Identifying major research themes in the literature on developmental disabilities in Middle Eastern countries: A scientometric review from 1962 to 2023.

Fong et al. (2023) counted every paper on developmental disabilities written in or about the Middle East from 1962 to 2023. They used scientometrics—fancy word for "science of science"—to see which topics show up most. The final pile held 1,110 articles from Scopus.

Genetics ruled the shelf. Most studies asked which genes are linked to disability, not how to help kids learn skills or access services. Clinical diagnosis, everyday management, and treatment studies were rare. In short, the region has heaps of DNA data but little guidance for teachers, BCBAs, or families.

Eussen et al. (2016) saw the same hole earlier. Their 2016 scoping review of Arab-world inclusive-education papers found only 42 studies, again mostly attitudes and barriers, not classroom fixes. Seraphina widens the lens and confirms the gap is still there.

Lim et al. (2023) ran an almost identical scientometric scan on Africa. They also found mountains of medical-model papers and only a small, newer cluster on "systems of care." The two reviews rhyme: both regions publish genes first, services later.

Zakirova-Engstrand et al. (2024) sharpen the point. Only 11 autism studies existed across five Central-Asian countries. Put together, these cousin papers show a single story: from Central Asia to the Middle East to Africa, applied behavior-analytic and intervention research is the missing piece.

If you write treatment plans, train teachers, or lobby for funding in the Middle East, lean on genetics findings only lightly. Push for single-case or group-design studies that show how ABA, classroom supports, or parent coaching work locally. Pitch universities joint projects; the scientometric map proves the niche is wide open.