The graduation ceremony for children with autism in Erbil is one of the important humanitarian events held annually by the Emirates Autism Center, affiliated with the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF).
The ceremony celebrates children who have successfully completed their educational, psychological, rehabilitation, and skills-development programs at the center. It also highlights their progress and readiness to take the next step toward inclusive and mainstream education.
The sixth graduation ceremony of children with autism at the Emirates Autism Center in Erbil was held on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in the presence of Farzin Bagzada, Ismail Abdulaziz, and Karzan Nouri, members of the Board of Directors of the Barzani Charity Foundation; Hussein Fariq, President of the Kurdistan Autism Association; as well as the children’s families, teachers, and representatives of several media outlets.
During the ceremony, Dr. Rawisht Rashid, Advisor to the President of the Barzani Charity Foundation and Supervisor of the Foundation’s Autism Centers, said that the number of children with autism has increased globally, including in the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the need for continued attention and coordinated efforts by governments, healthcare institutions, and humanitarian organizations.
Dr. Rawisht stated that, according to the center’s records, the rate of children who have successfully progressed through rehabilitation and transitioned to mainstream education in the Kurdistan Region has reached more than 35%. He explained that out of 351 children who have been admitted to the centers, 103 have successfully completed their rehabilitation programs and transitioned to mainstream education.
He also highlighted a need for additional specialized services for children over the age of six. Currently, the Foundation’s autism centers primarily admit children under the age of six, while many older children remain without access to specialized rehabilitation and educational services. He called for appropriate facilities and programs to be established for these children so that they can continue receiving rehabilitation and education and, where appropriate, transition into the mainstream education system. He further emphasized the Foundation’s readiness to cooperate with the relevant government institutions in this area.
As part of the ceremony, the graduating children presented a variety of artistic, musical, and performance activities, showcasing their talents and the skills they had developed throughout their time at the center. A group of graduates presented a performance symbolizing the children’s hopes for a brighter future, while another graduate demonstrated their musical abilities by playing an instrument.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, amid applause from the attendees, Shaman Juma, Director of the Emirates Autism Center in Erbil, presented graduation and recognition awards to the 20 graduating children.
About Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior. Individuals on the autism spectrum may experience differences in speech and communication, social relationships, and understanding or responding to the emotions and behaviors of others.
Some individuals may also have heightened sensitivity to sounds, light, touch, or smells, while others may develop strong interests in particular subjects or prefer specific routines.
Autism is a spectrum, meaning that its characteristics, strengths, challenges, and support needs vary from one individual to another.
According to information presented by the Emirates Autism Center, more than 35% of the children served by the Foundation’s autism centers have successfully progressed through rehabilitation and transitioned to mainstream education. The Barzani Charity Foundation continues to support the development of these humanitarian services, with the aim of ensuring that children and young people with autism have access to appropriate rehabilitation, education, and skills-development opportunities.
