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Episode 32
Bridging Cultures, Empowering Families, and Expanding Access to NDBIs
About This Episode
In this episode of NDBI Navigator Narratives, Dr. Jamie sits down with Ohud Alhaqbani, BCBA, ESDM Certified Trainer, PhD researcher, and founder of ABA Blue Light, to discuss the power of parent-mediated intervention, cultural adaptation, and increasing access to evidence-based autism supports across the globe
Originally from Saudi Arabia and now based in the United Kingdom, Ohud shares her journey into the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), her passion for Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), and her work translating and adapting evidence-based practices for Arabic-speaking families. Together, Dr. Jamie and Ohud explore how parent coaching can help bridge service gaps, why cultural adaptation matters, and how empowering caregivers can transform outcomes for autistic children and their families.
Bridging Cultures, Empowering Families, and Expanding Access to NDBIs
Ohud Al Haqbani
About Our Guest Speaker
Ohud Al Haqbani
Ohud Alhaqbani is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), ESDM Trainer, and founder of https://ababluelight.com, an Arabic platform dedicated to supporting families, professionals, schools, and centres through evidence-based behavioural and developmental practices. She has extensive experience in Applied Behaviour Analysis, early intervention, parent training, professional supervision, and culturally responsive practice. Ohud is also a PhD researcher at the University of Warwick, where her research focuses on culturally adapting parent-mediated interventions for autistic children and children with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Her work centres on bridging evidence-based practice with family values, cultural context, and everyday routines.
Show Notes
💡 In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Growing Need for Culturally Responsive Autism Supports
Why translating materials is not enough
The importance of adapting intervention practices to align with cultural values, routines, and family structures
Challenges faced by families seeking autism services in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom
Parent-Mediated Intervention as a Solution to Service Gaps
Long waitlists for diagnosis and intervention
Limited access to specialized providers
How coaching parents can provide meaningful support while families wait for services
Why even small amounts of parent-implemented intervention can make a significant difference
The Power of NDBIs and ESDM
Ohud’s transition from traditional ABA approaches to NDBIs
Why she believes NDBIs should be foundational knowledge for professionals working with young autistic children
The role of engagement, relationships, and natural learning opportunities in early intervention
Building ABA Blue Light
Creating accessible Arabic-language resources for families and professionals
Prioritizing parent education and support
Expanding access to evidence-based autism information throughout the Arabic-speaking world
Family-Centered Coaching and Collaboration
Viewing parents as partners rather than trainees
Embedding learning opportunities into everyday routines
Supporting siblings and extended family members as part of the intervention process
Enhancing quality of life for the entire family system
💬 Favorite Quote from This Episode
“Our goal is one—to have meaningful resources that fit everyday routines, are sustainable for families, and are easy to access.”
Episode Resources
Episode Resources
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