Sunup Talented Children Development Center is set to launch the Unique Abilities Support Group (UASG) tomorrow, September 27, 2025, at the Sunup Center in Emerald Tower, Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to honor autism acceptance and provide parents and families with meaningful support in raising children on the spectrum.
The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will feature discussions on the latest advancements and future trends in managing and understanding autism. It will also bring together parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates in a symposium designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation in Special Education (SPED), and create valuable community connections.
As part of the initiative, UASG will also conduct free managing autism intervention sessions for parents, equipping them with practical tools and strategies to better understand and support their children at home and in the community.
“Launching UASG is about building a safe space where families, professionals, and society come together to celebrate the strengths and abilities of children on the spectrum,” said Chancellor Engr. Li H. Schonberg, autism advocate and founder of UASG. “We want parents to feel supported, children to feel accepted, and communities to be equipped with knowledge that drives positive change.”
Schonberg, a mechatronic robotics engineer and autism advocate, has long been recognized for integrating STEM and robotics in special education, particularly in creating interventions that support children with autism. She emphasized that the new support group is a continuation of her advocacy to combine innovation and compassion in advancing autism awareness in the UAE.
The launch, held in collaboration with Medeor Hospital by Burjeel Holdings, also sets the stage for Sunup’s upcoming initiatives. Among them is the Color Run Paralympics 2025, a sports event that will showcase the abilities of Persons of Determination (PODs) while promoting courage, inclusivity, and unity through sports.
“The Paralympics initiative proves that strength comes in many forms,” Schonberg added. “Through sports, we break barriers, celebrate passion, and show that inclusivity makes us stronger together.”
As part of its science and learning initiatives, Sunup has also lined up a special National Aquarium event on October 2, 2025, where children will be introduced to diverse marine life and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. The activity aims to make learning interactive and fun, while fostering awareness about animals and ecosystems beyond the classroom.
With the establishment of UASG, Sunup Talented Children Development Center continues to position itself as a pioneering institution in the UAE dedicated to advocacy, innovation, and empowerment for children with special needs.
