ABHA: Many more centers to treat autism are needed in the country, according to several experts who gathered here recently for an exhibition on the medical condition.

Autism, which affects many children, is a development disorder also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which appears in infancy or most likely before the child reaches the age of three.

Six specialists from the Human Development Center in Ramallah, Asir, at the exhibition organized by the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, had provided more than 30 consultations a day for autistic children needing treatment.

Participating specialists gave advice to visitors on diagnosis of autism, occupational and physical therapy, learning difficulties, treatment of attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder and other behavioral problems.

Nawal Al-Qahtani, the center’s director in Khamis Mushayt, said more centers were needed in Asir and that the exhibition aimed to educate people about the disorder and provide psychological counseling. Al-Qahtani said the center provided services for about 200 autistic children over three consecutive years.

Abdullah Al-Zahrani, secretary-general of the Abha Chamber of Commerce, said there are five centers for autism in the Kingdom that has to provide care for more than 200,000 autistic children.

Treatment is expensive, with many Saudis forced to seek treatment for their children in neighboring countries. “For this reason, the Abha chamber established these centers at the exhibition to help autistic patients, and to give education and rehabilitation tips to parents.”

Al-Zahrani said that centers should be set up in the country modeled on what is available in developed nations, which includes comprehensive services. He said effective treatment should include teachers having only four to five autistic children in their classes.

The exhibition also contained publications about autism, and a section for children’s skills development through speech or occupational therapy, and a painting and sketching corner.