REACH Behavior & Development Center is the first center in Bahrain to become a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) and to become a Continued Education Units (CEU) provider by the International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO).
Autism Spectrum Disorders affect as many as 1 out of every 54 children and can present unique challenges for parents and children alike. REACH Behavior and Development Center specializes in partnering with families to develop the skills and strategies that enable their children to be happy and independent.
We offer a wide range of direct and consultative services for children with developmental delays and their families. Our comprehensive programs strive to foster your child’s independence in areas including communication, social skills, behavior, cognitive functioning, and life skills.
We work with schools and families to serve children of all ages. We see children with a range of learning needs, including Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and more.
REACH Behavior and Development Center is the first in Bahrain to be designated as an approved Continued Education Units (CEU) provider. This enables us to provide continued education to those with their IBT and IBA certifications.
Our Therapy Services
ABA Therapy
REACH Behavior Therapists provide direct therapy which is guided by individualised treatment programs. These are developed by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA/IBA), based on a variety of student assessment results (e.g., VB-MAPP, FBA, AIM, ESDM, Vineland), direct observations, and input/feedback from parents, school and/or therapists. Additionally, behavior analysts and behavior therapists will work with parents, family members, or school staff on the implementation of ABA strategies to facilitate the generalization of skills and to maximize the student’s opportunities for learning.
Our diverse team of therapists will work hand in hand with the child on decreasing behavioral excesses such as maladaptive or stereotypic behaviors, as well as building skills across all domains including:
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on various cognitive, physical, and motor skills, with the aim of improving a child’s daily life through play-based therapy. Our Occupational Therapists provide assistance to families and children from infancy to adolescence, focusing on areas such as sensory processing, self-regulation, gross and fine motor coordination, visual perception, visual motor and handwriting skills, independent self-care, feeding skills, and play.
The main goal of OT is to help children achieve age-appropriate independence and participate more fully in life. To begin the therapy process, a certified Occupational Therapist assesses the child’s developmental level and sets goals based on the evaluation. The therapist then selects strategies and techniques that will help enhance the child’s critical skills. The OT intervention includes various areas such as:
Speech and Language Therapy
Our Speech and Language Therapy program provides life-changing treatment for children who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing.
Speech Therapy exercises and activities vary depending on your child’s disorder, age, and needs. During the therapy, the SLP may interact through talking and playing, using books, pictures, and other objects as a part of language intervention to help stimulate development. This can also include modeling correct sounds and syllables for the child during age appropriate play to teach them how to make certain sounds and provide strategies for the parents on how to support their child at home.
Our highly trained Speech Therapist works with parents to assess and treat children with speech, language, and communication impairments. The range of services includes:
Social Skills
We provide social skills training to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. The focus of the program is to increase the child’s overall ability to:
• Recognize and interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Develop appropriate peer relationships.
• Assist individuals with improvement in social interactions by expanding their interest in age-appropriate topics, toys, and play skills.
• Increase their ability to recognize the emotions of others.
• The goal is to minimize the stress and anxiety when participating in social interaction. The program strives to provide the tools necessary for successful interpretation of social and communication skills.
Social Skills Program:
Behavior Support
The behavior support program is designed for children who may or may not have a diagnosis but who engage in disruptive behavior in the home, school or community settings. This program focuses on teaching parents, teachers and other caregivers how to effectively decrease a child’s disruptive behavior and increase appropriate alternative behaviors.
Behavioral Programming
The behavior reduction program is designed for children who may or may not have a diagnosis but who engage in disruptive behavior in the home, school or community settings. This program focuses on teaching parents, teachers and other caregivers how to effectively decrease a child’s disruptive behavior and increase compliance and other appropriate behaviors.
Adaptive & Social Skills
The focus of the social skills training program is to increase the child’s overall ability to:
Recognize and interpret verbal and non-verbal communication
Develop appropriate peer relationships
Increase their ability to recognize the emotions of others
Assist individuals with improvement in social interactions by expanding their interest in age appropriate topics, toys and play skills
The goal is to minimize stress and anxiety when participating in social interaction. The program strives to provide the tools necessary for the successful interpretation of social and communication skills.
We provide weekly training and supervision in school and collaborate with teachers to best support children’s skill development at school.
Parent, Caregiver and Shadow Training
Outside of treatment, it is important for parents and other caregivers to have the ability and techniques to reinforce the skills their child learns in therapy by incorporating them into daily routines. As with any skill, practice is critical. Parents actively involved in their child’s therapy often increase the progress made by their children. Our treatment plans include the appropriate parent participation and training to ensure they can reinforce their child’s development beyond the therapy setting. We also provide training for school shadows when needed.
