Type of service: Schools

Service URL: http://www.qf.org.qa/home

Inspiring children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to reach their full potential, engaging their families and educating the community. Qatar Foundation opened a new centre for students with ASD for the 2016-17 school year which supports children and families impacted by this disability. Our vision is that the centre will provide education and specialised services to students, training and support to parents and establish for the community a centre of best practices for people with ASD. When it is complete and operating at full capacity, it will provide education to Qatari children ages 3-21 years of age experiencing mild-moderate ASD. The centre will provide all aspects of education for its students, using evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, and Structured Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) in one-to-one and small group settings. Specialised services including Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Behaviour Modification will be integrated throughout the student's day. An assessment of the student's strengths and needs will be performed by a School Psychologist, Special Education Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist upon admittance and a report provided to the parents. Parents will then be connected with a medical facility to attain a complete diagnosis or obtain any medical support needed. In addition to education and assessment for the students, ongoing training will be provided to the families and care-takers of the children both at the centre and in their home. This is a service provided by the centre as families need support to care for their children in a way which will ensure the best possible outcome. At the centre, parents will be able to watch instruction taking place and be coached in how to effectively work with their children by our trained staff. Group parent trainings will provide basic information regarding ASD while individual training will teach them skills specifically needed to support their own child. Setting up an environment in their home appropriate for their child will also be supported. In time, we believe the centre will become recognised by the community as a place where they can learn about ASD and find the resources to support people with this disability. We will serve the community by acting as a conduit between the parents, education and the medical field while staying abreast of new research and findings regarding ASD. We will support the advancement of service to people with ASD throughout Qatar.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Child , Young person

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific