Rabat – The news of Doctor Karmi Benabdeslam is of public interest to Moroccans who otherwise hear very little of the successes of Moroccans with autism.
Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education, Academic Research, and Innovation hosted the 31-year-old doctorate holder and awarded him a recognition certificate in honor of his successful academic career.
The young researcher discussed his Doctoral thesis at Mohammed V Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rabat.
Originally from Rabat, Benabdeslam prepared his doctoral dissertation, titled ‘Jesus’ Mission from the Bible and the Koran’on the theme of creed and Abrahamic religions.
Noting the unprecedented achievement, Benabdeslam gained national acclaim from Mohammed V University President, Mohammed Rhachi, who tweeted:
“This is a young man who overcame all obstacles, Karim is the first person with autism to hold a doctorate degree in Morocco. A moment that fills the eyes with tears and the heart with joy. Karim not only held a Doctorate degree with a ‘very honorable’ distinction, but he also offered us a lesson in the value of perseverance and patience.”
شاب تحدى كل الصعاب، كريم المصاب بالتوحد أول شاب مغربي توحدي ينال دكتوراه بالمغرب، لحظة تدمع العين وتفرح القلب. كريم لم ينل فقط شهادة الدكتوراه بمشرف جدا فقط، بل أعطى درسا في الإصرار والصبر. شكرا كريم.#جامعة_محمد_الخامس_بالرباط #التوحد #دكتوراه #الرباط pic.twitter.com/QyocANHMjL
— Mohammed RHACHI (@MohammedRhachi) December 18, 2021
The Moroccan Academy for Craftsmen with Autism, a non-profit organization, issued an official statement congratulating the young researcher in a Facebook post reading:
“On the occasion of Karim, being a person with autism, holding a doctorate degree. We wish him a very successful academic career and we reiterate that strong will is the essence of life.”
Autism is a developmental disorder that challenges individuals’ abilities to communicate and function with society.
However, autism is not a mental disability. In Morocco, where it remains largely considered so, children with autism are less likely to find public schools providing qualified personnel and proper structures to succeed academically.
Also Read: Autism in Morocco: The Hidden Facts
