The School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan received an academic delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in a visit aimed at exploring the School’s pioneering academic, practical, and research experience in the fields of autism spectrum disorder, psychological and rehabilitation sciences, and special education, as well as discussing prospects for joint cooperation and the exchange of academic expertise in a way that serves education and scientific research in the region.
The visit focused on introducing the academic and training programs offered by the School at both undergraduate and graduate levels, the mechanisms for preparing specialized competencies in accordance with the latest global practices, and the development of supportive practices for relevant groups, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder.
The delegation included the President of the Kurdistan Autism Association, Mr. Bakhtiar Raouf; a representative of the University of Sulaimaniyah and Director of Programs at the Scientific Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (SCADD) – Kurdistan Branch, Dr. Kani Salar; accompanied by the Director General of SCADD Jordan, Mr. Mohammad Abu Dalhoum, and the Director of Marketing and Business Development at SCADD Jordan, Dr. Mohammad Eqneibi. It is worth noting that SCADD is an international organization specializing in behavioral therapy and developmental support for children and is considered an accredited center for autism spectrum disorder in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The Dean of the School, Prof. Mohammad Sayel Al-Zyoud, welcomed the visiting delegation and presented a comprehensive overview of the School’s establishment and academic mission, its 35 academic programs distributed across six departments at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as its most prominent research and applied achievements and its advanced standing in Arab and global rankings.
Prof. Al-Zyoud stated that the visit represents a practical model of Arab academic integration and reflects the growing confidence in the experience accumulated by the School over years in the fields of special education, autism spectrum disorder, and psychological and rehabilitation sciences. He added: “At the School of Educational Sciences, we adopt a clear vision based on genuine integration between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and on preparing graduates who possess scientific competence, professional skills, and a strong human dimension in dealing with special groups, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder.”
He explained that the School has, in recent years, placed special emphasis on updating its study plans in line with global developments by introducing advanced applied courses, strengthening early field training, and building strategic partnerships with specialized centers at local and regional levels. He noted that increasing practical training hours to 18 credit hours instead of 12 came as a direct response to labor market needs and the requirements of contemporary professional practice.
Prof. Al-Zyoud also pointed out that the School operates according to a participatory approach with official and civil institutions, stating: “We believe that issues related to autism and special education cannot be addressed in isolation from community partnerships. Therefore, we ensure that our students are actively engaged in the field, interacting with real cases and participating in assessment and early intervention programs under specialized academic supervision.” He further emphasized the School’s aspiration to expand international and regional cooperation in scientific research, particularly applied research that contributes to the development of diagnostic tools, intervention programs, and behavioral therapy approaches. He also welcomed the exchange of students and faculty members, the implementation of joint training programs, and the organization of specialized conferences and workshops.
The meeting was attended by vice deans, heads of academic departments, and specialized academics, who presented overviews of their expertise and areas of work, highlighting applied experiences, practical training mechanisms, academic and training program development, and the integration of specialized courses related to career readiness in line with labor market needs.
In this context, faculty members in the field of special education emphasized the distinction of the School’s study plans, which were designed according to modern scientific foundations aimed at preparing students to professionally and academically deal with persons with disabilities in their various forms, including developmental, sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities, as well as communication and learning disorders. They explained that these plans focus on building deep understanding of the characteristics of each group, methods of assessment and diagnosis, and evidence-based intervention and rehabilitation strategies, combining theoretical knowledge with structured practical application through progressive field-based courses that enable students to transition from classrooms to real work environments under specialized academic and professional supervision.
Faculty members further noted that the University of Jordan, represented by the School, has established effective and sustainable partnerships with governmental and private entities, including ministries, official institutions, schools, rehabilitation centers, associations, and specialized civil society organizations, to provide accredited practical training opportunities for students. These partnerships allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real practical contexts, interact directly with cases, and participate in designing and implementing individualized educational plans and early intervention programs. They stressed that these partnerships have contributed to enhancing graduates’ readiness for the labor market and strengthening their professional competence and ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
Both sides also discussed several developmental pathways that the School is currently implementing to enhance its educational outcomes, foremost among them establishing partnerships based on mutual benefit with ministries, institutions, and specialized centers, whether public or private, in order to provide accredited training placements, support the exchange of academic and applied expertise, and strengthen joint applied scientific research.
At the conclusion of the visit, the visiting delegation expressed its appreciation for the advanced experience of the School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan, considering it a successful model to be emulated locally and regionally. The delegation praised the academic and practical level it had observed and expressed a strong desire to build sustainable bridges of cooperation in the key areas discussed. Prof. Al-Zyoud concluded by affirming that the School places its expertise and capabilities at the service of educational institutions in the region, stating: “We value this visit and view it as a first step toward a sustainable scientific partnership with institutions in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in a manner that serves our shared mission of advancing education, building human capacity, and supporting groups most in need of care and rehabilitation.”