Every child deserves a chance to thrive, but for many with developmental disabilities, that chance comes with obstacles. Meera Ramani saw this challenge firsthand and turned it into a lifelong mission. What began as a simple volunteer opportunity has evolved into a transformative movement which now serves families together with children throughout the Arab world. As the Founder and Managing Director of Behaviour Enrichment Group, Meera has created a space where children with autism and other special needs develop their capabilities for survival in unsupportive environments.
Her professional journey in mental health and Applied Behaviour Analysis extends beyond education to create real-world changes that benefit children. Through her knowledge of scientific evidence together with compassion and cultural sensitivity Meera designed a care approach which exceeds traditional standards. It’s this very approach that has led to Behaviour Enrichment Group shining as a hope for many families facing the complex challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities.
Her fundamental principle asserts that children stand equally capable of achieving success no matter the obstacles they encounter. As a result of her executive guidance Behaviour Enrichment Group established an environment that combines data analytics with nurturing practices to build essential skills and help children grow into confident global citizens. Through her long-standing dedication Meera created significant impacts, not just in the UAE, but across the broader Arab region.
Let’s get inspired by Meera’s dedication to improving the lives of children through innovative behavioural health practices!
A Journey Rooted in Early Experience
Meera’s story in the field of mental health and ABA began long before she founded Behaviour Enrichment Group. She traces her roots to India, where she volunteered at a large nonprofit organization more than 25 years ago. It was during this time that she first noticed the increasing need for support for children with developmental disabilities. “I realized then that children could become socially sustainable and productive if attended to early in life,” she recalls. This realization was a pivotal moment in her life, sparking a passion to work with children facing these challenges and ultimately shaping her future path.
Meera’s decision to pursue psychology and special education was driven by her desire to make a difference. As she advanced in her studies, she sought out opportunities to gain certifications in ABA, becoming a Board-Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA) and a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). Over the years, she has worked closely with numerous families and individuals, seeing firsthand the life-changing effects of ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
“I was convinced that I should contribute to these efforts, which bring relief to both children and parents,” she shares. Her experience and knowledge, combined with a deep sense of empathy, have driven her mission to make a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities.
The Birth of Behaviour Enrichment Group
In 2017, after working in various healthcare settings, Meera recognized a significant gap in the services available for children with autism and other special needs in Dubai. While the city had access to numerous healthcare services, comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that integrated ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy were few and far between. This gap in services prompted her to take the next step: she founded Behaviour Enrichment Group.
“I realized the need for comprehensive ABA, Speech, and OT services in Dubai over eight years ago,” she explains. Her goal was simple yet ambitious—provide high-quality care that was not only effective but also sensitive to the cultural dynamics of the region. From the outset, she focused on creating an environment where every child felt respected and understood.
What sets Behaviour Enrichment Group apart is its child-centered approach. She emphasizes that the child’s development is the top priority, even when it doesn’t make financial sense. “A leading consultant told me when I established the business, ‘too much passion is bad for business!’ I am happy to have proven him wrong!” Meera smiles. And indeed, her passionate commitment to the cause has been a cornerstone of the organization’s growth. Over the years, Behaviour Enrichment Group has expanded its services, providing a comprehensive suite of therapies to support children’s developmental needs.
Meera’s Most Memorable Success Stories
One of the most rewarding aspects of Meera’s work has been the tangible impact she has had on children’s lives. Among the many success stories, one stands out. “A 3-year-old girl from Pakistan came to me with no speech and mild autism. Over three years, our efforts resulted in her becoming completely normal,” she reflects. The girl’s father later reached out to her with a message that continues to bring her joy: his daughter had topped her school’s final exam. He even went on to establish a school in Pakistan and named it after Meera as a tribute to the life-changing work she had done for his daughter.
These success stories are not isolated. In fact, they are a testament to the efficacy of the services provided at Behaviour Enrichment Group. “Our happiest moments occur when our kids are accepted by mainstream schools and blend seamlessly with other children,” she says.
The feedback from parents further underscores the positive impact her team has on families. One parent shared: “BE is really a fantastic place parents can choose for their little ones with special needs. Affordable price, very good class room atmosphere, very kind, well trained, dedicated staffs, very talented, energetic, passionate, kind hearted guide/mentor Ms. Meera Ramani, all make BE as one of the best centers in the city. Needless to say that parents will get to notice big improvements in their children within a short period of time. Great work team BE!”
