-- By CNN's Octavia Nasr

In the Middle East too, Autism Awareness Day is making news.

On the Dubai-based channel, Al-Arabiya, a focus on early diagnosis and awareness marked the occasion.

Anchor Rima Maktabi gives viewers statistics for their region: "1 in 160 children are diagnosed with Autism in Saudi Arabia alone."

Maktabi offers a comparison with the United States (1 in 150) and United Kingdom (1 in 86).

Al-Arabiya's coverage featured reports on autism institutes such as the Jordan Autism Center and young lives affected by the disorder.

"Young Rashed and his family know the challenges all too well," says the reporter who later expresses regret that so many children miss the chance at a better life because they get the wrong diagnosis which leads them to what the reporter calls "isolation and a condemned life as misfits."

A guest from the Dubai autism center joined the conversation and described the signs to look for in autistic children.

On its site the center asks for donations while displaying a moving video explaining that children with autism are different and yet very much a part of society and in need of help.

Online, specialized websites and blogs were busy throughout the Arab world.

In Lebanon, offering books and advice with a special focus on early intervention and how to communicate with the autistic population.

From Kuwait, an announcement about an upcoming therapist training program.
From Saudi Arabia, an explanation of autism in pictures and poetry and a thank you note that says: "It is my world awareness day. Thank you for those who remembered me and joined me in celebration!"

The emirate of Qatar boasts a major center for disabilities and autism.. The first lady of Qatar was instrumental in establishing world autism awareness day. Yet, on this day.. the State's flagship network, Al-Jazeera, stayed away from the subject.

Back on Al-Arabiya, young Ghalia stole the spotlight.

Her family explains hiring a teacher to help her at home was easier than knocking on doors where there was no guarantee she'd be accepted.

Ghalia's mother thinks the efforts are well worth it. Ghalia’s mother: "It is very hard for us now, but I have no doubt that because of her, we will earn paradise."

But in the here and now, long before paradise, this post card asks for compassion, love and opportunities for people with autism.

The card reads : "I need you to understand me and accept me. I am Autistic and I am human."