Show Notes

Discover what’s possible when every child is given a voice. 



Yaser Aljaaidi is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Namaee Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The staff at Namaee provide behavioral therapy services to early learners in their community. The Global Autism Project partnered with Namaee in 2018, and we have since sent two SkillCorps volunteer teams to provide sustainable hands-on training. 



In today’s conversation, Yaser explains how autism is understood in Saudi Arabia and what services are available to families from diagnosis to adulthood. 



As the first Registered Behavior Technician to become certified in his country, Yaser shares how he began working with the autistic population and why he created the Give Me A Voice program to target communication skills. He describes the challenges he has faced over the years and offers advice to other practitioners who are thinking of starting their own centers. 



Like many of our partner sites around the world, Namaee was forced to shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yaser explains how the staff and families transitioned to telehealth services and reflects on what he has learned about leadership during this time. 



We discuss Namaee’s partnership with the Global Autism Project, his main takeaways from our 2019 Global Summit, and why he admires SkillCorps volunteers. 



For more information about Yaser Aljaaidi and Namaee Center, please visit their website: Namaee. 



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Just a reminder that we are still taking donations for our COVID-19 Partner Relief Fund. 



Our partners across the globe share our vision of creating a world where every person with autism can reach their potential, no matter where they live. As a result of COVID-19, most of these schools and autism centers have shifted their work to support their students remotely, with many of them volunteering their time. 



100% of your donations to the Partner Relief Fund will go directly to our partners who need it most, like Yaser from Namaee. You will be supporting internet access for remote teaching, educational materials, and protective equipment. You can make a difference today by joining us to create better opportunities for these children at risk. Donations can be made HERE via Facebook or HERE via GoFundMe Charity. 



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