School Shadowing, Consulting and Support
We offer consultation for individuals in their school settings and contact with schools who are seeking ABA, Speech or OT services. We provide services that address needs such as comprehensive assessments, behavioral assessments, teacher and staff training, modification of curriculum, social skills facilitation, program development and ongoing supervision. We also provide an ABA trained shadow to provide direct learning support at school.
Family & Community Support
At REACH we strive to provide a warm, supportive environment to both the children and the families we serve. It’s overwhelming to process a new diagnosis but you don’t have to do it alone. We help provide resources to those new to the diagnosis and families in need of further support.
Telehealth Consultation Support
We provide video based consultation sessions between the parent and a member of the REACH team. After a brief check in, consultation sessions will focus on coaching a family through positive interaction during an identified routine. Feedback and ways to continue daily practice will be discussed in the debrief.
Our Diverse Team of Professionals
Mona
MA ABA | MBA | ICBA | BCBA
Mona Tadayyon is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a member of the Behavior Analyses Arabic Board, who specializes in early childhood intervention and working with children who struggle with challenging behavior. She also works with students who have emotional and behavioral disabilities or high functioning autism. She is passionate about parent training and has worked as a behavior therapist both in the center and in homes, overseen home-based programs, designed training protocols for ABA therapists, and consulted with families and schools. Mona holds a BA from Northeastern University in Boston, an MBA from London and a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University.
Gillian
BA | MSc | BCBA
Gillian has been working with children for over 10 years, supporting them with daily living skills, social skills, functional communication and academics. She has also worked with parents and staff, guiding them as they help children reach their potential. She works on making learning fun using the principles of reinforcement and motivation. Gillian has helped set up a Centre and Academy in Canada that supports students between the ages of 3 to 17 years. She has worked on home teams as a consultant, attending school meetings and advocating for children. Gillian also has worked in a clinic in Qatar as Special Educator Supervisor and Behavior Consultant. Gillian is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst who has her Masters in Science with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Capella University, USA. She earned her Bachelors in Arts (major in Psychology) from Simon Fraser University (SFU), in Canada.
Niki
B.Com | MBA | IBA | BCaBA
Niki is an International Behavior Analyst and Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst who specializes in early intervention and challenging behaviour. She is experienced in school shadowing and providing behavioural support at school. She is passionate about helping and nurturing children and creating a positive difference in their lives. Niki advocates for play based learning through which children can enhance their social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain the self-confidence required to engage in new experiences and environments. Niki holds B.Com from Bharathiar University, an MBA from Vellore Institute of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology.
Susan
M.S. | SLP
Susan Abi Thomas is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a deep-seated passion for helping children enhance their communication abilities. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Science, specializing in Speech-Language Pathology, from The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing in Mysore, India. Over the course of her professional career, Susan has contributed her expertise to various organizations. In her practice, Susan adopts a comprehensive approach to setting goals, aiming to foster not only speech but also language, literacy, and social development in children. She is a strong proponent of collaborative involvement, encouraging the active participation of parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure that therapy is effective and goal-oriented. Her therapy sessions are designed to captivate children through enjoyable and creative activities, which are instrumental in achieving therapeutic objectives. Susan believes that seeing the world from a child's perspective is the cornerstone of her professional ethos and practice.
Juliya
BOT
Juliya's career focus has been on working with toddlers, & school-aged children. Her areas of interest include Sensory Integration, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and other developmental delays. Juliya is passionate about establishing relationships with children to help support their strengths and challenges. Juliya enjoys integrating skills through a play-based, child directed approach, while creating a fun and creative environment.
Maria
BA | RBT | IBT
Maria earned her BS in Psychology in 2012. Maria has worked with children with autism, learning difficulties and challenging behavior from ages 1-13. Maria is passionate about music and regularly plays the guitar for the children she works with. Her dedication to produce quality results, paired with a joyful expression, ensures an effective environment for learning. Her research and professional interests include verbal behavior, language development, and play skills.
Alishba
PGD | RBT | IBT
Alishba is an ABA therapist who has worked in the field of special education for numerous years. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Montessori education. After volunteering in several summer camps for children with special needs, Alishba developed a strong desire to help children with disabilities and therefore pursued a career as an ABA therapist. Alishba is passionate about dancing and art and loves working with children. Her professional interests include learning delays, language development, and therapeutic feeding programs.
Ashly
B.Comm | RBT | IBT
Ashly is a BCom graduate from Karunya University (Coimbatore, India) She was working in the business sector before realizing it was not her forte. She is passionate about working with children who are differently abled. She always spends her time and special occasions visiting children in an orphanage near her home and gets to share love with them. This made her realize her true calling and she chose this path.
