From learner preferences to better learning!
On August 1st, I had the privilege of speaking at the Empowering Educators for Excellence seminar organised by African Teachers Connect UAE, where I presented on Preference Assessment with practical demonstrations of MSW and MSWO.
Because let's be honest… sometimes we assume a learner loves something simply because they touched it once! 😂
Preference assessments help us move from guessing → observing → measuring → making informed decisions.
It was an honour to share the room with amazing educators and speakers discussing different aspects of classroom management and teaching excellence.
A beautiful reminder that effective teaching begins with understanding the learner. ❤️
Deborah Autism Support Hub
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ABA Therapist and Learning Support Assist. Empowering students with tailored support, fostering growth, confidence, and a love for learning.
One step, one smile at a time. [email protected], https://youtube.com/@deborahautism?si=2hIbiI3708SBnEjO
To every parent raising an autistic child, a child with special needs — you are seen, and you are doing an incredible work.
Yes, there are days that don't go as planned. Days you wonder if you're enough, if the progress is coming fast enough, if anyone truly understands the weight you carry. But hear this: your child is not behind — they are exactly where God is meeting them, in His time, in His way.
God is in the details. Every therapy session, every breakthrough, every "first," every quiet moment of connection — He sees it all, and He is working it out. Speak that breakthrough into existence. Speak that milestone into existence. Watch His mercy move in ways you didn't even know to pray for.
You are not alone, and you are not failing. By His mercy, you and your child are not consumed — you are carried, strengthened, and equipped for exactly this journey.
God will work it out. Keep going. Your love is already a miracle in motion.
What if you could reduce a challenging behavior simply by reinforcing the times it doesn't happen?
That's the principle behind Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO). In this video, I explain what DRO is, when to use it, common mistakes to avoid, and why it works best when combined with teaching appropriate replacement skills.
💬 Question for you: Have you ever used a timer or reward system to encourage a child to go longer without a challenging behavior? How did it work?
07/07/2026
One thing no one really tells you about being an ABA Therapist and Learning Support Assistant (LSA)...
One day, you'll have to say goodbye to a child who has become a part of your heart.
You spend months/years celebrating every small victory every new word, every moment of confidence, every challenge overcome, every step towards independence. You become their cheerleader, their guide, and sometimes the person who simply holds their hand until they believe in themselves.
Then, one day, it's time to let go.
This goodbye was especially difficult for me. As my learner relocates with her family to begin a new chapter in another country, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of her journey.
The heartfelt card from her, the kind words from her parents, and the reference from my school are reminders of why I chose this profession. They remind me that the impact we make often goes far beyond academics - it lives in confidence, belonging, and the courage our learners carry into the future.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your story. I wish you every success, continued bravery, confidence, and happiness as you begin this exciting new chapter. I have no doubt you will continue to shine.
As one chapter closes, another begins.
I am currently open to new opportunities as an ABA Therapist, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), or SEND Support Professional. If your school, family, or organization is looking for someone who is passionate about helping children with diverse needs build confidence, independence, and a true sense of belonging, I'd love to connect.
Every goodbye makes room for another child whose journey I will have the privilege to support, and I'm looking forward to embracing that next chapter.
You can't clap and keep your hands in your pockets at the same time... and that's the idea behind DRI! 👏
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) is one of the most practical ABA strategies because it focuses on teaching behaviors that make challenging behaviors impossible to perform at the same time.
In this video, I explain what DRI is, how to use it effectively, common mistakes to avoid, and real-life examples from educational and therapeutic settings.
DRA is one of the most practical and effective.
Differential Reinforcement strategies used in ABA. Instead of focusing on stopping behavior, we teach and reinforce a better alternative that serves the same purpose.
What replacement behaviors have worked well for your learners?
26/06/2026
Know your child before you modify a single behavior.
As an ABA Therapist and Learning Support Assistant, I live by this rule. Before I ever reach for a behavior strategy, I ask:
What's the why? (Escape? Sensory? Communication?)
Can they actually do the skill, or is this a teaching gap?
🧸 What reinforcer works today—not last week?
My go-to?
Differential Reinforcement—but only after I've paired, primed, and regulated. DRA, DRI, DRO aren't just acronyms; they're dignity-preserving tools that teach functional life skills over punishment.
💬 Remember: Reinforcement must be bigger, faster, and better than the behavior you're reducing.
What's YOUR favorite evidence-based strategy for teaching skills over fixing behaviors? Drop it below! 👇
Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected.
Safeguarding is not just a policy - it's a responsibility.
As professionals, caregivers, educators, and therapists, we have a duty to speak up, protect vulnerable individuals, and create environments where children can thrive without fear of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
A child may not always have a voice, but we can be their voice.
🛑 Stop the abuse.
🛡️ Protect the vulnerable.
💙 Be the difference.
29/05/2026
Every child deserves the right support to learn, grow, and thrive.
Experienced Learning Support Assistant & ABA-Trained Professional passionate about supporting children with ASD, ADHD, and additional learning needs across school and home settings in the UAE.
Kindly reach out for referrals, collaborations, and professional opportunities within schools, therapy centres, and home support services.
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📩 [email protected]
📲+971566737615
25/04/2026
Autism Awareness Campaign – School Sensitization
Today, we took the message to schools — because awareness must start early.
Engaging with students and educators, we spoke about understanding differences, showing kindness, and supporting children with autism in inclusive learning environments.
When children learn acceptance, they grow into compassionate adults.
Special thanks to our Campaign Coordinator, Ifeanyi Ephraim, for his continued effort in coordinating each step of this journey.
💙 Join us in shaping the future:
• Partner with us to bring autism awareness to more schools
• Volunteer in our school programs.
The future starts here.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Barsha Heights
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