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I have been thoroughly enjoying the many articles in support of autism that you have been publishing. The one about Halla by Alia cafe was particularly interesting and pushed me to try out the place in A’ali. The experience was truly enriching for us as a family, especially my six-year-old.
I have been educating her about autism for a while especially now as it is Autism Awareness Month in April. We have been talking about different aspects of the condition, including the challenges faced by those on the spectrum.
She was so happy to meet the individuals from the centre at the cafe and highly impressed by their baking skills.
The space itself has a vibrant personality, ideal to relax with a cuppa and a book, or to work from if you are not going to the office these days. I am a freelance art director and have already been there twice this month.
The most rewarding thing to come out of this whole event was my daughter telling me that being autistic is not being ‘different’ but being ‘gifted’. She summed up empathy and inclusivity so perfectly – something that even I as an adult, with all my years working as a creative, could not.
I am so touched by the work that Alia Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Centre has been doing not just for the children but also for their families. I can only imagine how hard it must be to navigate life as the parent or a care person for someone who has autism.
As Bahrain’s first cafe run by individuals on the spectrum, Halla by Alia stands as a testament to this country’s inclusive community. The many local efforts made to provide the differently abled a life of dignity are commendable. Right from government programmes to individual initiatives, it is heartening and endearing to witness.
Kudos to the GDN for spotlighting such a lovely initiative and informing so many of us about the existence of this cafe.
I cannot wait to return for some delicious autism-themed baked goodies – the chocolate doughnut were a big hit with both, my daughter and me!
Madam Sweet Tooth
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