Early Autism Intervention in Sharjah: Give Your Child a Positive Start
It often starts with small moments that are easy to brush aside. Standing in the kitchen, you yell out your son's name, but he pays you no attention. At a family gathering, you notice another child around the same age pointing, sharing toys, and trying to interact, while your child seems more interested in playing alone. Then, at nursery pick-up, the teacher gently mentions that your child does not interact much with the other children. You tell yourself that every child develops differently. But later that night, you start wondering whether there could be more to it.
Early intervention for autism is structured, individual support that helps young children build communication, play, social and everyday skills during the years when their brains are developing fastest. It is based on your child's interests and personality, and it shows you how to keep learning going at home, in the car, during bath time, and everywhere else.
Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA), has been helping young children in the UAE since 2004, working with children from as young as 14 months. Her practice is in Karama, Dubai, a straightforward drive for families coming from Al Nahda, Al Qasimia and Al Majaz. Online parent sessions are available anywhere in the UAE.
You don't need a diagnosis to get started. You don't need to be sure. You just need to take the first step.
What it is: Individual support that helps young children with autism or developmental delays learn to communicate, play, connect with people and handle daily routines
Who it's for: Toddlers and young children from 14 months, whether or not they have a diagnosis
What you get: A plan built around your child, regular sessions, hands-on coaching for you, and progress you can actually see
How long: Ongoing, with the number of sessions agreed upon after the first assessment
How it works: ABA-based intervention, developmental and behavioral assessment, and parent coaching
Where: Karama, Dubai, plus online parent sessions across the UAE
Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM to 7 PM, with after-school slots
Good to know: Asha doesn't diagnose autism. Your child can begin early intervention before or while you're arranging a formal diagnosis
Is Early Intervention Right for My Child?
There's no single type of child who benefits from early intervention. Some families come to us the week after a diagnosis, ready to get going. Others have no diagnosis at all, just a growing list of things that don't quite add up. Both are good reasons to reach out.
Early intervention may be a good fit if your child:
Is showing early signs of autism, such as rarely making eye contact, not answering to their name, or not pointing to show you things
Has recently been diagnosed with autism and you want to start helping straight away
Is behind on milestones like walking, talking, feeding themselves or playing
Is late to talk or gets frustrated because they can't tell you what they want
Not interested in playing with you or other kids
Repeats certain actions, like spinning, lining up toys, flapping their hands or watching the same clip over and over
Has meltdowns that are hard to predict or calm
Doesn't copy what others do, like clapping, waving or pretending to talk on the phone
Is about to start nursery or school and you're worried how they'll cope
It's also for parents who are waiting for an assessment and don't want to sit on their hands, and for Sharjah families looking for experienced early intervention without a long hunt.
If you're reading this list and nodding along to just one or two points, that's still worth a conversation.
What Can Early Intervention Help With?
Late Talking and Communication Delays
Envision yourself in need of a drink but unable to express your desire. For many young children who struggle with language delays, that is just another day in their lives, and it's no surprise that it ends with tears. Early intervention gives your child a way to be understood, whether that starts with a word, a sign, a picture or simply handing you a cup. Once a child can ask for what they need, a lot of the frustration starts to ease. Our speech delay guide explains how speech delay and autism can overlap.
Connecting and Sharing Attention
A toddler pointing at a plane and then looking back at you to check you saw it. It's a tiny moment, but it's how children learn from the people around them. Some children with autism don't do this naturally yet. Through play, your child practices looking, sharing and taking turns, in short, fun bursts.
Playing and Copying
Children learn an amazing amount by copying. Clapping when you clap, pretending to feed a teddy, pushing a car along and saying "vroom." If your child mostly plays alone or uses toys the same way every time, we help widen their play, one small new idea at a time.
Repetitive Behaviors and Strong Interests
Lining up toys, spinning, or only wanting one thing can help a child feel calm and in control. We don't try to take that away. Instead, we help your child build other skills, so the repetition takes up less space and new interests have room to grow.
Following Routines and Simple Instructions
Putting shoes on, sitting at the table, coming when called. For some children, these everyday moments turn into daily battles. Your child learns to follow short, clear steps, starting with things they enjoy and building from there.
Meltdowns and Challenging Behavior
A meltdown is usually a child's way of saying "this is too much" or "I don't know how to tell you what I need." We look at what sets it off and teach your child a better way to cope or ask for help. You'll learn what to do in the moment, too. Read more about ABA for challenging behaviors.
Everyday Skills
Family life is so much better when kids sleep through the nite, eat a wider range of foods, use the potty, and get dressed. We break each one into small, doable steps you can practice together at home.
Getting Ready for Nursery or School
Waiting for a turn, sitting with a group and coping with a noisy room are big asks for any small child. Early intervention works on these skills ahead of time, so your child walks into nursery a little more ready.
