Effat College hosted a delegation on Autism

The delegation included Mr.Ahmad Halloul, a clinical psychologist in King Khaled Hospital and Director of The Saudi Autistic Society in the Western Region, Mrs. Eileen Hopkins, International Development Director of Autism Speaks, and Mr. Anthony Bailey, The Chair of Autism Resources in the University of Oxford, (U.K.). According to Mr. Bailey," One in every 100 children in Saudi Arabia suffers from varying degrees of Autism, and there is a dire need for trained teachers who can effectively instruct autistic students."

Mr. Halloul stated that the role of The Saudi Autistic Society is to arrange seminars and meetings with teachers, and parents of Autistic children to raise awareness about Autism. He stressed," Our society is currently organizing a training program for teachers in Riyadh, but it cannot fulfill the vast needs of the community for qualified teachers who can recognize autistic students and fit their needs in their instructional plans. Mrs. Eileen Hopkins stressed that The Saudi Autistic Society can organize one-day sessions to educate school principals about Autism.

Tabassum Rashid, Chair of Psychology department in Effat College stated that Effat College could increase awareness about Autism in the society by providing short courses to mothers through the Extension Programs department, and adding more special education courses with an emphasis on Autism in the new Psychology curriculum. Dr.Andrea Taguibao, Chair of Early Childhood Education department in Effat College stressed, "The delegation has a very important mission, the dispersal of awareness about Autism, because it is tragic that many teachers in Saudi Arabia don't recognize autistic students in their classrooms."Mrs.Amal Jabr, a lecturer in the Early Childhood Education department explained, "Before attending this discussion, I wasn't aware of the huge number of Autistic Saudi children. I believe that Effat College in its endeavors to serve the local community can play an immense role in spreading awareness about Autism."