Q: Can you briefly explain your “inclusive education” program for children with autism?

A: In the year 2000, the Lebanese Autism Society (LAS) started a pioneer project: Integration of children with autism in a regular school (Lycée Abd-el-Kader, Hariri-foundation, Beirut-Lebanon). The project began with 3 children, in a special class where they were prepared to be included in a mainstream classroom, at the school. Since then, the project has evolved; and, in scholar year 2007-2008, the CCA (what does CCA stand for?) has been relocated at the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, Gemmayzeh, with 13 students.

Currently, the number of students at CCA, for the academic year 2008 - 2009 has increased to 18 students:
• A class of 7 students between 3 and 7 years old
• A class of 7 other students between 7 and 10 years old
• Four students benefit from a Full integration program at Collège du Sacré Cœur, in a mainstream class.

The CCA offers each child a follow-up in Speech-Therapy and Psychomotor-Therapy, and Special Education twice a week. Plus, CCA offers the follow-up of the shadow teacher, who assists the child in his / her regular class.

Q: Why/ how do you work in a mainstream school?

A: The purpose of working in a mainstream school is to offer children the opportunity for integration, on the social level, and on the academic level.

• Social integration is offered for all the CCA students. This integration is achieved, first, by sharing the rhythm of any regular school student and second, by their presence during the recess time with all the other children of the Collège du Sacré-Coeur and through their participation to several events organized by the school.

• Academic integration is provided to some CCA students, with the required abilities. This integration is set in the regular classes of the Collège du Sacré-Coeur. The children are assisted by the shadow-teachers, during the activities of the class. The main role of the shadow-teacher is mainly to support the student with autism in his work, as well as in his social interaction.

Q: How does such a programme help children with autism?

A:The school integration in the classes of the Collège du Sacré-Coeur, which is scheduled for each child, depending on his/her capacities helps the children to develop in the areas that they have not developed or full mastered. Since we provide social and academic integration, our program focuses on social and communication skills. It also provides individual tailored programs that take into consideration every child’s capacities and needs to enhance their communication skills, bodily movements, and also a sense of autonomy through speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, and special education.

Q: Are all the children that have benefited from your program integrated in mainstream classes?

A: Autism is a spectrum disorder with features that vary in degrees, from low-functional to high-functional. Not all children with autism can benefit from the school integration program, and benefit better when enrolled in institutions that deal with their needs and capacities. All of our 18 students benefit from social integration.

Regarding Academic integration, four of them are totally enrolled in a mainstream class and others benefit from partial academic integration based on their learning abilities.