— OUR PURPOSE

Supporting Children. Empowering Families. Building Inclusive Communities.

Founded in 2013, Child Development Center is Qatar's pioneering multidisciplinary therapy center dedicated to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. For nearly 13 years, CDC has provided specialized, evidence-based services that help children develop communication, social, behavioral, academic, and daily living skills while empowering families and educators to support their success.

Since opening its doors, CDC has supported more than 2,000 children and their families, helping them reach meaningful milestones and achieve their fullest potential.

Children playing with dry pasta as a sensory integration activity at CDC.

Our Story

Child Development Center was founded by Hasna Nada, a special educator, entrepreneur, and mother whose journey began with her son's autism diagnosis back in 2010. Like many parents, Hasna experienced firsthand the challenges of finding quality services, guidance, and support for her child. This experience inspired a vision to create a center where children could access high-quality intervention delivered with compassion, expertise, and respect.

What began as a personal mission soon evolved into a commitment to support not only children and families, but also the broader development of autism services, inclusion initiatives, professional training, and community awareness in Qatar.

CDC Occupational Therapists celebrating 'Occupational World Happy Day'.
CDC's Autism Awareness Month Celebration.
ABA session with child at Child Development Center learning new skills.
Two children are sitting at a blue table, looking at a small booklet with illustrations and words, one child is pointing to the booklet.
A group of diverse women smiling and posing together at an event in front of a white backdrop with the Autism Connect Qatar logo and yellow star designs.
Five panelists sitting on a stage during a discussion at the Autism Connect Qatar conference, with a large digital screen behind them displaying information about the event and participants.
Children and adults participating in a colorful educational activity with a large parachute colorful fabric, seated around it.
Two boys standing outdoors on a sunny day with trees and a fence in the background. One boy is taller, wearing a green t-shirt and gray sweatpants, and the other boy is shorter, wearing a black Marvel t-shirt and gray sweatpants. They are smiling and standing close together.

Our Commitment

For nearly 13 years, CDC has remained committed to excellence in clinical practice, family partnership, advocacy, and inclusion.

Beyond direct therapy services, CDC has actively contributed to awareness campaigns, professional development opportunities, conferences, research collaborations, and national initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children with developmental disabilities.

As therapeutic practices continue to evolve, CDC remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of evidence-based intervention through continuous professional development, advanced clinical training, and the adoption of internationally recognized best practices.

Our multidisciplinary team delivers individualized services through a compassionate, child-centered, play-based, and trauma-informed approach, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

A group of people on stage during the 3rd Annual Autism Outreach and Training Symposium, with a large screen behind them displaying event details and sponsors, including keynote speaker Dr. Vincent Carbone and speakers from Child Development Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, and Renaud Academy.
Children and adults celebrating at a colorful event, with balloons and a banner for Autism Awareness. Children are holding balloons and engaging in activities.

Our Mission

To provide high-quality, evidence-based, multidisciplinary therapeutic services that enhance the quality of life and educational outcomes of children with developmental and special needs.

CDC delivers comprehensive, child-centered intervention through early intervention, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA), while supporting children’s functional, behavioral, communication, and learning needs to promote success in school settings.

We work in partnership with families, schools, and educators through caregiver and school-based guidance, and are committed to building national capacity by developing highly qualified, licensed professionals and advancing best practices in pediatric therapy and special education in Qatar.

Our Vision

To support an inclusive education system where children with special needs are recognized for their abilities, supported to reach their full potential, and enabled to participate meaningfully in school and community life.

CDC envisions a future where:

• Children with special needs achieve academic, social, and functional success within educational environments.

• Families and schools are empowered with the knowledge and tools to support learning and development.

• Inclusive and least restrictive educational placements are accessible to every child.

• Stigma is reduced through awareness, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

Group of nine women standing in front of banners at a child development center event, celebrating World Autism Awareness Month.
A large conference room filled with attendees seated at white tables, facing a stage with a large screen displaying a presentation. The room has wooden paneled walls and a patterned carpet.
A teacher or performer engaging children in a classroom activity involving colored fabric or paper. The classroom has shelves with toys and educational materials, colorful decorations, and children are seated in chairs, watching and participating.
Children and teachers participating in an indoor activity in a classroom decorated with educational posters and playful decor.

“At CDC, we believe every child has strengths worth celebrating and potential worth nurturing. We remain committed to delivering exceptional care, empowering families, and building a future where every child can learn, participate, and thrive.”