Hasna Nada

Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Child Development Center, Qatar

After a 13-year career in finance and public relations across Switzerland, the United States, and Qatar, Hasna transitioned her professional focus to a deeply personal mission: advocating for and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This journey began with her eldest son, now 18, who is on the autism spectrum, and was further inspired by the diagnosis of her younger son, now 8.
In 2013, Hasna founded the Child Development Center in Qatar—the country’s first multidisciplinary therapy institution dedicated to children with developmental disabilities. The center is known for its evidence-based, trauma-informed approach, offering comprehensive services to children and their families.
Hasna went on to co-found several other initiatives. These include Sensory Souk, a retail and online store offering a curated selection of sensory tools, educational resources, and therapeutic products tailored for occupational therapists, educators, and parents supporting neurodivergent children.
In 2019, she co-founded Learn Autism, a digital learning platform created for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism. This project was launched in collaboration with autistic self-advocate and professor Dr. Stephen Shore, alongside a team of dedicated parents. Most recently, in 2022, Hasna co-founded the Life Skills Hub, a community-centered initiative providing inclusive experiences and developmental opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Hasna is a mother of four and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Franklin University Switzerland, as well as a Master’s in Teaching with a Special Education Credential from the University of Southern California.