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ASTUHA
Middle East & North Africa
ASTUHA
Project Coordinator:
Saideh Saliba
Project Overview:
ASTUHA (Beirut, LEBANON) provides resources and financial support to autistic children and their families. Autism is a development disorder of the brain which impairs a person’s social interaction abilities and their ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. Although there is no cure for autism, managing the symptoms of autism and building skills of those with autism helps stimulate relatively normal development. ASTUHA works to help children with autism cope with their challenges and helps them to achieve their full potential. The Center houses 5 children at a time. These children have severe cases of autism and the goal is to help the parents live their daily lives. Once the children finish their therapies they move on to other centers, and five new children are admitted. In addition to helping the children, ASTUHA teaches families how to care for the children and works to decrease the stigma associated with developmental disorders and mental illness in the community.
Recent Accomplishments:
ASTUHA has been able to work with other schools to provide accurate and first-hand information regarding mental retardation and autism.
Number of People Directly Served by Project:
5 children who live in the center and receive care
19 children live at home and receive care through the center
Number of People Indirectly Served by Project:
Parents who, with ASTUHA’s support, are better able to assist in their children’s development.
Other organizations and schools learn about autism and mentally challenged children and their families through their relationship with ASTUHA.
Goals for 2008:
To educate students within the school system about mental retardation and autism.
To repair the garden in the center.
To improve the toilet facilities in the center.
IPM Funding Goal for 2008:
$3,000
Community Impact:
Joe is 12 years old and has autism and severe mental retardation. After receiving care with one of ASTUHA’s specialists, his temper has calmed and he stopped breaking items in the house. He now lives in the center five days a week and goes home two days a week. His parents are pleased with his progress.
How your donation may be put to use:
$100 provides a bed for one child
$300 provides food for one child for one year
$540 provides necessary medicines and emergency care for one child for an entire year
$600 provides a specialized education for an autistic child for one year