This sentiment is echoed by many others who have experienced the transformative effect of the therapies offered at Behaviour Enrichment Group. The combined expertise of Meera and her team has made a lasting impression on families, who appreciate the dedication and compassion of the professionals guiding their children through their developmental journeys.
Balancing Leadership, Mentorship and Healthcare
Being the leader of an organization like Behaviour Enrichment Group requires more than just professional expertise—it also demands the ability to juggle multiple roles. Meera credits much of her success to the strong, dedicated team that surrounds her. “The simple answer to this is my team! I have very dedicated people all around me!” she says.
She adds, “To start with, I have a very supportive family who give me all the free time and space I need. My efficient team of supervisors ensures they provide guidance and programs to the therapists. Specifically, I want to credit my husband and investor, Mr. Ramani, My super-efficient COO, Rajashree and my ever-present right hand, Dr Vani, who have been through with me right from the start. I have a talented team of BCBAs, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and support staff who have been crucial in balancing my roles. We at BE work as one big family!”
Her leadership style focuses on fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. It’s clear that the success of Behaviour Enrichment Group is not just about Meera’s vision but the collective effort of every individual involved in the organization. Her leadership style is centered on creating a collaborative and supportive environment. The success of the Behaviour Enrichment Group is a testament not only to Meera’s vision but also to the collective efforts of every individual within the organization. She would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to the Dubai Government entities—KHDA, DHA, and CDA—for their unwavering support and commitment to uplifting children of determination in the Emirate.
Making ABA Accessible and Effective
Behaviour Enrichment Group has introduced several innovative approaches to make ABA therapy more accessible in the Arab world. One of the key innovations is the use of bespoke software that collects data in real-time, ensuring that every therapy session is driven by accurate insights. This data-driven approach is fundamental to the personalized care that Behaviour Enrichment Group offers.
Furthermore, her team has focused on developing programs that cater to the diverse cultural backgrounds of their clients. “Our parents are culturally diverse, so we had to innovate and introduce programs that cater to various cultures,” she explains. This cultural sensitivity is an essential part of the organization’s success in Dubai and the broader region, where families come from a range of backgrounds.
Another forward-thinking initiative has been the focus on older children who often fall through the cracks in typical ABA programs. Behaviour Enrichment Group has developed programs specifically aimed at addressing the needs of older children, filling a gap in the market.
Meera is also looking to the future, particularly in the realm of technology. “As we speak, we are seriously looking at AI in general and emotion recognition in particular,” she shares. Meera is not only interested in the potential of AI to enhance therapy, but she also voices concern about the EU’s stance on emotion recognition technology, which she believes could be an invaluable tool for understanding and helping children with special needs.
Breaking Barriers for Women Leaders in Healthcare
For women in leadership roles, the challenges can be unique, especially in the Arab world, where cultural norms sometimes present additional obstacles. However, she is quick to point out that being a woman in healthcare leadership is no longer a barrier for her. “To be honest, being a woman in this part of the world is not a challenge at all anymore!” she says with conviction. Still, she acknowledges that navigating cultural nuances and overcoming stereotypes remain challenges, particularly when it comes to parental denial.
“A lot of the challenges we face stem from parents’ initial reluctance to accept that their child needs therapy,” she explains. She addresses this challenge by spending ample time with parents, educating them about the benefits of therapy and encouraging them to take an active role in their child’s development. “I’ve also overcome these challenges by building strong relationships with local stakeholders, being adaptable, and staying committed to our mission. Thanks to my wonderful team, they let me grow!”
Her resilience and ability to break through these barriers have paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Her story is an example of how determination, innovation, and a compassionate approach can make a real difference in healthcare, especially when it comes to advocating for children with special needs.
The Future of Behavioural Health in the UAE and Arab World
As the UAE and broader Arab region continue to embrace behavioural health services, the future looks bright for organizations like Behaviour Enrichment Group. One notable sign of progress is the increasing acceptance of behavioural health services by insurance companies, a development that Meera is particularly excited about. “One obvious sign of the growth of behavioural health is acceptance by insurance companies, and that too cardless. A few years ago, this was not the case, unlike in the West,” she explains.
She is optimistic about the future of rehabilitation services, including ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. She envisions a future where there is a greater focus on early intervention, personalized care, and technology-integrated services that can revolutionize the field. “In the coming years, I envision significant growth in the demand for rehabilitation services in the UAE and broader Arab region,” she says.
As a leader in this field, Meera and her team are excited to continue contributing to this growth, bringing new possibilities to children in need and setting a new standard for behavioural healthcare across the region.
