Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome

New rehabilitation center opens in Dhi Qar to support children with autism and developmental challenges

DHI QAR — A new private rehabilitation center, Al-Noor, has opened in Souq Al-Shuyoukh, Dhi Qar province, providing specialized care for children with autism and other developmental challenges, including hyperactivity, attention deficit, speech delay, and Down syndrome. The center, located on 40th Street, is the first of its kind in the area, offering family guidance and support for children aged three and above.

Equipped with advanced teaching tools and modern equipment imported from Egypt, Al-Noor provides individualized care, with each group of children supervised by specialized trainers. The center also offers discounted rates for siblings, cousins, families of martyrs, and low-income families, as well as transportation services.

Families can monitor their children remotely through 24-hour online cameras. Noor Al-Huda Al-Tuwaiji, the center’s director and a psychological specialist, explained that the decision to open Al-Noor was driven by increasing demand from local families seeking support for children with autism.

“We accept children aged 3 years and above, and each category has a dedicated trainer. For example, for hyperactivity, we have provided a specific room fully equipped with devices tailored to this category. Similarly, the other rooms for the different categories are equipped with modern educational tools and advanced devices,” Al-Tuwaiji told 964media.

The center serves not only Souq Al-Shuyoukh but also nearby areas such as Al-Fadhiliya and Al-Akiyka.

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, often characterized by difficulties in social interactions, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Hyperactivity, commonly seen in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, involves excessive movement and impulsive behavior, while attention deficit refers to difficulties in maintaining focus and following tasks.

Speech delay occurs when a child’s speech development lags behind expected milestones, making communication more challenging. Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome, leads to physical growth delays and intellectual disabilities, requiring specialized support for development in both physical and cognitive areas.