Rella
BBA | RBT | IBT
Rella holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Public Administration Specialisation. Rella spent her first five years of employment as a kindergarten teacher working with students who had ASD and behavioral difficulties. It was then that she decided this would be her lifetime profession. As an ABA therapist, Rella finds it immensely satisfying to observe the improvements in each child and the positive effects therapy has had on their lives. Rella enjoys cooking and entertaining in her spare time. She is also interested in the arts. Her favorite hues are purple and black. Rella's favourite quote is, ``Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it`` by Charles R. Swindoll.
Andrea C.
BA | IBT
Andrea graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Paul University Manila in 2019. She has previously worked as a Market Analyst, but has always had a passion for working with children and is committed to making a positive impact in their lives. This moved her to pursue a career as a behavioral therapist. Andrea specializes in Early Intervention, teaching play skills, and behavior modification. During her free time, she loves to indulge herself in reading books.
Hena
BSc | IBT
Hena is a graduate in B.Sc. Psychology and is currently persuing her post graduate diploma in Learning Disability Management and Child Counselling. She worked as an Abacus and skill development trainer for kids before joining REACH. She is passionate about working with kids having special needs, making them feel valued and wanted. She intends to pursue further study in the field of ABA and is excited to work with a wide range of children from all backgrounds and requirements. Hena enjoys art, organizing and spending time with her kids during her spare time. Her favourite quote is, ``It's never too late to be what you might have been`` by George Eliot.
Ashley
BSc (Hon) | IBT
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Zimbabwe. She has experience with non-governmental organizations where she has worked with children of various age groups on different health related issues. Through her involvement in various service clubs and voluntary work, Ashley developed a passion for selfless service and that is where her desire to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact in the lives of others comes from. She loves staying active through fitness and cycling, exploring new places, and to unwind by watching movies.
Andrea S.
BSc
Andrea holds a degree in Bachelor of Science, Psychology, from the Angeles University Foundation in 2018. After spending 4 years in a corporate industry, Andrea circled back to her passion which lies in psychological and behavioral therapy, utilizing creative methods to work with younger and older learners, to help them grow to their full potential.She consistently strives to create a positive, fun and impactful experience for her clients. In addition to her professional pursuits, Andrea also enjoys indulging in her favorite pastime - playing video games.
Ghufran
BSc
Ghufran is a dedicated professional who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Bahrain. In 2018, she participated in a volunteer program in Turkey, where she imparted English language skills to refugees, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact through education. With a profound passion for teaching children, Ghufran is particularly enthusiastic about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and endeavors to support children who are differently abled. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in traveling, seeking new adventures, and cherishing quality moments with her family.
Najah
BA
Najah is an HR Professional with more than 15 years of experience, she has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Arab Open University, and a CIPD associate, she is a Certified Professional in Human Resource & Compensation (CPHRC). Najah is an innovative HR Manager with HR initiatives that improve performance, productivity, growth, and employee engagement. She is an empowering leader who supports companies and top executives with a unique perspective and appreciation that human capital is every organization’s greatest asset. She is a genuine influencer who thrives on tough challenges. Najah enjoys reading and cooking and loves to be in nature and enjoys classical music.
Shayne
BScN | RN
Shayne is an accomplished Canadian educated and trained Registered Nurse with over 15 years experience in the healthcare industry. With a speciality in Pediatrics, Shayne has dedicated his career to improving the lives of children with complex medical and behavioral needs. Throughout his career, Shayne has held various leadership positions, including Clinical Operations Manager, Clinical Practice Leader and Clinical Coordinator. His passion for healthcare and commitment to excellence in patient care have led him to work in a variety of settings, including Public health, Community, Oncology, Acute Medicine and Palliative Care. Shayne's compassion, dedication and commitment to excellence in patient care have earned him a reputation as a well respected nurse working in the field.
Shoaib
BSc
Shoaib has gathered experience in increasingly responsible roles within the field of Accounting. Shoaib holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Bahrain. He is a whiz at spotting numerical inaccuracies and creating financial reports. In his spare time, Shoaib likes to research cryptocurrency, travelling, and to play football with his friends.
Nadeen
BA
Nadeen is our HR and Operations Coordinator at REACH, helping to facilitate internal and external communications. Nadeen has previous experience in the Retail, Research, and Recruitment industries, where she demonstrated her ability to work in fast-paced and challenging environments. She graduated from the University of British Columbia, Canada, with a degree in Psychology. Outside of work, Nadeen enjoys camping, reading, and various pop culture.
Shiena
BSc
Shiena is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate with over 15 years of experience in various fields, including customer service, hospitality, and the manufacturing industry. Before joining REACH, she served as an HR Assistant in the hospitality sector, handling all HR-related matters. Shiena is enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge and embracing fresh challenges. She cherishes her dog and family, and in her leisure time, she enjoys watching movies and series, as well as singing. Shiena prefers neutral or light colors. Her favorite quote is, ``Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time`` - Thomas Edison.