5 Most Inspiring Women Healthcare Leaders in the Arab World, 2025

1. March 2025 WOMEN Healthcare Arab World,?

3. lives.“ Women in healthcare are the heartbeat of healing, blending science with empathy to transform

4. From the EDITOR's Desk

5. N better for everyone. ot all heroes wear capes—some wear lab coats, run hospitals, and change lives with new ideas and kindness. Some don’t just talk about the future; they create it with their actions, making healthcare Across the Arab world, something amazing is happening. Women in healthcare are not just working in the system—they are leading it. They are making big decisions, solving big problems, and proving that leadership is not about having power but about making a difference. These women don’t wait for change. They make it happen. They find ways to help more people, bring new technology into hospitals, and make sure patients get the care they deserve. They are doctors, leaders, and problem-solvers. Most of all, they never give up. Carving New Paths in the Art of Care In our recent edition, ‘5 Most Inspiring Women Healthcare Leaders in the Arab World, 2025,’ Arab Insights Care celebrates these incredible women who are shaping the future of healthcare. Their hard work is not just about bringing in change today; instead, it is about making sure the next generation has an even better healthcare system. As you delve into their stories ahead, kindly remember that the future of healthcare is changing, and these women are leading the way. I hope their stories inspire you! Pearl Shaw Pearl Shaw - Pearl Shaw

6. CO NTE NTS CO NTE NTS Cover Story 08 Meera Ramani

7. Profile Anne Lepelaars Championing Staff Wellbeing for Thriving Workplaces 24 Articles Cultural Compassion Redefining ABA for Developmental Care in the Arab World 18 Mind and Method Blending ABA with Mental Health Support for Kids Who Thrive Differently 30

8. Thanh Truong Editor-in-Chief Pearl Shaw Managing Editor Natalie May Execu?ve Editor David King Visualiser Sarah Davis Art & Design Head Anna Lee Asst. Vice President Shaima Aziz Sr. Sales Manager Nora Habib Business Development Execu?ve Mark Anderson Technical Head Jessica Thompon Technical Specialist Digital Marke?ng Manager Chris Evans Circula?on Manager Kelly Green sales@arabinsightscare.com March 2025 Contact Us: Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - +1614-602-4132 We are also available on : Copyright © 2025 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmi?ed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights success. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Arab Insights Care is powered by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd.

9. 5 MOST INSPIRING WOMEN HEALTHCARE LEADERS IN THE ARAB WORLD, 2025 Featuring Person Organiza?on Brief LifeWorks - Counselling & Mental Health Centre lifeworks.ae Aar? champions mental health, crea?ng a suppor?ve haven where counseling and care empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Aar? Oberoi Founder Anne blends psychology and leadership exper?se to foster staff wellbeing, empowering organiza?ons worldwide to build resilient, engaged cultures through presence and support. The Happy Humanitarian the-happy -humanitarian.com Anne Lepelaars Staff Wellbeing Consultant Irina Zaporozhets President and General Manager - META Irina advances healthcare in the META region, leading with exper?se to deliver impac?ul medical solu?ons and improve lives globally. Eli Lilly and Company lilly.com Karen Kamel Regional Managing Director Karen drives health-focused innova?on, blending strategic vision with crea?vity to enhance wellbeing and communica?on across diverse regional landscapes. MccannHealth mccannhealth.ae Meera champions children with developmental disabili?es, blending science, compassion, and cultural insight to create a transforma?ve, nurturing movement across the Arab world. Meera Ramani Founder and Managing Director Behaviour Enrichment Group behaviourenrichment.com

