In a pioneering move reflecting the rapid development of the technology sector in Saudi Arabia, Athba Al-Shuaibi, a member of the "Mounis" platform team, unveiled a new national technological innovation that harnesses the capabilities of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies to serve a cherished segment of society. This innovation aims to integrate children with autism into their social environment by creating realistic simulations that help them overcome their fear and develop their interactive skills in innovative and scientific ways.
A technological context that keeps pace with the vision of the future
The launch of the “Mounis” platform aligns with modern global trends that seek to leverage the digital revolution to improve quality of life, particularly in the healthcare and rehabilitation sector. This project also aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on digital transformation and supporting innovations that offer sustainable solutions to societal challenges, thus positioning the Kingdom among the leading nations in utilizing technology to serve humanity.
How the platform works: A smart digital companion
Al-Shuaibi explained that the platform acts as a "digital companion" for children via smart devices, featuring virtual environments that meticulously simulate the real world. The platform is highly flexible, allowing for adjustments to visual and auditory elements to suit each child's varying sensory abilities. This provides a safe space for experimentation, learning, and making mistakes without psychological pressure, a fundamental aspect of early intervention programs.
In response to the growing need and to bridge the gap
This innovation was developed in response to data and statistics from the Ministry of Health indicating that one in every 100 children in the Kingdom is diagnosed with autism. This rate necessitated a scalable technological solution that could keep pace with the continuous increase in cases and help bridge the significant gap between supply and demand for care services, especially given the growing pressure on traditional centers.
Practical solutions for remote areas and easing burdens
The project directly aims to alleviate the suffering of families living in remote areas far from major cities. By providing skills development at home, the platform overcomes the challenges of the scarcity of specialized centers and the difficulty of transportation faced by families. Al-Shuaibi emphasized that the platform is characterized by its very low cost compared to the exorbitant expenses of traditional behavioral therapy sessions, thus relieving families of a significant financial burden without compromising the quality of the training provided.
Expected impact and future of rehabilitation
A member of the "Mounis" team explained that while the application does not offer diagnostic or medical treatment services, it focuses exclusively on developing life and interactive skills, making it an effective support tool to empower children to become self-reliant. The platform supports both Arabic and English to ensure comprehensive service, and features engaging child-friendly characters that transform the rehabilitation process from a burdensome task into an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
This application also represents a qualitative leap in the concept of "parental training," as it allows them to monitor their children's development in real time via mobile phones and tablets, thus enhancing the role of the family as a key and effective partner in the journey of integrating a child with autism, and establishing a new phase of smart home care.
