Scientific Symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorder at the College of Medicine – University of Babylon
Under the patronage of the President of the University of Babylon, Prof. Dr. Amin Ajeel Al-Yasiri, and as part of the Continuing Medical Education activities and the Sustainable Development Goals at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, the Department of Pediatrics organized a scientific symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The event was attended by the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Muhannad Abbas Al-Shallal, along with the scientific and administrative assistants, the Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Rehab Faisal Lafta, as well as several faculty members and staff.
The scientific session was chaired by Assistant Professor Dr. Rabee Mohsen Hassani and co-chaired by Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Hadi Al-Dhabbahwi. Presentations were delivered by Lecturer Dr. Qusay Nasser Hussein and Lecturer Dr. Ahmed Abdulmohsen Fakhri.
The symposium covered the definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and interacts with others socially, leading to difficulties in communication and interaction. It also addressed the signs, symptoms, causes, early detection, methods of diagnosis and treatment, and the prognosis of autism.
The symposium concluded with several important recommendations, including the urgent need to establish a specialized center under the Babylon Health Directorate for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. This comes especially in light of the opening of specialized clinics at Babylon Maternity and Children’s Hospital and Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital, where three pediatricians hold fellowships in this field. It also emphasized the importance of coordination with the Autism Treatment Center at Dhi Qar Children’s Teaching Hospital, which is managed by pediatricians with subspecialty certification in pediatric neurology and psychiatry, and the benefit of their expertise.
It further stressed the need to monitor the operational frameworks of existing autism centers in Babylon Province, which are currently run by graduates of psychological education colleges and lack specialized medical personnel.
Additionally, the symposium highlighted the need to raise community awareness about autism—particularly regarding early signs that necessitate consultation with a specialist—as early diagnosis of mild cases can lead to significantly better outcomes. It recommended conducting in-depth research into potential causes of autism, especially certain viral infections in children and the child’s dietary habits. A rising incidence of autism has been observed in families of higher socioeconomic status, possibly linked to a reliance on processed or fast foods. The symposium also called for further investigation into any potential connection between certain vaccines and the development of autism.
Finally, the symposium warned against the excessive use of psychiatric and neurological medications in children with autism, due to their possible side effects, which may sometimes be counterproductive