Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, the Second International Autism Conference (AIC 2025) was inaugurated this morning at Dhahran Expo. The conference theme is “Empowering Lives through Knowledge and Inclusion”.

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of Arabian Gulf University (AGU), participated in the opening ceremony. The conference aims to exchange expertise and review the latest global research, technologies, and experiences in the field of autism. Organised by Shammah Autism Centre, the event runs until 19 November and has attracted experts and specialists from over 30 countries to engage in discussions and explore the latest advances in the field, besides boosting joint cooperation to improve services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Several faculty members from AGU, along with graduate students from the Learning Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities programs specialising in Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Learning Disabilities at the College of Education, Technical and Administrative Sciences, participated in conference sessions. They also represented the university at the accompanying exhibition, which drew large numbers of visitors. Students interacted with experts and participants, discussing key topics such as accurate diagnosis, early intervention, educational and social inclusion, ADHD, and related issues.

The participating graduate student exemplify AGU’s commitment to empowering Gulf researchers and specialists in the field of ASD by preparing educators capable of shaping policies and advancing professional practices. The students expressed their appreciation to the university administration for their endeavours in disseminating specialised knowledge and engaging students in forums and conferences that enrich their academic experience through direct interaction with international specialists.

The conference continues efforts to support and empower individuals with ASD by fostering an inclusive environment that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and successful international practices. It features scientific sessions, training workshops, and a specialised exhibition serving as a global platform for experts, practitioners, and interested parties, thereby raising community awareness and expanding the range of services offered.