Bahrain will open in September the first center for autistic children, reported the Gulf Daily News on Saturday.
The Rehabilitation Institute for Autism and Related Communication Handicaps (Ria) aims to offer tailor-made, individual care for youngsters.
It also plans to establish itself as a resource and support center for the parents of autistic youngsters.
Autistic people don't relate to the world around them and find outside stimuli intrusive.
They are unable and unwilling to communicate normally with others.
Activities at the center will start with afternoon therapy sessions on a one-to-one basis, said the paper.
Five trained teachers and a diagnostic consultant will use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is a method to teach the child how to communicate effectively.
A full diagnostic team will be recruited in the future.
"The therapy requires a lot of patience and strength from all parties, since we have to take very small steps towards bringing the children to a level where they can communicate and apply their skills," said founder Christine Gordon.
Each child will be diagnosed by a consultant, who will assess the condition of the child and recommend the best treatment.
Children's progress will be monitored on a weekly basis.
Parents will be involved in the education of their children and taught how to develop them, said Gordon, who was “inspired to set up the center by her autistic son Othmann, five.” – Albawaba.com
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