Pedro Markus is helped by senior therapist James Diquiatco, from the Child Early Intervention Centre and Medical Centre, at his home in Dubai.
Pedro Markus is helped by senior therapist James Diquiatco, from the Child Early Intervention Centre and Medical Centre, at his home in Dubai.
Pedro Markus is helped by senior therapist James Diquiatco, from the Child Early Intervention Centre and Medical Centre, at his home in Dubai.
Pedro Markus is helped by senior therapist James Diquiatco, from the Child Early Intervention Centre and Medical Centre, at his home in Dubai.

Autistic boy's smile eases expat parents' burden


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Pedro Markus's face lights up as guests fill his home. For his parents, that smile is worth every dirham they invest in their son's treatment.

Pedro, 6, received a diagnosis of autism when he was 2.

"When Pedro was a small baby I had too many questions in my mind," said Nadia Lindemayer, his mother. "He wouldn't breastfeed properly and would keep moving.

"He couldn't sleep and would leave all his toys and play with unusual objects, like a small piece of wood or kitchen utensils."

Friends and family members dismissed Pedro's behaviour as normal childhood conduct and try to put his mother at ease. But when he turned 2, the signs became clearer.

"He was always very hyperactive and would not respond when we called his name," Mrs Lindemayer said. "As a mother, I knew. I had this feeling inside that something was different."

The family, in their native Brazil at the time, found it difficult to get the help they needed, said Andreas Markus, Pedro's father.

"The only one who told us 'your son is probably autistic' was the neurologist," he said. "The psychologist and speech therapist didn't know what was happening or what they were doing."

A year later Mr Markus took a job in Dubai and they immediately searched for treatment centres.

The first place they went to was the Dubai Autism Centre, but they were placed on the waiting list.

Not wanting to waste any more time, they decided on the Child Early Intervention and Medical Centre, where Pedro had about 30 hours of therapy every week.

The boy gradually moved from the intervention centre to a place that sets up a school environment adapted to the needs of developmentally disabled children, and prepares them for inclusion in a regular school.

That programme and home sessions of applied-behaviour analysis, cost about Dh24,000 a month. Mr Markus's insurance does not cover the treatments.

"They told me it is not a medical condition," he said. "But it is a medical condition. It has a direct effect on my child's life."

The family spends another Dh4,000 a month on school materials, special foods and equipment for Pedro's treatment.

The centre recommends at least 30 hours of applied-behaviour analysis a week, but financial constraints limit the boy to between 15 and 20 hours.

"If we have more, we pay more," Mrs Lindemayer said. "His happiness and potential is worth it, and we have seen him slowly progress.

"He loves the water, loves playing in the pool and he's very affectionate, which is uncommon among autistic children.

"He's always hugging us or kissing us, very loving and playful."

The cost of Pedro's treatment do not allow room for saving and his parents often have sleepless nights worrying about the future.

Insurance, community donations and the establishment of more government-funded centres are needed to help families, Mr Markus said.

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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

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Ambulance – 998

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Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

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Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world

New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.

The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.

Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.

“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.

"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."

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