In a landmark achievement for the region, Al-Sibtayn Academy for Autism and Developmental Disorders, affiliated with the Health and Medical Education Authority at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), has officially received international accreditation from the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence in the United States. This institution is one of the most respected organizations for evaluating and accrediting centers that specialize in developmental and behavioral disorders around the world.

Dr. Haider Al-Abadi, head of the Health and Medical Education Authority, described the accreditation as a global recognition of the high quality of services provided by the academy and a reflection of its full adherence to international best practices in the care and treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental challenges.

He added that while a large public celebration had been planned to mark the occasion with broad official participation, recent circumstances prevented that. Instead, the announcement was made through the academy’s official platforms.

Dr. Al-Abadi emphasized that the accreditation positions Al-Sibtayn Academy on the global map of internationally certified institutions in this field, making it the first of its kind in the Middle East. He expressed hope that this milestone would pave the way for other Iraqi institutions, such as Al-Thaqalayn Academy in Basra, to pursue and attain similar recognition.

With this achievement, every aspect of Al-Sibtayn Academy’s treatment and behavioral intervention programs will now be subject to ongoing scientific review and periodic evaluation by international expert committees. This ensures continuous improvement and the best possible outcomes for the children who receive its services.

The academy’s administration described the accreditation as the start of a new phase of systematic, evidence-based institutional work and a strong motivation to keep advancing its services and raising the quality of care provided to children and their families.

Ebrahim Al-Owainy