11. Meera Ramani Meera Ramani Founder and Managing Director Behaviour Enrichment Group

13. 5 Most Inspiring Women Healthcare Leaders in the Arab World, 2025 E very child deserves a chance to thrive, but for many with developmental disabilities, that chance comes with obstacles. Meera Ramani saw this challenge firsthand and turned it into a lifelong mission. What began as a simple volunteer opportunity has evolved into a transformative movement which now serves families together with children throughout the Arab world. As the Founder and Managing Director ofBehaviour Enrichment Group, Meera has created a space where children with autism and other special needs develop their capabilities for survival in unsupportive environments. Let’s get inspired by Meera’s dedication to improving the lives of children through innovative behavioural health practices! A Journey Rooted in Early Experience Meera’s story in the field of mental health and ABA began long before she founded Behaviour Enrichment Group. She traces her roots to India, where she volunteered at a large nonprofit organization more than 25 years ago. It was during this time that she first noticed the increasing need for support for children with developmental disabilities. “I realized then that children could become socially sustainable and productive if attended to early in life,” she recalls. This realization was a pivotal moment in her life, sparking a passion to work with children facing these challenges and ultimately shaping her future path. Behaviour Enrichment Group Her professional journey in mental health and Applied Behaviour Analysis extends beyond education to create real-world changes that benefit children. Through her knowledge of scientific evidence together with compassion and cultural sensitivity Meera designed a care approach which exceeds traditional standards. It’s this very approach that has led to Behaviour Enrichment Group shining as a hope for many families facing the complex challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities. Meera’s decision to pursue psychology and special education was driven by her desire to make a difference. As she advanced in her studies, she sought out opportunities to gain certifications in ABA, becoming a Board-Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) and a Board- Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Over the years, she has worked closely with numerous families and individuals, seeing firsthand the life-changing effects of ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Her fundamental principle asserts that children stand equally capable of achieving success no matter the obstacles they encounter. As a result of her executive guidance Behaviour Enrichment Group established an environment that combines data analytics with nurturing practices to build essential skills and help children grow into confident global citizens. Through her long-standing dedication Meera created significant impacts, not just in the UAE, but across the broader Arab region. “I was convinced that I should contribute to these efforts, which bring relief to both children and parents,” she shares. Her experience and knowledge, combined with a deep sense of empathy, have driven her mission to make a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities. One obvious sign of the growth of behavioural health is acceptance by insurance companies, and that too cardless. A few years ago, this was not the case, unlike in the West. The Birth of Behaviour Enrichment Group In 2017, after working in various healthcare settings, Meera recognized a significant gap in the services available for children with autism and other special needs in Dubai. While the city had access to numerous healthcare services, comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that integrated ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy were few and far between. This gap in services prompted her to take the next step: she founded Behaviour Enrichment Group. ‘ “I realized the need for comprehensive ABA, Speech, and OT services in Dubai over eight years ago,” she explains. Her goal was simple yet ambitious—provide high-quality

14. care that was not only effective but also sensitive to the cultural dynamics of the region. From the outset, she focused on creating an environment where every child felt respected and understood. What sets Behaviour Enrichment Group apart is its child- centered approach. She emphasizes that the child’s development is the top priority, even when it doesn’t make financial sense. “A leading consultant told me when I established the business, ‘too much passion is bad for business!’ I am happy to have proven him wrong!” Meera smiles. And indeed, her passionate commitment to the cause has been a cornerstone of the organization’s growth. Over the years, Behaviour Enrichment Group has expanded its services, providing a comprehensive suite of therapies to support children’s developmental needs. Meera’s Most Memorable Success Stories One of the most rewarding aspects of Meera’s work has been the tangible impact she has had on children’s lives. Among the many success stories, one stands out. “A 3-year- old girl from Pakistan came to me with no speech and mild autism. Over three years, our efforts resulted in her becoming completely normal,” she reflects. The girl’s father later reached out to her with a message that continues to bring her joy: his daughter had topped her school’s final exam. He even went on to establish a school in Pakistan and named it after Meera as a tribute to the life-changing work she had done for his daughter. These success stories are not isolated. In fact, they are a testament to the efficacy of the services provided at Behaviour Enrichment Group. “Our happiest moments occur when our kids are accepted by mainstream schools and blend seamlessly with other children,” she says. The feedback from parents further underscores the positive impact her team has on families. One parent shared: "BE is really a fantastic place parents can choose for their little ones with special needs. Affordable price, very good class room atmosphere, very kind, well trained, dedicated staffs, very talented, energetic, passionate, kind hearted guide/mentor Ms. Meera Ramani, all make BE as one of the best centers in the city. Needless to say that parents will get to notice big improvements in their children within a short period of time. Great work team BE!” This sentiment is echoed by many others who have experienced the transformative effect of the therapies offered at Behaviour Enrichment Group.

