In a region that leans towards homogeneity and shies away from diversity and embracing change or differences, accepting neurodiversity was a serious challenge. Fortunately, we’ve been seeing a strong shift towards acceptance. Caused partly by more representation in media, better science messaging and more young people taking to social media and raising awareness, but most of the work is done behind the scenes by people like Dr Dahlia Soliman.
Dr Dahlia Soliman is visiting Kuwait this month and will be offering consultations for parents of children with special needs and psychoeducational assessments for Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia.
Dahlia Soliman is the Founder and president of The Egyptian Autistic society, Founder and President of Impact vocational training center, Founder and managing partner of Launch Egypt specialized center as well as the co-founder of Kodorat National for Special Needs. Dahlia graduated from The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia with a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology. She then returned to Egypt and founded The Egyptian Autistic Society in 1999. Dahlia completed the Hornsby Dyslexia Diploma at the Hornsby International Institute in the UK followed by a master’s in education with a focus on Autism at the University of Birmingham. She then received certification in TEACCH, SonRise and Verbal Behavior. She is currently a certified international behavior analyst and on the advisory board of The International Behavior Analysis Organization. Dahlia was even commissioned by the President of Egypt to design six complete care centers for special needs in Egypt. She is in the Inclusion committee at the ministry of education Egypt and the Autism Committee at the Mnistry of Health.
Dahlia’s impressive and extensive list of qualifications, experience and decades of work in the field has honed her expertise teaching academic skills and inclusive education. Dahlia’s passion lies main-steaming children with special need and has been running a successful program for over 15 years. She is now also mainstreaming in universities and jobs. Dahlia was able to advocate, change policy and receive military exemption for children with autism.
Dahlia has developed and published the first progressive Skill Development Curriculum for Autism in Egypt, in collaboration with The Mental Health Secretariat. In 2023 Dahlia opened “Impact” the first vocational center for autism in Egypt. It provides workshops for adolescents on the spectrum in video editing, graphics, programming, leather, pottery, resin, digital printing as well as cooking, baking and even sushi making. Dahlia established intern training programs for students on the spectrum with McDonald’s, Crave and Mori Sushi and Watch It. After completing the training, some of the students were hired in these companies.
Soliman recently worked with Tarek El Ganiny and Watch it as a consultant on a series called (translation: Special Case), starring Taha El Deskouky, which follows a young man with autism applying for a job as a lawyer. The series was a huge success and increased awareness about autism in the Arab region.
Neurodiversity stands as a crucial facet of human variation. Among the array of neurological differences, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia stand out as widely recognized conditions, each presenting its unique set of challenges and strengths. Despite their distinct characteristics, these neurodevelopmental disorders often intertwine, sharing commonalities and complexities that warrant a closer examination.
Autism, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. ADHD, marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affects individuals’ ability to focus and regulate their behaviors. Dyslexia, a specific learning disability, poses challenges in reading, writing, and spelling, often leading to academic struggles despite average or above-average intelligence.
While these conditions may present obstacles in various aspects of life, they also offer unique perspectives and abilities. Understanding the intricacies of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia is essential not only for individuals directly affected but also for educators, employers, healthcare professionals, and society as a whole. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can harness the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and unlock their full potential.
Dr Dahlia Soliman will be seeing clients in Kuwait for the first time For more information email autismegypt@yahoo.com.
