Autistic Kids, Adults on Doctors Syndicate’s Theater

By Salma Yassin

CAIRO, April 4 (SEE)-Ebny For Special Needs & Autism Association held its autistic students’ yearly party on Doctors Syndicate’s theater today.

The party took place in line with the association’s events in April ; the international autism awareness month.

Autistic kids , Adults on Stage

Autistic kids and adults uncovered their artistic talents through performing the great night and 6th of October operettas, besides other musical performances on the syndicate’s theater.

[caption id="attachment_43874" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Autistic kids, adults during theater performance[/caption]

Artwork

Today’s party also included wonderful autistic kids’ paintings, handmade accessories, carpets, leather products, scarves, candles and others.

[caption id="attachment_43875" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Students' handmade products[/caption]

Efforts of “Ebny” Assocition

Dr. Seham Khairy, chairman of the board of directors of "Ebny" assocition, said that all association’s employees are doing their best to integrate autistic people in social life.

"We focus on developing kids' talents as well as social communication skills in order to make their lives better and easier," she added.

Khairy stressed that theater performances help is developing kids' imagination besides encouraging them to stand in front of the audience.

[caption id="attachment_43876" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Kids' paintings displayed on the hall's walls[/caption]

Mother’s Story of Struggle

One of the mothers who had her 23-year- old son participated in theater performances today, said that her son was normal after his birth, then she detected his speaking defects.

She decided not to give up and sent her child to schools besides “Ebny” association where specialists taught him how to speak properly, write, draw, sing and interact with the surrounded community.

“The most important factor here is early intervention, so if parents start noticing weird symptoms on their kids, its better not to wait but start immediate rehabilitation process through specialized associations,” she added.

She stressed that autism should not be considered as a disease or mental retardation as those kids are so intelligent and they have very strong memory.

[caption id="attachment_43877" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Parents and kids with disorder during the event[/caption]

Ministry of Social Solidarity

On her part, Nagwa Tawfik; a representative of Ministry of Social Solidarity and director of Psychological Counseling Center affiliated to the ministry was among the attendees.

She stated that the ministry plays a major role in embracing autistic kids; as it offers technical and financial support to specialized rehabilitation centers.

[caption id="attachment_43878" align="aligncenter" width="600"] One of the event's musical performances[/caption]

Coming Events

“Ebny” is planning to organize other autism awareness events in April like staging the marathon that will be held in cooperation with the military college for the 4th year in a row.

The association will also held an educational seminar in the police academy to identify main features and degrees of autism disorder . This seminar aims at training policemen how to deal with autistics .

April..International Autism Awareness Month

It’s worth mentioning that United Nations General Assembly has declared April as the international autism awareness month.

This month usually witnesses several events in different countries to increase the public’s awareness regarding this disorder .