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Ideas in Action Ideas in Action
Exploring Artificial Intelligence Launching AutismTech to Turn Ideas
in Special Needs Centers at the IV into Real Impact
International Autism Conference Abu Dhabi University announced the launch research-informed solutions that can be tested
of the first AutismTech Hackathon and a and refined in real-world contexts.
Abu Dhabi University contributed Call for Translational Research Proposals, an
to the IV International Autism initiative designed to accelerate innovative By combining research, education, health,
Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi solutions that can move from the laboratory and technology, the AutismTech initiative
through a keynote delivered to classrooms, clinics, and communities. reflects Abu Dhabi University’s commitment
by Dr. Mohammad Fteiha The initiative was announced during the IV to measurable societal impact. It also
titled “Knowledge, Attitude, International Conference on Autism and demonstrates how the university’s
and Challenges of Artificial reflects a growing focus on applying artificial research ecosystem can
Intelligence in Special Need intelligence, educational technology, and respond to community
Centers in the UAE.” The keynote interdisciplinary research to create meaningful needs by supporting
was based on an ongoing impact for autistic communities. innovation that
research study examining how AI is inclusive,
is being adopted in special needs The initiative is led by the Centre for Research translational, and
centers and the realities shaping
its implementation. in Pedagogical and Educational Innovation and grounded in
Transformation and the Research Institute for collaboration.
A key message of the AI and Emerging Technology, in partnership
presentation was that with the College of Arts, Education, and Social
educators are increasingly Sciences and the College of Engineering.
positive about the potential of This partnership brings together expertise in
artificial intelligence, while the dialogue through panel education, engineering, artificial intelligence,
real challenge lies in capacity, discussions involving Dr. Fteiha and translational research.
training, and support rather and Dr. Sreethi Nair, focusing
than attitude. This distinction on AI, inclusion, and innovation Faculty members, students, clinicians, and
is important because it shifts in education. Such engagement external collaborators will be invited to
the conversation from whether reflects the importance of
AI should be used to how connecting research findings form multidisciplinary teams and submit
institutions can responsibly with professional practice and translational research proposals. The focus is
prepare people and systems for policy conversations. on solutions that can move rapidly from ideas
its use. to implementation, creating meaningful impact
Abu Dhabi University’s in learning environments, clinical contexts, and
The session addressed the participation demonstrates its community settings.
practical conditions needed commitment to research that
for AI to support inclusion supports inclusive education, Selected projects will receive funding support,
and special education. special needs services, and expert mentorship, and opportunities for
These include professional responsible technology pilot deployment. These forms of support
development, appropriate tools, adoption. By contributing to
institutional readiness, ethical this dialogue, the university are designed to help promising ideas mature
implementation, and sustained continues to advance knowledge into practical interventions, prototypes, or
support for educators and that can improve educational
specialists working with people environments and strengthen
of determination. support for diverse learners.
The conference also provided
opportunities for continued
Abu Dhabi University | Resear ch and Inno vation Pulse Ne wsletter May Edition | 9
Abu Dhabi University | Research and Innovation Pulse Newsletter
