OUR IDENTITY
The Lebanese Autism Society –LAS is a non-governmental organization (registered by official decree No.19/AD dated March 10, 1999). The LAS was founded in 1999 by parents of children with Autism and professionals. LAS advocates for the rights of individuals with Autism and provides them and their families support and services. I. Vision and Mission of the LAS:
- Vision: To enhance the
well-being of individuals with Autism in Lebanon.
- Mission: The LAS mission is to advocate for the rights of individuals with Autism and to provide them and their families support and services, from early childhood to adulthood. The implementation of our mission focuses on the following areas:
Early Diagnosis and Intervention emphasizing the development of highly structured, specialized educational programs tailored to the individual needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities. The promotion and support of the social integration of children and teenagers with Autism
Spreading public awareness regarding Autism and Autism Spectrum disorders
II. Definition of Autism: “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with Autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.”
OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
Since its initiation, LAS has been involved over the years with programs and activities that address the needs of children and teenagers with Autism in Lebanon. This was possible through a comprehensive modular approach that emphasized intervention programs, advocacy and awareness. LAS current projects include:
• Our current services consist of the following:
a- Educational and intervention department:
CCA French Section: The Lebanese Autism Society (LAS) initiated in 2000 at the Lycee Abdel Kader Hariri-foundation, a pioneer project ensuring the integration of Children with Autism in a general education setting. In the year 2007, the project was relocated at Collège du Sacré-Coeur, Gemmayzeh. The premises of the CCA-FR were destroyed during the explosion but after the renovations, it welcomed again the students on the 9th of December 2020; students were divided into two groups, and alternating between physical presence and online learning. However, due to the lockdown all courses were suspended and shifted to online; and therapy sessions were re-opened mid-February 2021. 22 students are enrolled in CCA-Fr catered by 24 staff members for the school year 2021-2022.
• LASCAIR: The Center for Autism Research and Intervention- LASCAIR opened its’ door on the 17th of October 2014, in Chamseddine Campus. In October 2017, the center was relocated to Sainte Famille School-Baabda. A total of 43 students are registered in this program catered by 27 professionals for the school year 2021-2022. This center offers appropriate services for 2 age-group sections: Specialized Classes section for 16 students aged between 3 and 12 years old and the pre-vocational/vocational section for 27 teenagers and adults. OUR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
• Training for local and regional organization dealing with Autism
• Local and regional conferences and seminars
• Workshops on Autism for different target groups such as parents, caregivers or professionals
• Publications related to Autism
• Monthly support group
• Yearly awareness campaign
OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The LAS has been able to initiate and implement its projects through funding of local and international institutions and governments. The main funding sources included so far:
• Funds collected from the annual fund raising activities such as the Fun day, the gala dinner
• Grants from International agencies and governments such as the European Union, World Bank, Oxfam Quebec and Embassies.
• Individual donations
• Contributions from parents
• Subsidies from the Ministry of Social Affairs
