About

About Dr. Rasha

Dr. Rasha Al Hejailan, a bilingual (Arabic/English) Ph.D. level Behavior Consultant, boasts an impressive academic background with a Doctorate in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, a Masters degree in Autism Studies from the University of Kent, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (Genetics) from King’s College London.

Certified by the International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO) as an International Behavior Analyst (IBA), Dr. Rasha brings unparalleled expertise in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. With a specialized focus on Parent-mediated Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions (NDBIs) for toddlers ‘at risk’ of, or diagnosed with, Autism, Dr. Rasha has made significant contributions to the field through research, workshops, publications, and has presented in international conferences.

Having served in various prestigious roles such as Adjunct Faculty Member at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and as a DHA Licensed Behavior Analyst at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, Dr. Rasha is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of ASD while empowering families and professionals alike. Being a Saudi Arabian national, with over 10 years of experience practicing in the field of mental health in the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Rasha is incredibly passionate about adopting culturally and contextually-fit approaches in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children and their families.

Published Contributions & Conference Presentations



Albanna, A., Jarawan, E., Alhejailan, R., Boiangiu, M. C., & Zeng, W. (2024). Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Dubai: ARapid Review and Policy Option Analysis. New Emirates Medical Journal, 05. https://doi.org/10.2174/0102506882265394231027114304

 

Contributing co-author (Chapter titled 'Challenging Behaviors') in  لتوحد بين العلم والواقع والوهم" "Autism, between science, reality and illusion" (English Translation) written by Lama Al Ohali - 2023


Contributor in the translation of  'Autism Speaks' resources into Arabic language, including:  100 Day kit for newly diagnosed families (2018); A Parents' Guide to Autism (2021); Transition Toolkit (2021)


Speaker in a symposium on ‘Empowering families through technology – tele-intervention, measurement and tele-wellbeing in autism’, with a presentation titled " Taking First Steps – Tele-coaching parents of toddlers ‘at risk’ of Autism in the UAE" at the 25th International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) Congress, Dubai, UAE - 2022


Presenter in 'Blue Cafe' Parenting Workshop, with a session on "Applied Behavior Analysis and Early Intervention in Autism" at the First Gulf Autism Conference, Oman - 2019


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