15. A leading consultant told me when I established the business, ‘too much passion is bad for business!’ I am happy to have proven him wrong! The combined expertise of Meera and her team has made a lasting impression on families, who appreciate the dedication and compassion of the professionals guiding their children through their developmental journeys. Balancing Leadership, Mentorship and Healthcare Being the leader of an organization like Behaviour Enrichment Group requires more than just professional expertise—it also demands the ability to juggle multiple roles. Meera credits much of her success to the strong, dedicated team that surrounds her. “The simple answer to this is my team! I have very dedicated people all around me!” she says. She adds, “To start with, I have a very supportive family who give me all the free time and space I need. My efficient team of supervisors ensures they provide guidance and programs to the therapists. Specifically, I want to credit my husband and investor, Mr. Ramani, My super-efficient COO, Rajashree and my ever-present right hand, Dr. Vani, who have been through with me right from the start. I have a talented team of BCBAs, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and support staff who have been crucial in balancing my roles. We at BE work as one big family!” Her leadership style focuses on fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. It’s clear that the success of Behaviour Enrichment Group is not just about Meera’s vision but the collective effort of every individual involved in the organization.Her leadership style is centered on creating a collaborative and supportive environment. The success of the Behaviour Enrichment Group is a testament not only to Meera's vision but also to the collective efforts

16. In the coming years, I envision significant growth in the demand for rehabilitation services in the UAE and broader Arab region.

17. of every individual within the organization. She would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to the Dubai Government entities—KHDA, DHA, and CDA—for their unwavering support and commitment to uplifting children of determination in the Emirate. Making ABA Accessible and Effective Behaviour Enrichment Group has introduced several innovative approaches to make ABA therapy more accessible in the Arab world. One of the key innovations is the use of bespoke software that collects data in real-time, ensuring that every therapy session is driven by accurate insights. This data-driven approach is fundamental to the personalized care that Behaviour Enrichment Group offers. Furthermore, her team has focused on developing programs that cater to the diverse cultural backgrounds of their clients. “Our parents are culturally diverse, so we had to innovate and introduce programs that cater to various cultures,” she explains. This cultural sensitivity is an essential part of the organization’s success in Dubai and the broader region, where families come from a range of backgrounds. Another forward-thinking initiative has been the focus on older children who often fall through the cracks in typical ABA programs. Behaviour Enrichment Group has developed programs specifically aimed at addressing the needs of older children, filling a gap in the market. Meera is also looking to the future, particularly in the realm of technology. “As we speak, we are seriously looking at AI in general and emotion recognition in particular,” she shares. Meera is not only interested in the potential of AI to enhance therapy, but she also voices concern about the Eu’s stance on emotion recognition technology, which she believes could be an invaluable tool for understanding and helping children with special needs. Breaking Barriers for Women Leaders in Healthcare For women in leadership roles, the challenges can be unique, especially in the Arab world, where cultural norms sometimes present additional obstacles. However, she is quick to point out that being a woman in healthcare leadership is no longer a barrier for her. “To be honest, being a woman in this part of the world is not a challenge at all anymore!” she says with conviction. Still, she acknowledges that navigating cultural nuances and overcoming stereotypes remain challenges, particularly when it comes to parental denial.

18. “A lot of the challenges we face stem from parents’ initial reluctance to accept that their child needs therapy,” she explains. She addresses this challenge by spending ample time with parents, educating them about the benefits of therapy and encouraging them to take an active role in their child’s development. “I’ve also overcome these challenges by building strong relationships with local stakeholders, being adaptable, and staying committed to our mission. Thanks to my wonderful team, they let me grow!” notable sign of progress is the increasing acceptance of behavioural health services by insurance companies, a development that Meera is particularly excited about. “One obvious sign of the growth of behavioural health is acceptance by insurance companies, and that too cardless. A few years ago, this was not the case, unlike in the West,” she explains. She is optimistic about the future of rehabilitation services, including ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. She envisions a future where there is a greater focus on early intervention, personalized care, and technology- integrated services that can revolutionize the field. “In the coming years, I envision significant growth in the demand for rehabilitation services in the UAE and broader Arab region,” she says. Her resilience and ability to break through these barriers have paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Her story is an example of how determination, innovation, and a compassionate approach can make a real difference in healthcare, especially when it comes to advocating for children with special needs. The Future of Behavioural Health in the UAE and Arab World As a leader in this field, Meera and her team are excited to continue contributing to this growth, bringing new possibilities to children in need and setting a new standard for behavioural healthcare across the region. As the UAE and broader Arab region continue to embrace behavioural health services, the future looks bright for organizations like Behaviour Enrichment Group. One

19. Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.

20. REDEFININGABA FOR CARE IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL ARAB WORLD A pplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has proven highly beneficial for developmental care of autistic individuals and those with developmental disabilities throughout the last few years. The global growth of autism and developmental disorder knowledge necessitates ABA practices to change based on cultural conditions where they are implemented. Several cultural values combined with beliefs and domestic conditions within the Arab world directly influence the practices supporting developmental care. Cultural compassion has become a modern method of ABA therapy practice by fusing tested therapeutic methods with cultural awareness to deliver optimal outcomes for individuals who experience developmental disabilities. The Roots of ABA Therapy The principles of learning theory which guide ABA therapy function to modify behaviors through positive reinforcements and harmful behavior reduction in individuals. The medical community established ABA treatments in the 1960s, which have since emerged as the global standard therapeutic approach for autism. Many research studies show that ABA works through its structured treatments while deploying reinforcement methods. These treatments show established success rates. When used extensively in practice today, universal therapy based on general ABA principles might not represent an optimal fit for all cultural settings. March 2025 18 ArabInsightsCare

21. Cultural Compassion Cultural Sensitivity Defined Operational treatment services require healthcare providers to merge patient and family cultural principles together with treatment methods while maintaining appreciation for their beliefs and traditions. People in Arab nations follow different outlooks about family duties and child nurturing along with disability prejudices compared to Western populations that pioneered ABA therapy. The main caregiving role in most Arab nations belongs to family members and disabled patients receive care assistance from nearby relatives and tightknit community networks. In addition, cultural attitudes toward disability in some Arab communities may affect the reception of a diagnosis. Autism, for example, may be misunderstood or stigmatized in some areas, and some families may be resistant to seeking professional help due to public opinion. Such a cultural situation poses a unique challenge to ABA therapists, who must not only employ therapy techniques but also navigate the sensitive terrain of family dynamics and public sentiment regarding disability. March 2025 19 ArabInsightsCare

22. Cultural Compassion Understanding these cultural sensitivities allows therapists to select reinforcement strategies that will be of greatest benefit to the individual without inducing discomfort or misunderstanding in the family. Cultural Compassion in ABA involves the adjustment of treatment procedures to become more sensitive to cultural difference without ever compromising the integrity of the therapy and its science. This is a departure from rule-bound, rigid treatment methods and embraces flexibility, family collaboration, and responsiveness to local patterns of culture. Some of the most distinguishing features of cultural compassion that have the potential to revolutionize ABA in the Arab world are as follows: 4. Language and Communication Styles Language is not anymore the distinctive aspect of ABA therapy. Language is utilized to a large degree for the training of social interaction, communication, and behavior control. Arabic dialects vary not at all from region to region in the Arab world, and sensitivity towards the individual family's dialect is difficult for communication. Translators need to be either culturally trained or natives acquainted with the local language in order to communicate effectively or to convey directions, reinforcement, and feedback. 1. Incorporation of Family-Centered Approaches Family, in the majority of Arab societies, is the primary source of support and care. ABA practitioners working in such a setting have to be considerate of the incorporation of the family members into the therapy. This is not just confined to the immediate family but also extended family members who can play a significant role in the child's life. Family members trust treatment more when they are involved in treatment planning, goal setting, and reinforcement strategy implementation. Getting ABA therapy more family-centered with participation and teaching caregivers to implement strategies daily makes the therapy more effective and culturally responsive. Furthermore, Arab communication can also be less direct than that of Western communities. Hence, ABA therapists have to remain more sensitive to non-verbal cues and nuanced communication to ensure the success of the therapeutic intervention and acceptance. Conclusion Cultural compassion in ABA therapy is a multifaceted development care model within the Arab context. 2. Stigma Reduction through Education and Awareness By expanding the definition of ABA to encompass more community norms, family life, and societal beliefs, therapists can build a more humane and effective intervention model. The scientific foundation of ABA is not compromised by such cultural adaptation, but it enhances its generalizability and acceptability across multicultural environments. As the Arab region grows more open to early intervention and awareness regarding autism, a cautious approach to ABA can serve to ensure that people with developmental disabilities are accorded the respect, care, and support they need. Developmental disability stigma is probably the biggest barrier to ABA therapy practice in the Arab world. By integrating awareness campaigns and educational programs within the therapy, ABA therapists can try to break myths regarding autism and other disabilities. These have to be culturally appropriate, using language and approaches that resonate with local people. Empowering parents and society through informing them of the benefits of early intervention and hope for the promise of outcomes will decrease stigma and encourage more families to access help they need. - Natalie May 3. Cultural Pattern Alignment of ABA Procedures Certain procedures through ABA need to be made more culture-friendly in the Arab context. For example, positive reinforcement, one of the components of ABA, must be consistent with local practice. While public praise may be taboo in some cultures, particularly where extended family is involved, it may be most valued in others. March 2025 20 ArabInsightsCare

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26. 5 Most Inspiring Women Healthcare Leaders in the Arab World, 2025 Anne Lepelas A nne Lepelaars, a dedicated Staff Wellbeing Consultant at The Happy Humanitarian, is on a mission to help organizations truly see, support, and empower their people. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and years of experience working across different countries in psychology, supervision, and leadership roles, she quickly noticed two things: first, how little awareness there is among leaders about the power of truly supporting and motivating their teams, and second, how simple and doable it actually is to create meaningful staff wellbeing programs. Authentic Leadership is a key theme in your consultancy. How do you define it, and how do you help organizations integrate this approach to enhance staff wellbeing and resilience? Authenticity is aligning your behavior with who you are and what you believe in, and being present with that while you engage with clients or staff members. People thrive when they feel safe, seen and supported. Authentic leadership is the vehicle for that. But very often we see leaders in the work environment that play a role, wear a mask, copy their predecessors, or feel robotic and not present for their employees because they never seem to have time or interest in their most important asset: their people. It takes the ability to self-reflect, a lot of courage, and a willingness to be vulnerable to show up as your authentic self while you lead organizations or teams. This is something you can learn through training and coaching; most of us aren’t born with those skills. But if you want psychological safety on the work floor, to help your teams thrive, you have to start there. For Anne, it all comes down to presence—being genuinely there for your staff, colleagues, and clients. When people feel valued, acknowledged, and supported, they bring that energy into their work, which directly drives success for businesses and organizations. Through her consultancy, she helps leaders build cultures of psychological safety, resilience, and engagement. At The Happy Humanitarian, Anne combines her therapy experience, leadership insights, and knowledge of staff wellbeing to help organizations not just function but truly thrive. Whether working with humanitarian teams in crisis settings or corporate leaders looking to create lasting change, she believes that prioritizing staff wellbeing isn’t just an option—it’s the foundation for sustainable success. Working with diverse organizations across the Arab world and beyond, what common challenges do you see in prioritizing staff wellbeing, and how do you address them in your MHPSS frameworks? The first thing I’ve noticed in almost all organizations is that staff wellbeing is dangling at the end of the priority list. “We don’t have time” and “We don’t have money” are the Let’s delve into the interview details below! March 2025 24 ArabInsightsCare

