Ms. Ghada Ahmed Hamad Elsiddiq is a Senior Educational Psychologist and Special Education Specialist, licensed by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) and the Community Development Authority – Dubai (CDA). With over 25 years of experience in psychological assessment, educational evaluation, developmental screening, and special education, she is recognized as one of the UAE’s most accomplished professionals in her field.
Her career spans mental health, disabilities, early childhood development, inclusive education, educational leadership, and community-based initiatives. She has held senior roles across government institutions, rehabilitation centers, and educational authorities, contributing to national policies, training programs, and early intervention systems.
At KidsHeart Medical Center Abu Dhabi, Ms. Ghada focuses on evidence-based educational psychology services, early detection of developmental and learning challenges, parent training, and improving the quality of psychological and educational care within the community.
Licenses
- Licensed Educational Psychologist / Psychological Consultant – DOH, Abu Dhabi
- Licensed Specialist – Community Development Authority, Dubai
Professional Experience
- Head of Psychological and Assessment Department
Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs (2023–2024) - Coordinator and Case Follow-Up
Al-Amal Psychiatric Hospital, Dubai (2024) - Head of Early Intervention and Awareness Unit
Sharjah Center for Learning Difficulties (2017–2023) - Head of Assessment and Diagnosis Department
Ministry of Education, Ajman (2013–2017) - Head of Assessment and Diagnosis Department
Ministry of Education Support Center, Dubai (2011–2013) - Specialist
Community Development Authority (2008–2010) - Special Education Specialist
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (1999–2008) - Clinical Psychologist
Military Hospital, Omdurman (1994–1996)
Education
- PhD in Psychology, Al Neelain University (2010)
- Master’s in Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities, University of Khartoum (2007)
- Diploma in Clinical Psychology (2017)
- Diploma in Thinking, Intelligence Tests and Measurements (2020)
- Dubai Artificial Intelligence Diploma (2021)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education, Ahfad University for Women (1993)
Certifications
- Special Education Specialist – CDA Dubai
- Certified Trainer (TOT) – Ajman University and City & Guilds London
- Certified Trainer (TOT) – Sydney Academy of Experts
- Reviewer – UAE Learning Disabilities Conference
- Contributor to multiple professional diplomas in special education
Areas of Expertise
Educational Psychology
- Psychoeducational assessments
- Learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
- Intellectual ability evaluation
- Cognitive and developmental assessments
- Gifted and talented identification
- Individualized education plans (IEPs)
- School performance and academic behavior support
Developmental Screening and Early Intervention
- Screening for children under 6 years
- School-based screening for learning difficulties
- Early detection of developmental and intellectual disabilities
- Training of teachers, therapists, and specialists
- Developmental observation and reporting
Mental and Behavioral Health
- Anxiety, OCD, aggression
- Depression and bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- Behavioral and emotional difficulties
- Bullying and school refusal
- Self-harm and risk behaviors
Therapeutic Methods
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Integrative therapy approaches
- Play therapy
- Family therapy and parental guidance
Special Education and Rehabilitation
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Intellectual disabilities and syndromes
- Behavioral modification programs
- Classroom behavior management
- Inclusive education support
- Curriculum adaptation and training
Key Contributions
- Developed national policies and procedures in behavior management, emotional disorders, and intellectual disabilities
- Designed early intervention systems for multiple educational authorities
- Led major initiatives in behavior management and educational inclusion
- Conducted developmental screening across UAE kindergartens
- Published research on early detection of learning difficulties and selective mutism
- Designed training packages for fine motor skills and attention development
- Participated in national educational awards and evaluation committees
Practical Experience With
- Autism
- Learning difficulties
- ADHD
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mood disorders
- Neurological and behavioral disorders
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Behavioral issues
- Bed-wetting
- School behavior problems
- Communication difficulties
- Bullying
- Self-harm
- Sexual development concerns
Why Choose KidsHeart Medical Center Abu Dhabi?
KidsHeart Medical Center is one of the UAE’s leading pediatric and developmental health centers, offering comprehensive psychological and educational services tailored to the needs of children and families.
Our Educational Psychology Department offers:
- Comprehensive psychoeducational assessments
- Early intervention and developmental screening
- Behavioral and emotional support programs
- Therapy for learning difficulties, ADHD, and developmental challenges
- School consultations and individualized education planning
- Parental guidance and family-centered support
- Collaboration with pediatricians, psychiatrists, therapists, and educators
KidsHeart is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care that supports the emotional, cognitive, academic, and social development of children.