In April, Lebanon joins the global observance of Autism Acceptance Month, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, recognized by the United Nations.
This year, the National Autism Center (NAC) initiated its thirteenth annual nationwide campaign, “Lebanon Unites Around Autism.”
The campaign symbolized unity with the image of “The Blue Sea of Lebanon”, representing resilience and positivity in the face of challenges, and a caption “Keber el Bahr mn Hebkon” which means “we love you as vast as the sea.”
Rima Frangieh, the head of NAC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families while promoting awareness and inclusivity.
Frangieh highlighted the significant progress made over the years, noting that the center now serves around 400 individuals across specialized programs.
However, challenges persist, with over 800 individuals on the waiting list due to capacity limitations and economic constraints.
She emphasizes that despite these hurdles, plans for expanding facilities demonstrate the organization’s dedication to providing education and care for all.
As part of their efforts, NAC introduced a new initiative inspired by the sensory room at the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.
This initiative involves providing sensory toy boxes to traveling children to enhance their comfort and peace during journeys.
These toy boxes contain various sensory items to help children stay calm and engage with their surroundings.
Looking ahead, the organization aspires to extend such accommodations to public spaces, recognizing the diverse needs of individuals and advocating an inclusive environment accessible to all.