Not Knowing How to Help
Almost every parent we meet says the same thing: "I want to help, I just don't know what to do." You'll learn simple strategies you can use during ordinary moments, like snack time, bath time and the drive home.
No Clear Plan
Without a plan, months can slip by trying a bit of this and a bit of that. Early intervention gives you clear goals, a way to track progress, and someone to adjust things when they're not working.
How Early Intervention Works: What Happens, Step by Step
Starting something new for your child can feel daunting, especially when you don't know what to expect. Here's exactly how it works, from the first conversation onward.
Step 1: We Start by Listening to You
The first session is mostly about you and what you've noticed. When did you first feel something was different? How does your child let you know they want something? What does a normal day look like? What's the hardest part right now? There are no wrong answers. You know your child better than anyone, and what you share shapes everything that follows.
Step 2: We Look Through Any Reports You Have
If your child has seen a pediatrician, speech therapist or other specialist, or if the nursery has written anything up, bring it along. Asha reads through it all so nothing gets missed and nothing gets repeated unnecessarily. If you don't have any reports yet, that's completely fine.
Step 3: We Get to Know Your Child Through Play
Next, Asha spends time with your child. It doesn't look like a test. It looks like play. She watches how your child communicates, plays, copies, follows simple requests and handles small frustrations. If your child is shy, tired or having an off day, that's okay. Short videos from home are always welcome, because children don't always show their usual selves in a new room.
Step 4: We Build a Plan Around Your Child
Using everything she's learned, Asha writes a plan with a handful of clear, small goals. Real examples might be using a sign to ask for "more," looking up when someone says their name, or sitting through a short song. Where possible, goals are built around what your child already loves, whether that's trains, bubbles or a favorite song. You'll go through the plan together and agree on it before anything starts.
Step 5: Your Child Starts Sessions
Sessions are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In simple terms, skills are broken into tiny steps, and every success is celebrated with something your child enjoys. For toddlers, it looks a lot like playtime: bubbles, songs, cars and giggles. Underneath the fun, there's a clear structure and a clear purpose.
Step 6: You Learn What to Do at Home
Your child spends far more time with you than with any therapist, so this step matters a lot. Asha shows you simple ways to build on each goal during everyday moments, like waiting for a second before handing over a snack so your child has a chance to ask, or turning bath time into a chance to practice words. Small, consistent moments add up.
Step 7: We Track Progress and Keep Adjusting
Every goal is tracked, and progress is reviewed with you regularly. When your child masters a skill, a new goal takes its place. If something isn't working, the plan changes. As your child grows and moves closer to nursery or school, the goals grow with them.
Progress in early intervention rarely happens overnight. It tends to show up in small, quietly wonderful moments: the first time your child brings you a toy to share, says "mama" on purpose, or makes it through a supermarket trip without tears. Here's what the program gives you:
A plan made for your child, not copied from someone else's
Communication goals that start from where your child is today
Help with connecting, like eye contact, shared attention and taking turns
New ways to play and practice copying others
Clear strategies for meltdowns and difficult behavior
Step-by-step help with eating, sleeping, dressing and toilet training
Hands-on coaching, so you feel confident at home
Preparation for nursery and school routines
Regular progress updates, with the plan adjusted as your child grows
A much better understanding of how your child thinks, learns and communicates
That last one is easy to overlook, but it's often the one that makes the biggest difference at home.
Why Starting Early Makes Such a Difference
In the first few years of life, children are learning at an incredible pace. They're figuring out how to talk, how to play, how to read faces and how to get their needs met. When a child gets support during this window, it builds on that natural momentum instead of trying to catch up later.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early intervention services can help young children with autism learn important skills, and getting support as early as possible is encouraged. NHS guidance also encourages parents who notice possible signs of autism to speak with a professional rather than wait.
Here's the honest truth: starting early isn't about panic or labels. It's about time. Every month your child spends practicing a new skill is a month of progress. And for you, it replaces the worry of "what if?" with a plan you can act on today.
If you're still working out whether your child's development needs a closer look, our early signs of autism guide and free autism screening tool are helpful places to begin.
Why Sharjah Parents Choose Asha for Early Intervention
When you're trusting someone with your child's earliest years, experience matters. Asha has been doing this work in the UAE since 2004. She was one of the first Board Certified Behavior Analysts in the country, and over the years she has led ABA and early intervention programs in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates.
She works with children from as young as 14 months, and more than 2,000 of the children she has supported have gone on to mainstream schools. Parents and professionals who've worked with her often mention her structured approach and the way she brings home and school together, treating parents as partners rather than spectators.
