Project introduces video modelling to develop skills of disabled children

AMMAN — A local NGO concerned with providing care to parents of autistic children and an international organisation specialised in using video modelling to improve language and skill development for children with disabilities are coordinating their efforts in Jordan to bring this therapy to the region.

US-based Gemiini Systems has agreed to grant the Society for the Care of Gifted Autistic Children 25 scholarships, along with related training and technical assistance to introduce its signature intervention techniques to Jordan after a "track record of success" following 14 years of research and development, according to a joint statement released Saturday.

Using an Internet-based library of 60,000 videos, this intervention will be available to hospitals and disability clinics across the Arab world, and it can be used for as many hours of treatment a patient needs.

In most cases, families can be supervised to use the therapy in the privacy of their own homes.

The programme, which is expected to start this summer, will be first offered to children that benefit from the services of the society, and then expanded throughout the region, the statement said.

“This is part of our efforts to acquire the latest and most effective methods in treating children diagnosed with autism," said the society's president, Yousef Damra.

He added that the collaboration with Gemiini was the outcome of networking facilitated by the Ministry of Social Development.

"Researchers have known for decades that video modelling can lead to dramatic gains in language and skill development for children with disabilities. Over 300 studies confirm its power," said Gemiini co-founder, Brian Kasbar, who is a parent of three children with autism.

“In the United States, it is scientific consensus that the earlier we get such therapy to children, the greater the progress,” the statement quoted him as saying, but older children have benefited as well.

Kasbar stated that a 2014 study co-authored by the director of clinical psychology at Princeton University showed strong and lasting gains in speech, articulation and reading skills in young adults.

The company is finalising its Arabic language programme, according to Taymour Delane, who is a Jordanian national and is Gemiini director of operations in the MENA region.

“Jordan was a natural choice for us,” said Gemiini Vice-Chairman Pamela Phillips.

"The Hashemite Kingdom has been a global leader in serving those with disabilities. Jordan is also known to be a centre for medical tourism and innovation; we have found the researchers and specialists in Amman to be world-class,” the statement quoted her as saying.

Gemiini is collaborating with local experts to make sure the programme is tailored to meet the needs of the region, the statement said. 

Mohammed Dalhoum, director of the Autism Academy of Jordan, will train and oversee the specialists who help Jordanian families.

“[This] will be good for the Kingdom in many ways. Not only will families get the help they need, but Gemiini’s centre of specialists in Amman will serve the Arabic speaking world and bring hundreds or even thousands of professional jobs to Amman,” the statement quoted him as saying.