In line with its mission to promote inclusive education and raise awareness about key social and developmental issues, the Faculty of Education at the University of Sciences and Arts in Lebanon (USAL) participated in the Autism Awareness event held at Adduha High School. The event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to enhance public understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Mr. Issa Al-Moussawi, faculty member in the Special Education Program at USAL, delivered an educational session titled “The Screen-Time Puzzle: Risks, Realities, and Developmental Impact.” The session explored the developmental risks associated with excessive digital exposure in early childhood, with particular emphasis on its impact on children with ASD. Mr. Al-Moussawi addressed the cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges linked to unregulated screen use, highlighting its influence on attention regulation, language development, and social communication skills.
The session also featured an interactive discussion on how to reduce the adverse effects of screen time through structured educational planning. Mr. Al-Moussawi concluded by presenting a set of evidence-based educational strategies and developmental support practices designed to guide both parents and educators in creating balanced digital environments that meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum.