Abu Dhabi Stories

There was a time when Sharifa Yateem’s name was just another introduction, a passing detail in a conversation. What no one knew then, however, was that this name would soon be etched into history.

She would become the first Emirati specialist in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a pioneer in a field unknown in the UAE. Through determination and a pursuit of knowledge, she would go on to leave a lasting mark on behavioral therapy and open doors that had never existed before.

A Childhood that Sparked a Passion

Growing up in Abu Dhabi, Sharifa was surrounded by a supportive family that valued hard work and heart. She learned early on that true success wasn’t just about what you do, but how much of yourself you put into it. That belief stayed with her, shaping a career driven by purpose, dedication, and the desire to make a difference.

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A Question that Changed Everything

For years, Sharifa was certain of her path—she would become a doctor. But then, a simple question changed everything.

"Why won’t my son eat?" a mother of a child with autism asked her, hoping for an answer. Sharifa didn’t have one. But instead of moving on, she let the question linger. Why didn’t he eat? What could be done?

That curiosity led her to psychology and, eventually, to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a field nearly unheard of in the UAE at the time. Yet, Sharifa saw its potential, not just as a career, but as a way to help families searching for answers.

Bringing a New Science to Abu Dhabi

Determined to bring ABA therapy to her country, Sharifa pursued her studies in Ireland, a journey filled with doubts from those around her. The field was new, unfamiliar, and few understood why she had chosen it.

Sharifa was unwavering. She earned her degree and returned to Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Emirati specialist in ABA. Yet, when she arrived, she found only one center in the entire country offering ABA therapy. The need was immense, and she knew she had to do more

The Uae’s First Emirati Aba Centre

During the pandemic, Sharifa supported families remotely, helping children and parents navigate new challenges. But it wasn’t enough. Abu Dhabi needed a dedicated centre, a place designed for families seeking real solutions.

Her father believed in her vision. "I’ll give you a space—start your own clinic," he told her.

And she did.

But for Sharifa, opening a centre wasn’t just about providing therapy. She knew that the future of ABA in the UAE depended on training Emirati specialists who understood the culture and could support families in ways that international experts could not.

She built a team of local professionals, ensuring that children with autism received the support they needed from people who understood them, their families, and their community.

Abu Dhabi: A Launchpad for Change

To Sharifa, autism isn’t a barrier; it’s a world of untapped potential. She doesn’t just see challenges. She sees talents waiting to be nurtured, abilities waiting to be discovered.

Through her work, she hopes to change perceptions, open conversations, and encourage families in Abu Dhabi to see their children’s abilities, not their limitations.

Her journey has already reshaped the field, but for her, this is only the beginning.

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