Doctoral candidates in the Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities programme, specialising in autism, at the College of Education, Administrative and Technical Sciences of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) have toured the Abdullatif AlFozan Autism Centre (AFAC) in Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The visit formed part of a training programme overseen by Dr Wid Daghustani, Associate Professor of Special Education and programme coordinator, and Professor Bandar Al Otaibi. 

Dr Daghustani emphasised that the aim of the visit was to broaden postgraduate students’ horizons through direct exposure to field practices in autism spectrum disorder, thereby honing their academic and professional competencies.  

This visit formed one of a series of field activities organised by the programme to strengthen collaboration between the university and specialist disability‑care institutions, positively impacting student skill development and contributing to the advancement of both the educational and social sectors.  

The doctoral candidates commended the centre’s advanced humanitarian services, which have established it as an autism‑friendly facility benefiting around 240 children. They also lauded the building’s intelligent infrastructure, designed specifically to meet the needs of its users.  

During the visit, the students received specialist training tailored to their academic requirements and led a workshop entitled “Designing Social Stories for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The session aimed to teach children essential life and social skills, thereby promoting one of the principal objectives of rehabilitation: enhanced autonomy.