Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center (AFAC)
Abdulatif Al Fozan Autism Center (AFAC), located in Al Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, is a specialized center dedicated to supporting autistic children and their families through education, early intervention, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary services. Opened in 2020, AFAC provides an integrated model centered on each student’s individual strengths, communication abilities, sensory needs, developmental priorities, and level of independence.
The center’s services include individualized educational planning, speech and language support, occupational therapy, sensory regulation support, psychological and social support, behavioral and functional skills development, visual communication and AAC supports where appropriate, health and nursing support, family guidance, and continuous professional development for staff. AFAC also provides purpose-built learning and therapy environments, including sensory and calming areas, a sports hall, technology and computer labs, speech and communication facilities, and structured learning spaces designed to support predictability, participation, and independence.
AFAC has achieved Autism Accreditation through the UK’s National Autistic Society (NAS) and is the first center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve the Accreditation for Comprehensive Student Wellbeing™ (ACSW) from IBCCES. The center is also a winner of the Fourth Edition of the King Salman International Award for Disability Research in the Universal Accessibility category. Through family partnership, professional development, community awareness, knowledge sharing, and continuous quality improvement, AFAC works to advance high-quality, inclusive autism services in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
AFAC’s environment is purposefully designed to support autistic and sensory-sensitive children. Key features include structured and predictable learning spaces, clear circulation routes, sensory and calming areas, visual supports, carefully considered lighting and sensory conditions, dedicated therapy and activity spaces, technology-supported learning environments, and outdoor areas that promote participation and independence. The center also provides a dedicated sensory room and individualized communication supports, including visual systems and AAC where appropriate. Visitors and families are encouraged to contact AFAC in advance to discuss specific sensory, communication, mobility, or other accessibility needs so the team can support an appropriate visit experience.