, caregivers and stakeholders providing services and support to individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
This year's forums included a dedicated Panel Discussion on “Challenges in Autism Interventions – Expert & Caregiver Perspective”.

Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development