Western Thrace academician Burak Adil earns PhD in disability studies

Burak Adil, an academic from Western Thrace, has completed his PhD program at the Institute of Social Sciences of Trakya University and received his doctoral degree in Disability Studies.

Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Adil said his achievement represents not only a personal milestone but also a modest contribution to the educational journey of the Turkish minority of Western Thrace.

"Every achievement has a story behind it. My story began with the determination to pursue a dream that was built in Western Thrace. The doctoral title I have received today is not only a personal success; I hope it becomes a small note in the educational journey of the Turkish minority of Western Thrace and a source of hope for the dreams of our children and young people," Adil said.

Emphasizing that the achievement represents a shared source of pride for his family, professors, friends and everyone who supported him throughout his academic journey, Adil said he was pleased to contribute to the field of special education after years of research and effort.

Adil stated that his doctoral dissertation was titled "The Effect of Play-Based Attention Training on Attention and Language Skills of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder." He said he believes the study will contribute to children's development and described the research as more than an academic project, calling it a meaningful legacy he hopes to leave for the future.

During his statement, Adil expressed his gratitude to his academic advisor Associate Professor Gökhan Ilgaz, as well as jury members Professor Yeşim Fazlıoğlu, Associate Professor Mehmet Yavuz, Assistant Professor İrem Altan Aksu and Assistant Professor Cihan Albay for their support throughout the doctoral process.

Looking ahead, Adil said he will continue producing scientific research and contributing to society, children, families and Western Thrace with the same dedication and determination.