Consultant Psychologist | Early Intervention & Inclusion Specialist
Manisha Mone-Apte is a licensed psychologist based in Abu Dhabi, registered with both the Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Community Development Authority (CDA) in the UAE. With over 12 years of experience, she has worked extensively with children & young people navigating emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges, always with the belief that every child, no matter their starting point, has the potential to thrive with the right support. In her current role as a Psychologist and Technical Coordinator at Stars Rehabilitation Center for People of Determination, Manisha works at the intersection of care, science, and collaboration. She partners with families, educators, therapists, and medical professionals in a multidisciplinary framework to design individualized, evidence-based support plans for children with varied needs. Whether she’s helping a child build self-regulation skills or guiding a family through the early stages of diagnosis, her approach is both structured and deeply empathetic. Manisha’s strength lies in her ability to listen deeply and respond with insight, always meeting children where they are. Her work spans a wide range of concerns from autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, and anxiety, to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and social-emotional challenges. She is especially skilled at creating safe, trusting spaces where children feel understood and supported, and where parents feel empowered with practical, realistic strategies they can use at home. Before joining the Stars Center, Manisha served as a school counselor and remedial educator in some of the leading schools in Mumbai and Dubai. There, she supported students aged 4 to 18 through one-on-one sessions, classroom strategies, and family consultations, always with a goal-oriented and inclusive lens. Her work in these schools helped shape her child-centered, culturally responsive practice, and gave her valuable insight into academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. Her academic foundation includes a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and further certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), special education, and behavior therapy. She is currently pursuing international certification in structured behavioral support, strengthening her ability to provide interventions grounded in best-practice research & clinical standards. While her methods are evidence-based and carefully tailored, what truly sets Manisha apart is her steadfast belief in progress, no matter how small. She values collaboration with parents, teachers, and other professionals not just as part of the process, but as essential to long-term success. Her work is shaped by a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, which recognizes and respects each child’s unique wiring, while gently guiding them toward greater independence, confidence, and well-being. Outside of her clinical role, Manisha remains deeply engaged with emerging developments in child psychology and inclusive education. She actively contributes to programs that promote access to mental health care, especially for families and communities who may be navigating these systems for the first time.