Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Professor Dr. Ameen Al-Yasiri, and under the supervision of the Assistant President for Scientific Affairs, Professor Dr. Mohammed Mansour Al-Khafaji, the Department of Media and Government Communication organized a festival to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. The event was held in collaboration with the DNA Research Center, the College of Basic Education, the College of Education for Human Sciences, and the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Center for Autism Care in Babil Province. The festival was attended by several academic and administrative figures, including the Assistant President for Administrative Affairs, Professor Dr. Mithaq Talib Al-Jubouri; Dean of the College of Basic Education, Professor Dr. Ali Jabbar Abdullah; Dean of the College of Education for Human Sciences, Professor Dr. Mahmoud Al-Shammari; as well as Dr. Lubna Abdulazim Al-Bayati, Director of the Research Center; Dr. Ahmed Al-Khafaji, Director of the Student Activities Department; and Ahmed Al-Zamili, Director of the Media and Government Communication Department, along with a large gathering of professors and students from the university.
The festival began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by reader Hussein Al-Tufaili, followed by a speech from the university president emphasizing the importance of dedicating a global day to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He highlighted that this day reflects growing attention to this humanitarian and social issue that deserves appreciation and support from everyone. He also pointed out that the University of Babylon has taken significant steps to understand autism s nature and has worked to spread awareness about it while providing a supportive environment for individuals with autism and their families through organizing numerous seminars and workshops.
Professor Dr. Al-Yasiri further explained that this event serves as an important scientific platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge among specialists, academics, and parents. The festival included an awareness lecture delivered by Assistant Lecturer Noor Jamal Talib from the DNA Research Center, which addressed the concept of autism, its causes, symptoms, and key scientific aspects related to this disorder.
The festival also featured impactful activities such as a speech by Ms. Wahad Sadiq from the Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) Center, emphasizing the importance of support and care for this group. Additionally, two theatrical performances were presented: one focused on the effects of social media on individuals, performed by children with autism; while the second highlighted challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, performed by staff members from the center. The festival concluded with certificates of appreciation distributed to participants in recognition of their active contributions to its success.