A Calling Realized

Sabiha’s journey began with a dream that many of us can relate to — she wanted to be a teacher. From first grade all the way through college, she pursued that dream wholeheartedly, taking on tutoring roles and volunteering at her local masjid. But something felt like it was missing.

“I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life,” she shared, “but not just any child. I wanted to change the lives of children that weren’t typical, though I couldn’t yet define what that meant.”

A chance opportunity during her sophomore year in college introduced her to the world of ABA therapy — a field focused on supporting clients with autism through evidence-based interventions. Despite the challenges, she found herself drawn to the work. Again and again, she found herself returning to similar roles until, in 2017, she officially earned her BCBA certification. “The rest is history,” she says with a smile.

A Meant-To-Be Connection

For years, a close friend encouraged Sabiha to find a way to give back to the Muslim community using her skill set. While it was something she always dreamed of, she kept putting it off — until one day she saw a DUS Instagram post featuring a former client.

“It just clicked. I knew I had to be part of this.”

Not long after, Sabiha connected with one of our directors, just as the team was looking for a volunteer Behavior Consultant. It felt aligned — and she's been part of the Dar-us-Sakina family ever since.

What Makes DUS Different

Sabiha was immediately drawn to DUS’s mission of inclusivity and unconditional acceptance. “The Special Needs community is not as mainstream as it should be, especially within the Muslim community. But DUS is changing that — one person at a time.”

What touches her most is seeing the energy and compassion our youth volunteers bring to the table. “They are the future,” she says. “And I want to be part of the force behind it.”

A Thoughtful Approach

When Sabiha consults with our team, she begins with curiosity and care. First, she reviews any existing information about the student, discusses behavioral goals with staff, and then quietly observes interactions in the classroom. From there, she develops hypotheses and demonstrates techniques tailored to the student’s needs, ensuring that teachers feel supported every step of the way.

“It’s about teamwork,” she says. “We practice together, and I stay available for any follow-up.”

A Moment to Remember

One of Sabiha’s most powerful memories with DUS came during a consultation for our Teen and Adult Program. As the group gathered in the masjid for prayer, she was overcome with emotion.

“It made me tearfully happy to see these students integrated into the community, not just as participants but as equals. At times, I couldn’t even tell who was a student and who was a teacher — everyone belonged.”

Small Changes, Big Impact

According to Sabiha, one of the most meaningful changes she’s witnessed isn’t just about behavior plans or therapy goals — it’s about connection.

“It makes a difference when staff and students know they’re not alone. The friendships that have formed here are real. They uplift and support each other in a way I didn’t grow up seeing.”

A Message to Our Families and Caregivers

Sabiha has a beautiful reminder for the families and caregivers who are part of our Dar-us-Sakina community:

“You are not alone. You are part of a larger community with the same hopes and dreams for your children. And your children are so blessed to have you — this is not a responsibility that Allah (SWT) places on just anyone. Even if it doesn’t all make sense in this world, inshAllah, it will become crystal clear in the next.”

Thank you, Sabiha, for your unwavering dedication, your warmth, and your insight. You embody the heart of Dar-us-Sakina, and we’re so honored to walk this path with you.

Jami Sabety-Atto
March 31, 2025