Advanced training in Behavior Analysis, Florida Tech University
20+ years working with autism, ADHD, speech delay and developmental delays
7,000+ children supported, aged 14 months to 12 years
What She Specializes In
Autism early intervention
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Communication and social skills
Behavior support
Parent coaching
Everyday and self-care skills
Nursery and school readiness
Her Experience in the UAE
Has led therapy programs across Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates
Works with nurseries and schools to help children settle in
Knows the early intervention and support services available to families in the UAE
Featured on Gulf News, MediaOne Gulf and NTV talking about early intervention
A Quick Note on Diagnosis
Asha is a behavior analyst, which means she doesn't diagnose autism. If your child needs a formal assessment, she'll let you know. In the meantime, early intervention can usually begin, so your child isn't left waiting. Our autism diagnosis guide explains how diagnosis works in the UAE.
Author and Clinical Review
Author: Asha Susan Mani, BCBA (USA)
Title: Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Developmental Consultant
“Asha is doing wonderful work with children on the autism spectrum. She is
highly professional in her approach, very systematic in her treatment design and interventions, and an
excellent facilitator between home and school. Parents often report how quickly their children have
transitioned into mainstream schooling after working under Asha’s guidance.”
★★★★★
ON
Dr. Onita Nakra
Educational Psychologist, Dubai
“My appreciation for your outstanding efforts in helping so many children
return to mainstream education. As you are aware, parents often face significant emotional challenges while
raising such wonderful children, partly due to societal reactions and partly due to rigid systems. I can
confidently say that you have done a great deal to ease that burden and support families through their
journey.”
★★★★★
SR
Dr. Sundar R
Dubai
“Mrs. Asha has been working with our son, Ahmed Khan, and we have seen clear
improvement over the past few months. Initially, Ahmed had frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty
following instructions, short attention span, and struggled with transitions between activities. Mrs. Asha
developed a structured plan and introduced simple, consistent strategies such as visual schedules, clear
first–then instructions, positive reinforcement, and planned transition warnings. She also guided us on how
to respond calmly and consistently during challenging behaviours at home. She regularly reviewed his
progress, adjusted goals when needed, and ensured we were involved in every step of the process. Ahmed is
now more settled, follows instructions better, and has improved in managing daily routines and transitions.
We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s guidance and support.”
★★★★★
SK
Mrs. Sara Khan
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Mrs. Asha has been supporting our daughter, Lavanya Nair (4 years old), who
was diagnosed with ADHD and was facing significant behavioural challenges in nursery. Initially, Lavanya had
difficulty sitting in class, frequent impulsive behaviours, emotional outbursts, and struggled with
following group instructions. The nursery also reported concerns about her attention and participation in
structured activities. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed assessment and introduced a structured ABA-based plan
in coordination with the therapy team. She implemented clear routines, visual supports, reinforcement
strategies, and short, achievable task instructions to improve attention and compliance. Over a period of 4
months, we saw noticeable improvements. Lavanya is now more regulated in class, follows simple instructions
better, and her tantrums have reduced significantly. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha and her team for
their consistent support and close collaboration.”
★★★★★
PN
Mrs. Priya Nair
Parent · ADHD Support
“Our son, Philip Cruz (3.5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
nursery, Chubby Cheeks Nursery, Dubai, due to concerns around limited communication, difficulty following
group instructions, and frequent frustration during structured activities. When we started, Philip often
struggled with transitions and would become upset during classroom routines. Mrs. Asha conducted a detailed
assessment and introduced a structured behaviour plan using visual cues, consistent routines, and positive
reinforcement strategies. She also worked closely with his ABA therapist and the nursery team to ensure a
consistent approach across all environments. Within a few months, we noticed clear improvements. Philip is
now more settled in class, follows instructions more consistently, and is gradually engaging better with
peers and teachers. We are very grateful to Mrs. Asha for her guidance and practical strategies.”
★★★★★
EC
Mrs. Elena Cruz
Parent · Behaviour Support
“Our son, Arjun Menon (5 years old), was referred to Mrs. Asha by his
pediatrician at Aster Clinic, Al Qusais, for ADHD-related concerns, including inattention, hyperactivity,
and difficulty following instructions at home and school. Mrs. Asha conducted an assessment and introduced a
structured behavior plan using visual schedules, clear routines, reinforcement strategies, and parent
guidance. She also coordinated closely with the ABA therapist and school to ensure consistency across all
settings. Within a few months, Arjun showed noticeable improvement in attention, behavior regulation, and
daily routines. We are very grateful for Mrs. Asha’s support and structured approach.”
