Doha, April 24 (QNA) - The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) organized a panel discussion today titled "The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Autism Spectrum Disorder," marking World Autism Awareness Day.

The session was held as part of the 29th edition of the "Katara Tech Forum," with participation from Al Shafallah Center, Renad Specialized Center for Child Healthcare, M Care 360, and Metaverse Learning Software, alongside a distinguished group of experts in technology and healthcare.

During the discussion, participants highlighted leading innovative solutions and advanced technologies that support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and enhance their quality of life, in line with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

In his opening remarks, Director of the Information Technology Department and Head of the Forum, Dr. Thamer Al Qadhi stated that selecting AI and technology as the theme reflects a growing awareness of the importance of leveraging technological progress to serve humanity. He emphasized that technology is no longer merely a supportive tool, but has become a fundamental partner in developing transformative solutions that empower individuals with ASD to actively integrate into society.

He further noted that the Katara Tech Forum embodies Katara's commitment to its cultural and knowledge-based role by providing a platform for dialogue, exchange of expertise, and exploration of global best practices in this field.

Several researchers presented papers and interventions addressing how individuals with ASD can benefit from modern technologies. Among them, Director of Therapeutic Services at Al Shafallah Center, Dr. Mohammed Telfat who delivered a presentation titled "Technology and Autism Assessment: Integrating Innovation into Clinical Practice." Alia Abdulkareem from Renad Specialized Center for Child Healthcare presented "From Screening to Support: The Role of AI and Digital Tools in Autism Diagnosis." Additional contributions were made by Dr. Nazem Abdelati, Ameera Niaz, and Mr. Ahmed Zidan, who emphasized the importance of integrating medical and technological expertise and developing smart tools to enhance diagnosis and early intervention for individuals with ASD and their families.

Participants underscored the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention in improving rehabilitation outcomes. They stressed that while technology continues to evolve, it does not replace the role of medical professionals, but rather supports them by improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. They also highlighted technology's role in comprehensive assessment, reducing waiting times, and facilitating quicker access to appropriate services.

Speakers emphasized the need for stronger integration between medical and technological expertise to develop intelligent tools that enhance early detection and intervention. They noted that AI's value in autism care lies in its ability to deliver precise, personalized solutions tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

By analyzing behavioral and interactional data, AI can assist in the early detection of autism indicators and in designing intervention plans based on a child's specific abilities and requirements. Additionally, smart applications and interactive robotics contribute to developing social and language skills in a safe and engaging manner, particularly for children who face challenges with direct interaction.

AI also enables specialists to continuously monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic programs, thereby improving service quality and accelerating rehabilitation. Importantly, these technologies do not replace clinicians and therapists, but rather enhance their capabilities with more precise and effective tools. (QNA)