Meet Hiba Al Haj of CODA Autism Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiba Al Haj.

Hi Hiba, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in a modest family from Sudan, where perseverance and education were non-negotiable values. My parents worked hard to give us stability, and alongside my four brothers, I learned early on that consistency and discipline were the foundation of any opportunity. Academically, I thrived, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering on a full scholarship, followed by a contracted role with a national oil company.

My career took me across borders and into research-focused work that I genuinely enjoyed. I was eventually based in Dubai, building what felt like a stable and successful professional path. At the same time, my son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at a very young age, a moment that quietly, but completely, reshaped my priorities.

As a mother, I was suddenly navigating a world I hadn’t planned for: learning how to access therapy, advocate within rigid systems, and make decisions that balanced career, finances, and my child’s long-term development. After extensive research and persistence, I secured intensive services for my son, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy. The progress he made was transformative, not only in skill development, but in his ability to safely engage with the world.

Providing consistent care required me to think differently about my future. I pursued an MBA and stepped into entrepreneurship, investing in real estate and building small companies alongside my full-time engineering career. Those years were demanding, but they gave me the financial stability and autonomy to prioritize my son’s needs without compromise.

Eventually, it became clear that long-term access to high-quality autism services would require a bigger shift. After researching the origins and advancement of ABA therapy, I made the difficult decision to relocate our family to the United States. We moved to Houston, where I began navigating the system not just as a professional, but as a parent advocating from lived experience. That journey ultimately led me to found CODA Autism Services in May 2025.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, and that reality is central to why I do what I do today.

One of the greatest challenges has been navigating systems that are often unprepared for children with more complex needs. Early on, I encountered repeated barriers to accessing education and therapy, including being turned away from programs that simply did not have the resources or flexibility to provide appropriate support. Those experiences required constant advocacy, resilience, and emotional endurance.

Even after relocating to the United States, where services are more established, the process was far from straightforward. Availability did not always translate into accessibility, and families were often left waiting or navigating unclear pathways during critical developmental years. Balancing these challenges while maintaining a career and building financial security required sacrifice and relentless effort.

At times, the journey was exhausting. But those same struggles sharpened my clarity and purpose. They taught me how systems work, where they fall short, and, most importantly, what families truly need when they’re seeking help. Every obstacle reinforced my belief that meaningful change comes from understanding the problem firsthand and committing to solutions built with empathy and accountability.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
CODA Autism Services was founded with a clear and deeply personal mission: to provide high-quality, ethical, and accessible autism services that genuinely meet families where they are. CODA was built from lived experience, not theory, by a mother and entrepreneur who has navigated the system firsthand and understands both its strengths and its gaps.

We specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which remains the most research-supported intervention for autistic children. Our approach is intentionally assent-based, meaning we prioritize dignity, collaboration, and the child’s comfort rather than compliance-driven models. At CODA, progress is built through trust, not force.

One of the things that truly sets CODA apart is our environment. Our center is designed to feel like a real home, not a clinic. With a full kitchen, bedrooms, and a backyard, children learn functional life skills in spaces that mirror their everyday lives. This allows skills to generalize naturally and helps children transition more confidently between therapy and home.

We also work closely with trusted third-party providers to coordinate speech and occupational therapy, allowing families to access multiple services in one setting whenever possible. Reducing logistical burden for families is a core value at CODA.

Our clinical team is led by Dr. Tranika Jefferson, BCBA-D, a respected leader in the autism community known for both clinical excellence and ethical integrity. All of our therapists are Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who receive ongoing training, supervision, and support. We invest heavily in our team because we believe well-supported clinicians deliver the best outcomes for children.

What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is that CODA is built on access, respect, and realism. We are intentional about serving families who are often overlooked, minimizing wait times whenever possible, and creating a space where parents feel heard rather than judged. CODA is not just a therapy center, it is a response to what families have been asking for but struggling to find.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve learned that I do my best when I slow things down and think deeply. Depending on the situation, that might look like writing things out, going quiet to process, or researching extensively until I understand the problem well enough to make an informed decision. I’m primarily a reader, and reading has always been my way of grounding myself and gaining clarity.

Books have played an important role in shaping my perspective. Earlier in my life, I was drawn to Paulo Coelho’s work, particularly “The Winner Stands Alone”. When my son was diagnosed with autism, reading became a lifeline in a different way. “The Reason I Jump” and “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” were especially impactful, as they helped me better understand autism from a compassionate, human-centered perspective.

Over time, I also had to let go of perfectionism. I adopted a simple mindset shift, focusing on what truly matters, and that principle continues to guide how I lead, parent, and make decisions today. More than any single resource, purpose is what sustains me. My son’s development has always been my anchor, and that purpose has expanded into serving other families navigating similar journeys.

Pricing:

• CODA Autism Services primarily operates through insurance-based funding models, including many government medical plans that are often underserved by traditional providers.
• Therapy recommendations are individualized and based on clinical need rather than preset packages or minimum hour requirements.
• We prioritize minimizing wait times so children are not left without therapy during critical developmental periods.
• Our team works closely with families to clearly explain coverage, authorizations, and timelines before services begin.
• When applicable, we offer flexible options, including discounts or installment arrangements, and are transparent about any potential out-of-pocket responsibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://codaautism.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coda.autism
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coda-autism-services
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coda-autism-services-houston