★★★★★
NM
Mrs. Neha Menon
Parent · ADHD Support
Early Intervention vs Waiting vs Activities at Home
Many parents wonder whether they should just wait a bit longer or keep doing more of the same at home. Here's how the options compare:
Early Intervention
Waiting to See
General Activities at Home
Plan
Goals made for your child
No plan
Fun, but not targeted
Skills
Taught step by step
May develop slowly
Some practice, but gaps can be missed
Progress
Tracked and reviewed
Hard to tell
Hard to measure
Parents
Coached on what to do
Unsure how to help
Doing their best alone
To be clear, playing, singing and reading at home are always good for your child. Early intervention simply makes sure that time is aimed at the skills your child needs most right now.
What Early Intervention Looks Like at Different Ages
Early intervention changes as your child grows. Here's what it usually focuses on at each stage:
Under 2 Years Old
The focus is on connection. Responding to their name, looking at you, sharing attention, copying simple actions, and early ways to communicate, like pointing or reaching. Most of the work happens through play, with you right there learning alongside.
2 to 3 Years Old
This is when a lot of children start using first words, signs or pictures to ask for things. Goals often include early play skills, following simple instructions, handling frustration, and building everyday routines like mealtimes and sleep.
3 to 5 Years Old
The focus shifts toward nursery and school. Sitting in a group, taking turns, playing with other kids, toilet training, and coping with changes in routine. Asha can also work with the nursery so everyone uses the same approach.
Every child is different, so your child's plan is based on where they are now, not just their age.
Early Intervention for Families Across Sharjah
Asha's practice is in Karama, Dubai, and she supports many families from Sharjah. It's an easy trip from areas like Al Nahda, Al Qasimia, Al Majaz, Al Taawun and Al Khan, and after-school slots help fit appointments around work and nursery runs.
For busy parents, online sessions are a good option for parent coaching, reviewing progress and talking through concerns. Hands-on sessions with young children usually work best in person.
Appointments are available Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM to 7 PM. To check a time, call or WhatsApp +971 54 329 1664.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's support that starts when a child is very young to help them learn to communicate, play, connect with people and manage everyday routines. The earlier it starts, the more time your child has to build these skills.
Many Sharjah families work with Asha at her practice in Karama, Dubai, an easy drive from Al Nahda and Al Qasimia. Call or WhatsApp +971 54 329 1664 to ask about a time.
Young children with autism, suspected autism, speech delay or other developmental delays. You don't need a diagnosis to start.
As early as possible. Asha works with children from 14 months old.
Yes. Toddlers are often the best age to start, because they're learning so much so quickly. For little ones, sessions are mostly play.
The early years are when children's brains are learning the fastest. Support during this time gives your child more chances to build skills before nursery and school.
Your child works on small goals through play, like asking for a toy, taking turns or copying an action. Each little success gets praised and rewarded, so learning feels good.
An assessment, a plan made for your child, regular sessions, coaching for you, and regular progress reviews.
It can help a lot with communication. For some children that means words, and for others it starts with signs, pictures or gestures. Every child is different, so we can't promise speech, but we work toward the best way for your child to be understood.
Yes. Your child practices things like looking at you, sharing attention and taking turns, in a fun, step-by-step way.
Yes. We work out what's behind the behavior and teach your child a better way to cope or ask for what they need.
Yes. ABA breaks skills into small steps and rewards progress. With young children, it looks a lot like play.
Yes, and it makes a big difference. You'll learn simple things to do at home, so your child keeps learning between sessions.
There's no fixed timeline. Most children benefit from support over months or years, and the plan is reviewed regularly.
It depends on your child's age and needs. Asha will suggest a schedule after the first assessment.
Yes. As your child gets older, goals include sitting in a group, following instructions, playing with other kids, and handling routines.
Yes. You don't need to wait for a diagnosis to start helping your child.
You can start early intervention while you wait. That way, your child isn't losing time.
Yes. Many of the same strategies help children with general developmental delays, not just autism.
Look for qualified professionals, like a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a plan made for your child, regular progress updates, and a provider who involves you.
Small steps, regular updates, and a lot of practice at home. Progress usually builds gradually, and every bit counts.
Yes, and it often works well together. Asha can work alongside your child's speech therapist so everyone's on the same page.
Your child starts sessions, you start practicing at home, and we check progress regularly. As your child learns new skills, the goals move forward with them.
Areas We Serve in Sharjah
We provide autism therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and child development support to families in Al Nahda Sharjah, Al Taawun, Al Khan, Al Qasba, Al Majaz, Al Mamzar, Al Qusais, Muwaileh, Al Yarmook, and Abu Shagara, as well as surrounding areas within approximately 10 km of Al Nahda, Sharjah.
Worried About Your Child's Development?
No parent should ever feel alone in trying to understand their child's social interactions, play styles, or language development. Early intervention gives your child support with communication, social skills, behavior and everyday routines, and gives you a clear plan to follow at home.
You don’t need a diagnosis to begin. Just tell us what you're seeing and we'll take it from there.
Ask Asha a Question