By Zayed Alzyoud
The School of Educational Sciences at the University of Jordan (UJ) received an academic delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for discussions on exchanging expertise in autism spectrum disorder, special education, and psychology and rehabilitation sciences.
Talks focused on strengthening academic cooperation and sharing experience in education and research. The delegation was briefed on the School’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, in addition to its applied training pathways designed to build specialised competencies and enhance professional support services.
The delegation included President of the Kurdistan Autism Association Prof. Behkhtyar Raouf, and Director of Programmes at the Scientific Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at the University of Sulaimaniyah Dr. Kani Salar. They were accompanied by Director General of SCADD Jordan Mohammad Abu Dalhoum, and Marketing and Business Development Director at SCADD Jordan Dr. Mohammad Iqneibi.
Dean of the School of Educational Sciences Prof. Muhammad Alzyoud welcomed the delegation, noting that the School offers 35 academic programmes across six departments at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He highlighted ongoing development in special education, counselling, and psychological therapy, and affirmed the School’s readiness to expand cooperation in autism and special education through joint initiatives and capacity building programmes serving local and regional needs.
The meeting was attended by vice deans, department heads, and faculty members. Presentations outlined the School’s applied training model, which features expanded and more evenly distributed field training hours across the years of study, alongside career readiness preparation aligned with labour market needs, particularly in autism related fields. Field training requirements have been increased to 18 credit hours, up from 12.
The School also presented its partnership pathways with ministries, institutions, and specialised public and private centres, aimed at securing accredited training placements and supporting sustained academic and practical exchange.
The visiting delegation commended the School’s experience, describing it as a successful model, and expressed interest in advancing cooperation in the areas discussed.