The start of a journey
turning challenge
into an opportunity
for real change.
When SCADD's journey began in 2009, the challenge was not limited to providing additional services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
The challenge went deeper. Specialized personnel were scarce, and available scientific Arabic content was in its infancy, while the need for evidence-based services was continuously rising.
At that time, the quality of services was not solely tied to the number of available centers or programs, but to the presence of professional knowledge and expertise capable of developing and sustaining those services.
02 — THE VISION WE STARTED WITH
SCADD started with a simple conviction: that the quality of services cannot exceed the quality of the people providing them.
Hence, treatment was linked from the beginning with training, training with field practice, and theoretical knowledge with daily application within therapeutic programs.
The goal was not merely to establish an institution that provides services, but to contribute to building a professional environment more capable of supporting individuals, families, and organizations.
03 — FROM UNIVERSITY TO THE CLINIC
Early collaboration with the University of Nevada contributed to transferring advanced academic and professional expertise to the region, forming an important milestone in the development of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Arabic.
These efforts later contributed to preparing the first Arabic-speaking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2012, a milestone that left a significant impact on developing the field within the region.
Over time, initiatives expanded to include: scientific training, forums, professional supervision, and the dissemination of general knowledge in Arabic, bridging academic learning with direct clinical application.
05 — THOSE WHO CARRY THIS MESSAGE
SCADD is led by a group of specialists whose expertise combines clinical work, education, training, and institutional capacity building.
Over the years, team members participated in designing therapeutic programs, supervising personnel, developing training pathways, and supporting institutions seeking to elevate their quality. These efforts continue today to bridge knowledge and practice, and connect individual needs with the requirements of sector development.
Together, we can build a thriving future for every individual, their family, and community through their potential.