Qatar Foundation launches Autism Community Hub to connect families with support services

Qatar Foundation has launched a new digital platform called the Autism Community Hub, designed to help families navigate autism support services across the country. The platform connects parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals with resources, programs, and research opportunities all in one place.

The hub is the first major initiative under Qatar Foundation's Autism Strategy 2025-2035, a 10-year plan to build comprehensive support for people with autism. It addresses a key problem many families face: figuring out where to go and what to do after an initial autism assessment.

How does it work?

The Autism Community Hub operates as a central directory where users can search for services and programs. You can access it at https://www.qf.org.qa/community/autism.

The platform includes several key features:

• A clear autism pathway that guides families from diagnosis through education and long-term support
• A searchable directory of available services and programs
• Updates on Qatar Foundation's autism strategy progress
• Community stories and news to help families connect and learn from each other

The platform targets multiple user groups, from parents and teachers to healthcare professionals, researchers, and government officials. Future updates will add more personalized features and community engagement tools.

Why does it matter?

Many families struggle to find the right support after an autism diagnosis. Dr. Dena A. Al-Thani, who chairs Qatar Foundation's Autism Task Force, explains that the hub aims to keep families "informed, connected, and supported at every stage."

The platform creates what officials call "a trusted space for guidance, clarity, and connection." By putting all resources in one place, it saves families time and reduces confusion about available options.

At Hamad Bin Khalifa University, researchers use multiple approaches to study autism, including:

• Genetic and biological research
• Brain function and development studies
• Technology development for better assessment and treatment
• Policy research to improve access to care

The context

Qatar Foundation has worked on autism support for over a decade. The new hub fits into a broader international effort led by the foundation.

In 2025, Qatar Foundation helped establish the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition alongside the State of Qatar, Autism Speaks, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF. This coalition works to create a unified global approach to autism support.

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Qatar Foundation's Chairperson, has long championed autism awareness. Her 2007 proposal led the United Nations to create World Autism Awareness Day, observed every April 2nd.

The Autism Community Hub represents Qatar's commitment to building what officials describe as "a fully inclusive ecosystem for people with autism." As the platform develops, it will add more features to strengthen connections between families, professionals, and support services across Qatar.