Bethlehem University is making significant strides in child and adolescent neuropsychology, addressing a critical need in the Palestinian community and beyond. Driven by its professional and social responsibility, the University continues to work on establishing a specialization in neuropsychology in Palestine, as well as contributing to the development of this specialization across the Arab world.
Dr. Ahmed F. Fasfous, Associate Professor in Neuropsychology at Bethlehem University, emphasizes the importance of neuropsychology in addressing the social determinants of health. Research shows that factors like poverty, violence, and discrimination can negatively impact neurodevelopment, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention deficits hyperactivity disorder “ADHD” and specific learning disorders “SLD”.
The ongoing Israeli occupation and the recent war in Gaza are creating a situation where the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in Palestine is expected to rise. This necessitates a proactive approach to support children and adolescents facing such challenges.
Bethlehem University in partnership with Hebron University-Palestine has launched the first Master’s program in child neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Arab world. The program is supported by the European Union and in cooperation with the University of Granada-Spain, and other Arab and European universities. This joint effort contributed to the establishment of the Neuropsychology Lab at the university, which equips graduate students with the opportunity to develop practical skills, especially in neuropsychological assessment and interventions. In addition to the above, a new Bachelor’s program in Child and Adolescent Psychology has been developed, incorporating various courses on neuropsychology, clinical psychology, and developmental disorders.
Bethlehem University is also committed to fostering a robust research culture in neuropsychology. This includes establishing a research unit dedicated to conducting field studies relevant to the Palestinian context, developing and standardizing culturally appropriate neuropsychological tools for assessment and diagnosis, and contributing to the field of cultural neuropsychology by exploring how cultural factors influence neuropsychological performance.
Dr. Fasfous has also edited a special issue of The Bethlehem University Journal on neuropsychology (volume 39-2023). This volume reflects the diverse international experiences and practices in the field. It includes contributions from researchers in Spain, France, Guatemala, Colombia, and the US. Such international practices serve as research paradigms in neuropsychology that can be developed and adapted to fit the Palestinian and Arab contexts.
These initiatives highlight Bethlehem University’s commitment in addressing the needs of the Palestinian community. By equipping future generations of professionals and fostering research, the university plays a crucial role in promoting the well-being of children and adolescents in the region and beyond.