autismlebanon.org

 

The Lebanese Autism Society held an honoring ceremony on Tuesday June 23, 2009, dedicated to individuals, organizations and corporations who have sponsored LAS and helped in improving the lives of children with autism and advancing the cause of autism in Lebanon through their support to LAS action. The ceremony was held at LAS premises, at Collège du Sacré Coeur, Gemmayzeh.

The ceremony included a dance show performed by the children of LAS, followed by the unveiling of the Wall of Honor, and finally an exhibition of the children’s works of art, handicrafts, and paintings.

 

Autism is a developmental disability that affects the normal functioning of the brain and the way a person communicates and relates to people around him.

Autism is a spectrum disorder; its symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The main characteristics of autism are: difficulty with social relationships, difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, difficulty in the development of interpersonal play and imagination, repetitive behavior patterns and resistance to change in routine

 

The exact cause or causes of Autism is/are still not known but research shows that genetic factors are important.

The earlier the diagnosis of Autism is made, the better the chances are of a person receiving appropriate help and support.

 

The Lebanese Autism Society - LAS is a non-profit Non-Governmental Organization (registered by official decree No.19 / AD dated March 10, 1999) founded by parents of children with Autism and concerned professionals. LAS advocates for the rights of individuals with Autism and provides them and their families with support and services.

 

LAS is a founding member and the coordinator of the Arab Network for Autism (ANA) and the National Committee for Autism in Lebanon.

Since its initiation, LAS has been involved over the years with programs and activities that address the needs of children and adolescents with autism in Lebanon. This was possible through a comprehensive modular approach that emphasized intervention programs, advocacy and awareness.

 

Current projects of LAS include:

 

CDIP provides early diagnosis and intervention services for children with special needs including children with autism.CDIP

CCA provides integration of children with autism in a regular education school (College du Sacré Coeur- Gemmayzeh) CCA

TSA provides vocational training programs and activities aiming at the vocational and social integration of adolescents with autism. TSA