The Lebanese Autism Society- LAS is a non-governmental Organization (registered by official decree No.19/AD dated March 10, 1999). The LAS was founded by parents of and professionals working with Individuals with Autism.
The Education Department of the LAS has currently 4 running projects catering for Individuals with Autism Center for Early Diagnosis and Intervention (CDIP), Classes for children with Autism- French Section (CCA-Fr), Classes for Children with Autism- English Section (CCA-En) and Center for Autism Intervention and Research (LASCAIR)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Symptoms of Autism typically appear during the first three years of life. Some children show signs from birth. Others seem to develop normally at first, only to slip suddenly into symptoms when they are 18 to 36 months old.
Autism is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups; Autism Spectrum Disorder is almost 5 times more common among boys ( 1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189)
Research shows that children who receive intensive early intervention services are more likely to have improved long-term outcomes. These services can maximize their learning potential by addressing communication, play, problem behaviors and overall skill development from a very early age.