Abu Dhabi: For years, Yassin Abdul Qayyum’s parents had been unable to decipher what the boy wanted. But since the eight-year-old, diagnosed with autism, started attending a special needs school, he has grown very attached to his father, even listening to direct instructions from him.
Yet, Yassin’s family is in a dilemma once again. His father, Abobacker Abdul Qayyum, was retrenched from his position last month, and the family has no means to pay for Yassin’s therapy.
“After being on a waiting list for more than three years, my son was finally offered admission about two years ago. Since he started attending classes daily, there has been such tremendous improvement in Yassin’s demeanour and behaviour, and he can even focus and complete certain tasks now,” Abdul Qayyum said.
Yassin Abdul Qayyum |
He added that it would, therefore, be tragic to pull his speech-impaired son out of school.
“As a parent with a child who has special needs, my goal is to help Yassin become independent and productive. And I can tell that just a few more years at this centre will truly help bring about these positive changes in him,” he added.
Yassin was diagnosed with autism when he was three, and he also suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Unlike other children his age, he can only make sounds to communicate, and he still needs help with basic activities like showering.
“Once my son is able to talk or understand speech better, these things will also get easier. He just started speech therapy two months ago, and I have full faith this will help, as long as he can continue,” said Abdul Qayyum, who has another 18-year-old son.
Abdul Qayyum had worked as a public relations officer and administrative assistant in the capital for eight years. When the firm shut down, one of its employees who knew of Abdul Qayyum’s situation offered him a position as a personal driver in Dubai for a salary of Dh5,500.
Even though the job meant that Abdul Qayyum was out from 5.30am till 9.30pm, the dedicated father of two said what mattered was empowering his son.
“Yassin really likes the centre, showing no resistance when we take him there. He even smiles when we tell him that it is time to go. On the other hand, he used to hate the individual therapy sessions that we would sign him up for before he gained admission here. That is why it is so important for me to have him continue at this centre,” Abdul Qayyum said.
The fees for attending the special needs centre are Dh170,000 per year, but the administration has given concessions on humanitarian grounds for Yassin’s education.
“We have to pay just Dh50,000, but I don’t have any money to pay even this. Better yet, a job would help me support my family while ensuring that Yassin gets the guidance he needs to become more independent,” Abdul Qayyum said.
