The city of Béja in Tunisia has welcomed its first private center specializing in the rehabilitation of autistic children and those with learning difficulties. The center, named "Zina," was inaugurated on a Saturday evening, bringing relief and enthusiasm to parents who have been eagerly awaiting such a facility. The center offers a range of services, including speech therapy, psychological support, and specialized education, all under one roof. This integrated approach is expected to greatly benefit children with autism and learning disabilities.
According to Zina Hamaidi, director of the center and a speech therapist, the center is a pioneering initiative in the region and the North-West of Tunisia. The multidisciplinary team comprises a psychologist, occupational therapist, specialized educator, speech therapist, and activity leaders who will provide sports, theater, and other activities for the children. The center has been equipped with games and materials that promote child development, at a cost of 40,000 dinars. The center aims to provide a comprehensive program for children aged 3 to 18, with short-term and long-term objectives.
The center will cater to children referred by their treating physicians, including pediatric psychiatrists, psychiatrists, and neurologists. A tailored educational and therapeutic program will be developed for each child, with the goal of improving their situation. The center will also offer workshops for adults and aims to establish partnerships with public institutions, particularly the Ministry of Education, to facilitate the integration of children into regular schools. Zina Hamaidi launched this project after a decade of experience working with this category of children and observing their needs.
The center's services are designed for children with learning disabilities, autism, mental retardation, and Down syndrome. The center's team will work with the children to develop their skills through artistic and sporting activities, daily life care, speech therapy, psychological follow-up, specialized education, occupational therapy, and cognitive development. The center will also provide individualized sessions, regular evaluation, and progress monitoring, as well as support and guidance for parents.
Several parents of children enrolled in the center have expressed their joy and enthusiasm for the opening of this facility, which will provide comprehensive care and support for their children. They highlighted that the center will alleviate the burden of traveling to Tunis for follow-up appointments and bring necessary services closer to home. The center's integrated approach is expected to greatly benefit the children and their families.
The center's director, Zina Hamaidi, emphasized that the center's goal is to help children develop their skills and integrate into regular schools. She stressed that the center will work closely with families and seek partnerships with public institutions to achieve this goal. The center's opening is seen as a significant step forward in addressing the needs of children with autism and learning disabilities in the region.
The center's services include individualized sessions, group activities, and regular evaluation and progress monitoring. The center's team will work closely with parents to provide support and guidance, and to help children develop their skills and autonomy. The center's opening is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children with autism and learning disabilities in Béja and the surrounding region.
Key points
- The center offers a range of services, including speech therapy, psychological support, and specialized education, all under one roof.
- The center aims to provide a comprehensive program for children aged 3 to 18, with short-term and long-term objectives.
- The center's services are designed for children with learning disabilities, autism, mental retardation, and Down syndrome.
