المملكة: Psychologist to “Al-Youm”: Early diagnosis of autism increases the success rates of rehabilitation to 90%

A psychologist confirmed that early detection of Autismin the early stages of life represents an urgent necessity, indicating that immediate therapeutic intervention can achieve positive rehabilitation results of up to 90% for minor cases.

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Badr Al-Otaibi, a psychologist at the non-profit “Shamaa Autism Rehabilitation Center,” explained that the center has witnessed a qualitative leap in community service since its founding in 2016. After starting with a very small number of beneficiaries, the center today provides its services to approximately 400 beneficiaries, which reflects a wide spread and success in gaining the trust of society.

He stated that this expansion included several branches in the eastern region; In addition to the main headquarters in Dammam, there are other branches in Jubail, Al-Ahsa and Dhahran, confirming that there are plans to open new branches soon to serve a larger segment.

Diverse treatment plans

With regard to the services provided, Al-Otaibi indicated the center’s keenness to rehabilitate the beneficiaries according to the best standards, through various treatment plans provided by qualified and licensed specialists internationally and locally.

These services include applied behavior analysis, and Speech and speech therapy, in addition to occupational and physical therapy, and aquatic therapy.

The psychologist stressed that all beneficiaries in all branches receive the same quality of care and treatment plans, as the team works in an integrated manner to ensure that children move between services smoothly, with the aim of achieving the best possible progress and development for them.

Al-Otaibi detailed that the rates of benefit from treatment vary and depend greatly on the severity of the diagnosis; While minor cases that can be rehabilitated reach a rate of 90%, others benefit at rates ranging between 40% and 60%, which highlights the importance of the time factor.

Al-Otaibi sent a direct message to families, stressing that early diagnosis is one of the most important reasons for a child’s progress in treatment, calling for the need to immediately go to specialized care and rehabilitation centers when noticing any indicators, to ensure that the child does not reach an advanced age before starting rehabilitation.

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