The New Arab
Quote:
Lebanon's only full-service school for autistic children will close in the coming weeks due to the country's protracted economic crisis.
The 1 2 3 Autism School opened in Beirut two years ago and provides personalised educational services for autistic children, as well as training for families to help them be more effective caregivers.
Despite weathering the economic repercussions of Lebanon's 2019 October revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic, the centre will shut its doors soon after facing insurmountable costs in obtaining fuel to keep classrooms and offices lit.
Lebanon is facing a huge fuel shortage due to a lack of foreign exchange to import fuel stocks, in addition to hoarding and sales of subsidised fuels on the black market.
Just last week, fuel prices jumped by 66 percent in a move meant to stave off the complete lifting of state subsidies for petrol and diesel.
Lebanon's exchange rate crisis has led to the lira losing over 90 percent of its value and further exacerbated the school's financial situation.
Some of the students' families moved cities and even countries in order to attend the school.
_________________
Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity
It is Autism Acceptance Month
“My autism is not a superpower. It also isn’t some kind of god-forsaken, endless fountain of suffering inflicted on my family. It’s just part of who I am as a person”. - Sara Luterman