Guided by a purpose to make UAE an indifferent place for people with Autism, H.E. Fahed bin Al Shaikh along with an eminent board of directors founded the Autism Foundation (ATF) in 2011. Since its humble beginnings, ATF works to provide support, ambition, and hope to the community, leading the way to creating a society that whole-heartedly accepts and welcomes those with Autism.

 The Autism Trust Foundation (ATF) is a non-profitable organization registered in the UK & the United Nation Department of Economic and Social Affairs with a truly global reach in its portfolio of unique program and initiatives throughout the world. Currently running centers in 9 different countries. The expanded focus would help ATF provide affordable therapy and support to children and families dealing with autism across the UAE.

Among the key developments, ATF launched Understanding Hope challenges in consonance to their objectives of making UAE a better place for those with Autism. As a result of ATF initiative programs in communities and workshops in educational establishments, over the years more people who work support people with Autism, or who just want to make a difference in the lives of people with Autism, are becoming involved with ATF. Although no official figures are available on the total number of people with Autism in the UAE, experts estimate the statistics are similar to global prevalence.