Public Affairs

In a formal signing ceremony, The American University of Kuwait (AUK) and the ABC Center for Early Intervention, a leading center in the field of early intervention and Applied Behavior Analysis – ABA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate collaboration between the two parties on a wide spectrum of resources, programs, and activities. 

The MOU was signed by AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad, and Co-founder & Executive Chairman of ABC Kuwait, Dr. Abdullah Al Ali. 
 
The partnership agreement aims to provide an integrated cooperation system that effectively trains and equips AUK students specializing in Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBSA) to be ABA therapists that manage and assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The partnership supports both parties’ efforts in providing appropriate and suitable support to individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families, by making the science of ABA accessible to students in local universities and facilitating access to the best possible care and training in the region based on the best international practices. 
 
Dr. Rawda Awwad welcomed the MOU with ABC Center for Early Intervention and stated that “Collaborative partnerships such as these are central to our AUK mission in aiming to improve the lives of individuals in our communities through our students who have the academic strength and intellect, as well as the compassion, and who seek to acquire the specialization necessary to make a substantive difference.”   
 
In this regard Dr. Abdullah AlAli, ABC’s Co-Founder, stated: “ABA intervention program transformed the lives of children on the spectrum. However, in Kuwait there is a lack of ABA service provision by dedicated specialists and there isn’t an ABA program being offered in any local university. Therefore, the inception of the idea of collaborating with AUK came to light, to create an ABA program through their Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in order to raise awareness on ABA and provide employment opportunities for their students in this fast-growing field. This will not only improve the economic stature of our country by providing more employment opportunities to students. But it will also provide children with autism with professionals that can help them change their lives.” Dr. Abdullah AlAli also added: “Today, with great enthusiasm and pleasure we signed the MOU with AUK as we believe this is the first step of a promising journey in which we will witness the benefit of this partnership reaping for everyone in society and most importantly these children.” 
 
 
Autism spectrum disorder – ASD affects the development of the brain in children.  It specifically affects their ability to communicate, socially interact, and their overall behavior. However, through Applied Behavior Analysis – ABA early intervention, these children’s lives are transformed and they are able to acquire the necessary skills to lead an independent life, build meaningful relationships, and become an integral part of society. 
 
About ABC: 
ABC was established in 2011 providing the highest level of intervention services to children with autism and related disorders and offering evidence-based ABA programs, which has transformed the lives of over hundreds of children. 
  
Today ABC has the 2nd largest team of ABA specialists in the Middle East and North Africa, with 10 BCBAs, 17 BCBAs in training, and is being led by a senior management that have a collective 40 years of experience.

 
 

Images from the MoU signing event featuring AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad, and Co-founder & Executive Chairman of ABC Kuwait, Dr. Abdullah Al Ali; along with their teams.