27. Anne Lepelaars Staff Wellbeing Consultant The Happy Humanitarian March 2025 25 ArabInsightsCare

28. Anne Lepelaars on Why Women Leaders Are Key to Thriving Workplaces March 2025 26 ArabInsightsCare

29. most commonly heard objections. But if you calculated how much time, energy, and other resources you are wasting right now because your staff feels overwhelmed, is unable to focus or prioritize, and is not as happy as they could be in their work environment, you’d RUN to me to ask me to set up a staff wellbeing program. The wellbeing of your staff is a direct predictor of the success of your organization. And there are so many ways to incorporate staff wellbeing into your everyday business. Involving staff, giving them resources and autonomy, letting them take the lead, and bringing in external support for training and mentoring will inspire them and give them the acknowledgment they desire. There are so many assets in people that we don’t use, so many incredible ideas—if only we’d truly see our talented staff for all they bring and understand how that would increase sales, efficiency, and continuity. These businesses would be even more successful. most dire work environments, you can help your staff thrive. Knowing that the wellbeing of your staff is a direct predictor of the success of your organization, you can’t give me any excuses as to why the wellbeing of your team is not your highest priority. We stand out in our approach because we have experience (being an employee in such organizations for many years and being a leader as well) of how it is possible, and we can make it happen. We also know what does not work, and it’s amazing to help prevent organizations make these rooky mistakes. I have so many frameworks and policies that can be applied to any kind of organization. But I always say to senior management: it can only work when YOU apply and model it yourself. Staff wellbeing can’t work bottom up only. It has to come from the top. So that’s also why executive (senior) leadership coaching is an inevitable part of our approach. What unique perspectives do you bring as a woman consultant to the traditionally male-dominated humanitarian and leadership spaces, particularly in the Arab world? The Happy Humanitarian has a unique mission. How does your organization stand out in supporting humanitarian workers and leaders to thrive under pressure? I’ve heard that I show a beautiful example of how leadership can be both feminine and masculine. I love embracing the feminine traits of being sensitive, vulnerable, and attuned, while also embodying the masculine strengths From my work as a humanitarian in conflict and crisis settings, I’ve had the chance to experience how even in the March 2025 27 ArabInsightsCare

30. of being confident, clear, and directive in how I lead. I thrive when there is some competitiveness, but I also bring playfulness into it. I embody both. When managers, teams, and clients are in my space, they experience what it’s like to step out of the male-dominated norm and be led in a different way. Change doesn’t come from me telling you how to do it differently; it comes from experiencing something different. Natural law and order can then take over and show managers, teams, and clients how to approach leadership differently, using both female and male qualities combined. ‘‘ mode—because there is more stress and expectations than we can handle—we can’t be creative, optimistic, or resourceful anymore. We simply act from our primal brain, seeing danger everywhere. We can switch that by using techniques that ‘hack’ our nervous system. I already bring a lot of these concepts into the stress management training and leadership coaching that I provide, but I can’t wait for the corporate and humanitarian world to start including this incredible knowledge as a foundation for how the workspace (and our agendas!) are organized. As Women’s Day nears, what advice would you give to aspiring women leaders in healthcare and humanitarian work who want to make a difference in their communities? My leadership and training style have been described as “the power of vulnerability” more times than I can count on my hands. This society tells us over and over again that we should not show our humanness and prefers for us to be optimalized and productive like machines. It’s crazy, we are not wired like that, it won’t sustain. And that orientation takes away all of our unique individual talents and authenticity. If, as leaders, we bring our full selves to work, you’ll notice right away how this impacts your teams and clients and naturally makes any environment people- oriented. And that’s when they start thriving. Surround yourself with women mentors; be very picky in who you spend time with. A lot of this world is dominated by a patriarchal perspective, and it’s contagious. Step into spaces that are led by women, apply for roles that are managed by women that you find inspiring, and make sure you have a female support system that is available for the moments where you experience a lot of resistance. Remember what you are here to do and go one step at a time. You are not just doing this for yourself or the women in your current community; you are doing this for all the girls that are following and will be benefiting from your bravery. Keep going! Looking ahead, what is your vision for The Happy Humanitarian in the next five years, especially in promoting MHPSS and staff wellbeing across diverse cultures and contexts? Bringing more current science into leadership spaces. Science has been showing us over the last decade how much our brains, minds, and thinking are directly influenced by how our bodies and nervous systems are feeling. Our body is a gateway, and our nervous systems determine how we are feeling, which directly impacts our leadership style. If our bodies are in survival March 2025 28 ArabInsightsCare

