Iraq opens higher diploma program for autism centers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has launched a higher vocational diploma program for autism spectrum disorder centers across the country. The program is intended to build a unified approach to autism care and consolidate treatment protocols under a single framework. Adil Abdurrahman al-Salih, a neuropsychological treatment sciences consultant at the ministry's Center for Psychological Research, said the program was established on the recommendation of the National Community Awareness and Guidance Committee, which operates under the Prime Minister's Office. Autism spectrum disorder is described as a neurodevelopmental condition that has become more prevalent in recent years and requires regular coordination between families, care centers, schools and health and education institutions. The diploma will be delivered at the Autism Disorder Center through coordination between the ministry's Center for Psychological and Parapsychological Research, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the University of Iraq. According to the ministry, the first intake of the program is scheduled to begin in September.