Stella Philip is an International Behaviour Analyst who has dedicated her career to working with neurodivergent children, particularly those with autism. She tells Kristian Harrison more about her work to help children reach their potential and breaks down stigmas and misconceptions.
A chance encounter with a child with challenging behaviour in a supermarket ignited Stella Philip’s passion for supporting younger people with neurodevelopmental differences and their families.
Sadly, Ms. Philip frequently encounters myths and misconceptions about autism in her work, such as the common question she receives from parents: “When will my child be cured?” She strongly emphasises that autism is not something to be cured but a condition that requires support and services to help individuals lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Another misconception is that all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) either possess special talents or have learning disabilities. Ms. Philip clarifies that people with ASD, like everyone else, have unique strengths and weaknesses. She also addresses the misunderstanding that being antisocial might indicate ASD, noting that while autistic individuals may require support in social interactions, being shy or preferring solitude doesn’t necessarily imply autism. She adds that while excessive screen time can hinder cognitive development, it is not a cause of autism.
“Early intervention is crucial for children with autism,” Ms. Philip asserts. “These programmes, designed to meet the specific needs of young children with ASD, can significantly enhance their development in communication, socialisation, behaviour and cognition. They can also help children develop social and communication skills, reduce challenging behaviours and improve overall quality of life. The sooner the intervention, the better for the child.”
Ms. Philip tailors her approach to meet each child’s unique needs through thorough assessment and evaluation which includes understanding the child’s language skills, social communication aptitude, sensory processing tendencies and other challenges. Collaborating with parents and caregivers, she develops personalised plans incorporating evidence-based practices. For younger children, she emphasises the importance of play-based activities to foster engagement and create natural opportunities for communication and social interaction.
In Bahrain, resources for children with autism are expanding. Ms. Philip argues that many organisations and intervention centres are emerging to spread awareness and support parents.
“Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Zahera Alanfooz, will soon release a new book focusing on inclusion and neurodiversity, and how to incorporate evidence-based practices to ensure inclusion in schools and community,” she explains. “This book could be highly beneficial for educators and parents alike, as are other support mechanisms such as the Bahrain Autistic Society, which offers workshops, participates in conferences and hosts inclusive events. One particularly useful resource is the Omneyat directory, which lists special education centres, paediatric specialists and other relevant information to support people with autism.”
Despite these resources, families in Bahrain face significant challenges in seeking support for their children with autism. Issues include determining the appropriate therapies, financial burdens due to high costs and limited insurance coverage and emotional strain on families which often leads to stress and feelings of isolation. Additionally, enrolling children in mainstream schools and finding shadow teachers can be difficult, particularly when educators lack understanding or acceptance.
“Parents who have recently learned of their child’s autism should also take an active role in their child’s well-being,” Ms. Philip advises. “Educating themselves about ASD is crucial for understanding their child’s needs and making informed decisions about their care and interventions. Furthermore, educating siblings about neurodiversity and autism to foster understanding and support within the family is crucial.”
Finally, she calls for acceptance and empathy within families and communities to create a supportive environment. “By embracing differences, we can create a fairer world where individuals can be themselves and lead fulfilling lives,” she concludes.
