Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center plan to host Mideast region’s first interdisciplinary university-based autism center.. Hebrew University’s Hadassah Ein Kerem medical center campus. Photo by Flash90.
Israel Seen – $75 Million New Autism Center to Open in Jerusalem
Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center plan to host Mideast region’s first interdisciplinary university-based autism center.
As cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to increase around the world, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Hadassah Medical Center plan to establish the first interdisciplinary university-based autism center in the Middle East.
The $75 million Autism Center is envisioned as a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort anchored in the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine. There is no word yet on when it is expected to open.
“Our goal in establishing the Autism Center is to lead Israel and the Middle East in research, training, clinical services and community engagement for the benefit of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families,” said Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. David Lichtstein.
The center is intended to bring cutting-edge research, clinical services, state-of-the-art training and education for professionals and parents under one roof. This is a rare comprehensive model; some universities in the Middle East have autism research programs, while others have associations with clinical services.
Lichtstein said that the center’s direct ties with the ASD community will better inform research initiatives and lead to better clinical practice, public programming and policies in support of those who deal daily with ASD, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in approximately 1 percent of children. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one in 68 American children is affected.
For the rest of the story: Israel21c
Israel Seen – $75 Million New Autism Center to Open in Jerusalem
