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Ferdaous Eddhimine
Interview conducted by Karim EL HADDADY Ferdaous Eddhimine, psychologist specializing in the neuropsychology of neurodevelopmental disorders and doctoral candidate in the field of neuropsychology of autism spectrum disorders, believes that “AI could impress us in relation to autism, as it is currently doing in others areas is the case”; Interview: During the international conference “Art in the Service of Disability”, which took place on December 21st and 22nd in Fes, you led a workshop entitled: “The therapeutic power of art for autistic children”. Tell us about this power. Ferdaous Eddhimine:
The use of art as a therapeutic tool for children with autism spectrum disorder is a promising approach in the field of therapeutic intervention. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interactions and behavior. There are also special features on a sensory level. Art can play an important role as a facilitator in skill acquisition, providing opportunities to stimulate and channel the sensory aspect as well as improve the social skills of children on the autism spectrum.
Art also provides an outlet for nonverbal expression, allowing autistic children to communicate their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that may be more accessible to them than verbal communication.
They are both the mother of an autistic child, a psychologist/neuropsychologist and the founder of Hands Out for Autism and Disability. Your own journey, so you turned it into a battle. Ferdaous Eddhimine:
Psychology studies various defense mechanisms, including sublimation, which is characterized by its ability to transform suffering into creative expression. Throughout my journey, I was inspired by this idea by devoting my passion to autism research and awareness, creating a true Moroccan masterpiece.
Every awareness effort becomes a palette of bright colors, every research a meticulous brush drawn on the canvas of understanding autism in Morocco. My goal is to transform pain into hope, to create a social work of art that transcends boundaries to significantly improve the quality of life of families and individuals affected by autism.
Through this artistic search I strive to paint a picture in which understanding replaces judgment, in which inclusion becomes the norm, and in which each individual, despite their differences, finds their place in the great fabric of Moroccan society. Each action thus becomes a harmonious note that contributes to the symphony of autism, making my mission an ever-evolving masterpiece created with love, dedication and deep respect for human diversity.
How do you at Mainstends work to support, educate and reintegrate autistic children? Can you give us some numbers? Ferdaous Eddhimine:
The motto of the Association Les Mains Tendues sounds like a committed melody that celebrates the quality of care while respecting the uniqueness of each individual. Our commitment is reflected in the accompaniment and support of families, a continuous investment in the training of our team and in training courses designed to strengthen families with regard to the challenges of autism.
Educational integration is already a reality that we are committed to cultivating. However, our ambitious vision also extends to the professional horizon, where we hope to establish innovative projects for professional inclusion. This claim arises from our deep belief in the unique potential and contribution that every autistic person can make to society.
At the heart of our actions is the burning desire to create an environment in which autism is understood and accepted and in which every person finds their place and fulfillment. Upcoming projects aim to create a reality where inclusion becomes the norm and where every member of our community, regardless of background, is recognized and celebrated for their talents and intrinsic worth.
Les Mains Tendues aims to be a force for change, a catalyst for inclusion and a loyal partner for all people affected by autism. Our commitment to a more inclusive and caring society is reflected in every action, program and initiative we undertake. Together and hand in hand, we are building a future where everyone can write their story, with autism as an enriching part of human diversity.
Oh! There are no national figures for autism spectrum disorder, but at the federation level more than 80% of children attend school either part-time or full-time.
The United Nations Population Fund in Morocco, in collaboration with the Collectif Autisme Maroc (CAM), launched on December 4th SHAGA (Sexual & Health Awareness and Guidances for Autisticsla), the first application for young people with autism to address the issues associated with it Questions related to their sexual and reproductive health. What do you think of this initiative? Ferdaous Eddhimine:
It is excellent to recognize the importance of monitoring health and sexuality while promoting the autonomy of people with autism, particularly when it comes to understanding and managing different phases of their lives, including sexuality. In this context, the introduction of a SHAGA application by CAM and the UN Fund can certainly bring significant benefits to the lives of people with autism and their families.
To what extent could artificial intelligence (AI) support the learning of autistic children?
Ferdaous Eddhimine:
AI could offer benefits that will certainly contribute significantly to improving the quality of life and learning of children on the autism spectrum, especially since then The person with autism and object relations is much better than with people.
But I think it is a good technique for early diagnosis and quick treatment. It could be an AAC tool for people with autism and a good social stimulator. AI could impress us when it comes to autism, as it is currently doing in other areas.
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