How one unexpected phone call launched a worldwide movement in autism education. 

International expansion was never part of NECC’s plan — until a phone call from Boston Children’s Hospital in 1996 changed everything.

“We never saw that coming,” admitted founder, executive advisor, and former CEO Vinnie Strully. “It wasn’t part of our strategic plan. We were just focused on getting better at what we were doing here in Southborough.” 

What followed became one of the most significant chapters in NECC’s history, transforming a small Massachusetts-based program into a global leader in autism education. 

A Prince, a Preschooler, and a Door to the World 

NECC’s international journey began when a 3-year-old member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) royal family traveled to Boston Children’s Hospital for an autism diagnosis. Hospital staff recommended NECC. 

Bill Holcomb, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, who coordinated early intervention services, remembers the moment vividly. “I showed up one morning and Becky [MacDonald] said, ‘I forgot to tell you. We have an intake this morning, and he’s a prince or something.’ That moment changed everything.” 

Impressed by NECC’s evidence-based work and compassionate treatment, the family asked NECC to replicate its services in the UAE. Eight weeks later, Holcomb, Strully, Kathy Foster, and two teachers were on a plane to set up a preschool classroom. 

What began as a single case quickly grew. The young student made remarkable progress — later earning two master’s degrees and pursuing a doctoral degree. His success became living proof of what applied behavior analysis (ABA) could achieve, setting the stage for a larger invitation. 

A School for a Nation 

In 2006, NECC received a formal request from the Abu Dhabi government: build a school modeled after the one in Southborough. 

“At the time, we thought it would be a small program, like a partner classroom,” said Pam Olsen, PhD, BCBA, one of the founding team members and now executive director of the school. “Then we met with the government, and they said they wanted a full replication of NECC Boston.” 

In October 2007, NECC staff arrived in Abu Dhabi. Two months later, the first classroom opened with six students. At the time, ABA was virtually unknown in the region. 

“There weren’t many programs for individuals with autism,” Dr. Olsen recalled. “Families were struggling with the diagnosis and didn’t know what to do.” Things changed immediately. 

The program grew steadily — expanding to four classrooms and 52 students before moving into a purpose-built, government-funded facility in 2013. Enrollment increased by 80% in the first year. 

Today, the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education, operated by NECC (MRC-NECC), serves 262 students, offering preschool, secondary, and early intervention programs. 

“In 2007, you wouldn’t see anyone with special needs in the community because of stigma,” said Olsen. “To see that change — and know NECC played a major role in raising awareness — has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.” 

Expanding the Mission Across the Gulf 

Following the Abu Dhabi school’s success, NECC established the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Consulting division, offering clinical training and consultation across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 

Amy Geckeler, MS, BCBA, LABA, helped launch intensive programs in Qatar. GCC Consulting expanded services into Lebanon, England, Saudi Arabia, and India. Demand quickly outpaced what home-based or school-based consulting could provide.  

Enter Kristin Buchanan, MSEd, BCBA, who returned to NECC in 2018 to lead GCC consulting. She previously helped establish Abu Dhabi’s fourth classroom in 2008. 

“We realized families needed individualized, intensive services,” she said. “Providing a clinic setting would allow us to have even more impact.”

“I remember Melissa O’Hanlon and I sitting in a coffee shop drafting ideas for a clinic in a notebook,” she said. 

Those notes became reality: 

• 2019: NECC Clinic Dubai opened 
• 2023: NECC Clinic Abu Dhabi opened 
• Upcoming: A third clinic in Qatar 

“When I came here, we had six or seven staff in the region,” Buchanan said. “Now we have almost 60. Our ability to stay and consistently deliver high-quality services is what sets us apart.”

This article originally appeared in the 50th Anniversary edition of Insight.