Zati Lebanon Association

Zati Lebanon Association (ZLA) is a Lebanese non-profit organisation working to promote mental health, psychosocial wellbeing, inclusion, and protection for children, youth, and families affected by vulnerability, displacement, and chronic stress, including individuals with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Since 2023, ZLA has expanded its mandate beyond autism to deliver community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes addressing emotional distress, trauma, and social exclusion. Between 2023 and 2025, ZLA implemented structured MHPSS initiatives combining psychosocial group sessions, art- and play-based interventions, caregiver support, and community outings for children. These activities were designed to strengthen emotional regulation, social interaction, resilience, and safe engagement in community life, while reducing stigma around mental health and neurodiversity. ZLA’s work emphasises evidence-informed, trauma-aware, and culturally adapted approaches, underpinned by strong safeguarding, Do No Harm principles, and accountability to affected populations. The organisation also invests in youth capacity building, training psychology and social science students in Psychological First Aid and basic psychosocial support under professional supervision. ZLA’s vision is a society where children, youth, and families—regardless of neurodiversity or mental health status—thrive as emotionally supported, empowered, and socially included members of their communities.