The Barzani Charity Foundation has reopened the government autism center in Erbil. This effort strengthens services for children with autism across the Kurdistan Region. Nearly 3,900 children currently live with autism, making expanded support urgent.
BCF President Musa Ahmad explained that the project was coordinated with the Association of Iraqi Private Banks. He emphasized that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs holds primary responsibility, but the foundation stands ready to assist fully.
Ahmad highlighted the success of BCF’s autism centers. For instance, 63 autistic children from the Emirates Autism Center in Erbil have returned to mainstream schools. “This achievement fills us with pride,” he said.
The foundation also provides training, expertise, teachers, and equipment to support all autism centers affiliated with the Ministry. Currently, Erbil hosts 14 centers, Sulaimani 8, Duhok 7, and Garmian 4.
The Kurdistan Autism Association is also expanding services. They plan two new specialized centers in Harir and Rizgari. These centers will train children and guide parents to engage more effectively at home. Kamal Jabari, Association President, said, “Buildings alone are not enough. Centers need specialized staff to provide real support.”
The Kurdistan Regional Government complements these efforts. It provides extended maternity leave for public-sector mothers of children with autism. The KRG also submitted a registry of autistic children to Baghdad to classify them as individuals with special needs, which would allow them to receive monthly assistance.
Private and government collaboration ensures broader impact. The reopening of the Erbil center marks a key step in creating a framework that combines NGOs, government support, and professional expertise.
Musa Ahmad concluded, “Every child with autism in Kurdistan deserves the opportunity to learn, to develop, and to live with dignity. Our centers demonstrate what determination and coordination can achieve.”