Middle East Gets the First Interdisciplinary University-Based Autism Center

The first interdisciplinary university-based autism center was launched by the Israel’s Hebrew University and Hadassah Hospital in the middle east.

The Autism Center is a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort bridging several faculties within both institutions, anchored in the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine.

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The center aims to bring research, clinical services, training, education, public programming and policies in support of professionals and parents who deal children affected with ASD.

Autism affects about 1% of the population and treating autism has become an important component of public health policy in countries around the world, including Israel. Despite many steps taken regarding the treatment and counseling of autistic children still many families lack in these facilities. The Israel Ministries of Education, Health, and Welfare recognizes ASD as a top priority and provide diagnostic services, intervention programs, and support for families.

Hebrew University with the addition of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) has become an important center for neuroscience and neurological research. Scientists at the Center have been able to develop dozens of new technologies and techniques that hopes to eventually solve the quality of life issues in autisyic children.

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One in every 68 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, according to the estimates by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. David Lichtstein, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University, said, “Our goal in establishing the Center is to lead Israel and the Middle East in research, training, clinical services and community engagement for the benefit of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. By bringing together the relevant disciplines at the Hebrew University, including medicine, social work and education, and combining them with the clinical excellence of the Hadassah Medical Center, the Autism Center will be positioned to achieve important breakthroughs in the research, diagnosis and treatment of autism.”

Source-Medindia

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