The National Institute for the Disabled has recently issued a publication titled "Stars in the Sky of Disability” which showcases the distinguished career of Dr Ahmed Malallah Al Ansari, one of Bahrain’s most prominent national figures in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, who dedicated his life to serving people with disabilities.

The booklet documents the professional and humanitarian journey of Dr Ahmed Al Ansari, a pioneer in Child Psychiatry and the first Bahraini specialist in this field. He played a pivotal role in establishing and advancing rehabilitation and psychological care services for individuals with special needs in Bahrain and the Gulf region.

Spanning over four decades, Dr Al Ansari emerged as a leading figure in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. His dedication to providing psychological, diagnostic, and rehabilitative care for children with developmental and neurological disorders has been instrumental in founding specialised units and centres across the Gulf.

The publication reviews milestones in his career, starting with the establishment of the first child psychiatric unit in the Gulf, in 1981, his involvement in founding the Bahraini Association for Intellectual Disability and Autism, and the Bahrain Society for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which he continues to chair today, including his academic and research contributions at both regional and local levels. Among his numerous recognitions are the Order of His Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (2021) and the Order of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Second Class (2003). 

Under his leadership, six specialised centres were established, offering comprehensive services for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays. He also organised parent training programmes and scientific conferences, notably the annual Dr Rashid bin Ali Flaifil Forum, now a prominent Gulf platform for scientific exchange.

Beyond his field work, Dr Al Ansari has held academic positions at Arabian Gulf University and contributed to student counselling and university programmes. He represented Bahrain on various regional scientific committees, including the Arab Board of Health Specialisations and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Programme for Autism. Additionally, he served as a UNICEF consultant in Oman.

Dr Al Ansari has authored over 65 research papers, presented 36 at specialised conferences, and published more than 10 booklets focusing on psychiatry and disabilities.

The “Stars in the Sky of Disability” series aims to spotlight pioneering figures in disability services and showcase inspiring models of volunteer and humanitarian work through their experiences and initiatives. The publication also reflects the progress of Bahrain’s efforts in this field and celebrates the achievements of its pioneers.