Tunisia has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its first specialized center for autistic children and those with learning disabilities in the city of Bajah. The center, which was inaugurated on Saturday, October 4, 2026, aims to provide a holistic approach to the care and development of these children. With a total investment of 40,000 dinars, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including games and equipment designed to foster the overall development of the children.
The center, named "Zina," is the brainchild of Zine Hamidi, a speech therapist and director of the center. According to Hamidi, the center is a game-changer for families with autistic children and those with learning disabilities, as it offers a range of services under one roof. These services include psychological counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and specialized education, among others. The center will cater to children aged between 3 and 18 years and will work closely with doctors and families to develop personalized programs for each child.
The center's team comprises a multidisciplinary group of professionals, including psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and specialized educators. These professionals will work together to provide a comprehensive program that addresses the unique needs of each child. The center will also offer workshops and activities designed to promote the development of life skills, social interaction, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, the center will provide support and guidance to families, enabling them to better understand and care for their children.
The opening of the center has been welcomed by families with autistic children and those with learning disabilities, who see it as a major breakthrough in the provision of care and support services in the region. Previously, families had to travel to the capital, Tunis, to access similar services, which was often time-consuming and expensive. The center's location in Bajah will significantly reduce the burden on families and provide them with easy access to the services they need.
The center will provide a range of services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling. It will also offer activities such as theater, sports, and life skills training, designed to promote the overall development of the children. The center's team will work closely with families and doctors to develop personalized programs for each child, with the goal of helping them to integrate into mainstream schools and society.
According to Hamidi, the center is the culmination of 10 years of experience working with autistic children and those with learning disabilities. She emphasized that the center's mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that enables children to reach their full potential. The center will also collaborate with government and private sector organizations to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in society.
The center's services are designed to cater to children with a range of needs, including autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome. The center's team will work closely with families and doctors to provide a comprehensive program that addresses the unique needs of each child. With its opening, the center is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of autistic children and those with learning disabilities in the region.
Key points
- The center provides comprehensive services for autistic children and those with learning disabilities under one roof.
- The center's team comprises a multidisciplinary group of professionals.
- The center will cater to children aged between 3 and 18 years.
