Launch of the 1st International Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Launch of the 1st International Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder

December 26, 2022 — The activities of the 1st International Scientific Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorder (Reality – Challenges – Solutions) commenced this Monday morning at the main auditorium of the Military Academy for Security and Strategic Sciences in Benghazi. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ali Al-Qatrani, the President of the Military Academy for Security and Strategic Sciences, Major General Aoun Ibrahim Salem Al-Farjani, alongside several Libyan university presidents and participating dignitaries.

During the opening ceremony, top-performing students from the Military Academy for Security and Strategic Sciences were honored for their academic achievements at the Language Center of the University of Benghazi.

In his opening address, Dr. Youssef Al-Zaghwani Omar, the Executive Director of the conference, stated: "Preparations for this conference began five months ago, in close coordination with nine partner institutions, including the Military Academy for Security and Strategic Sciences, the University of Benghazi, the Libyan Academy, the Dialects and Speech Laboratory at the University of Oran in Algeria, the University of Yemen, the Benghazi Autism Center, and the Democratic Arab Center in Germany."

Dr. Omar further explained that 69 scientific papers were accepted out of 115 submissions. The participating researchers represent Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Morocco, alongside various Libyan universities.

It is worth noting that the four-day conference will feature fourteen scientific sessions covering the 69 accepted research papers across key thematic axes, including:

  • Conceptual frameworks of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

  • Assessment and diagnostic tools.

  • Digital intelligence and its application in skill development for individuals with ASD.

  • The role of family and community.

  • Early intervention mechanisms, rehabilitation, and treatment methods.

  • The effectiveness of family counseling for parents and caregivers.

  • Local and international practical experiences in treatment and rehabilitation programs.

  • Inclusive education and school integration.

  • Speech therapy and language development.

  • Psychological, physical, and behavioral challenges.

  • The role of awareness-raising media.

The conference features broad regional participation from universities across Sudan, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, and Algeria. Local academic representation includes universities from Al-Bayda, Al-Abyar, Marj, Tripoli, Derna, Fezzan, Msalata, Ajdabiya, Gharyan, Al-Mergib, and Sirte.

The fourth day of the event will feature an awareness and cultural forum on Autism Spectrum Disorder, accompanied by a film screening titled "The Autistic Child".