The Maldives Autism Association (MAA) is a non profit NGO started by Madam Ilham Hussain, spouse of President Waheed in 2010.

MAA established the first programmer for children with autism in Maldives.  http://maldivesautismcentre.org/

Through his office, the former President continues to support the association to achieve its goals of providing quality services, including various therapies to the children, and parent training courses to the caregivers.

Autism awareness activities have successfully raised the level of public understanding about children with autism. It is no longer seen as a mental illness, but rather a special child with a different set of challenges and capabilities.

The Office of the Former President Waheed mobilized financial and technical resources to build the Autism Building, a modern facility with classrooms, a meeting hall and seminar room, clinics and a swimming pool for children with autism.

The former President continues to support the project by serving on the Board, and through advocacy and resource mobilization.