32. Blending ABA with Support for Thrive Differently Mental Health Kids who D evelopmental and behavioral dysfunctions of such children require an integrated intervention to ensure the well-being of such children. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has served as the backbone for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders to learn how to attain primary skills. But only focusing on behavior modification without any consideration of emotional and psychological stability of the children makes the support system dysfunctional. The synthesis of ABA and mental health therapy gives a more coherent process that sets up functional skills and emotional well-being, and eventually, kids prosper. Understanding ABA ABA is an evidence-based, systematic practice that utilizes the reinforcement of appropriate behavior and the removal of problem or disruptive behavior. ABA uses the principles of learning theory to teach communication, social, and daily living skills. ABA has proved to improve the lives of many children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though effective, ABA has been condemned as being too formulaic and lacking an emotional resonance in children's lives. Some ABA programs in the past have been behavior- focused without being causative-factor-focused for upset, which is disturbing with respect to influencing mental health. ABA, without emotional support, tends to be sometimes coercive compliance rather than intrinsic motivation and self-monitoring. March 2025 30 ArabInsightsCare

33. Mind and Method The Role of Mental Health Treatment Mental health treatment, including counseling, play therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), provide children with the opportunity to describe feelings, process experiences, and learn adaptation strategies. Most typically thriving children experience anxiety, depression, and dysregulation that can interfere with their facilitation by structured approaches like ABA. Adding mental health services means clinicians can now treat emotional sources of problem behavior rather than only treating surface-level behavior change. Holistic treatment offers greater resiliency, self-advocacy, and long- term emotional health. March 2025 31 ArabInsightsCare

34. Integration of ABA and Mental Health Strategies 6. Promoting Self-Advocacy and Independence For there to be an integrated system of care, ABA and mental health programs must work together. Some of the different ways this can be done are as follows: Rather than compliance alone, an integrated approach encourages children to express needs, wants, and feelings. Teaching children self-advocacy can lead to effective communication with fewer frustrations and behavior problems. 1. Joint Treatment Planning The Benefits of an Integrated Approach Rather than operating in individual silos, ABA therapists and mental health professionals must work together with the individual to develop individualized treatment plans. The plans must be aimed at both behavior and emotional goals, so that a comprehensive approach is provided. The integration of ABA and mental health intervention offers a treatment program that enables the acquisition of skills and emotional resilience. Some benefits are: 2. Emotional Regulation as a Foundation • Less Stress and Anxiety: Emotional satisfaction allows children to feel more secure and less stressed out about meeting behavioral expectations. ABA treatments may incorporate interventions to establish emotional regulation as a foundation before attempting behavior change. Mindfulness, breathing, and sensory integration therapies have been found to assist in making children feel more capable of managing their own emotions, and therefore more receptive to learning new behaviors. • Better Social Competence: Being in the emotional know allows children to better establish solid relationships and navigate social interactions. • Better Academic Outcomes: A mind that feels good will be more attentive and absorb the lessons presented during ABA. 3. Flexible and Child-Led Approaches While ABA generally follows established programs, its integration with mental health intervention makes it adaptive to every child. For example, an intervention can be adjusted to fit a child's mood rather than rigidly defined goals of behavior. • Long-Term Emotional Health: Teaching children coping skills alongside behavior gimmicks encourages independence and self-regulation. Moving Forward 4. Trauma-Informed ABA Practices The future of behavior therapy is evolving, and the inclusion of mental health treatment in ABA programs is a part of that evolution. Such change requires flexibility on the part of the professionals, continuous research, and inter- discipline collaboration. Rather than viewing ABA and mental health treatment as mutually exclusive of one another, or more accurately as complementing one another, more effective, more empathetic care can be provided. For children who are emotionally sensitive or have been traumatised, the conventional ABA approach could prove to be too much. Through the addition of trauma-informed care, therapists can develop interventions that construct safety, emotional recognition, and trust, along with stress decrease and increased participation. 5. Parent and Caregiver Support More differently successful children require a method that does well by the entirety of who they are—head, body, and heart. By combining the rigor of ABA with the humane and empathic healing of mental health treatment, we can create the kind of supporting settings where the child is learning not only how to behave right but is actually being helped in knowing, structuring, and expressing himself healthily. Families have a profound influence on the life of a child, and educating parents using ABA tactics and emotional support skill sets can maximize outcomes. Parent workshops and therapy can help in informing caregivers about their child's needs on the mental health and behavioral aspects. - Natalie May March 2025 32 ArabInsightsCare

35. The wish for healing has always been half of health. “ – Lucius Annaeus Seneca