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Speakers and Panellists

Founder & Director, Samvaad Institute
Senior ABA Therapist, Samvaad Institute
Senior ABA Therapist, Samvaad Institute
Occupational Therapist
Speech Language Pathologist
Developmental Pediatrician
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Cognitive Psychologist
Speech Pathologist & Freelance Writer
Moderator

Date & Time

Sunday Sun, 6 Apr 2025

Location

Bangalore International Centre
7, 4th Main Road, Domlur II Stage
Bangalore, Karnataka 560071 India

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been recognized for over five decades as an effective approach for addressing behavioral challenges and communication deficits in children with autism. It is backed by substantial research and endorsed by leading organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association. In India, AIIMS New Delhi has also recognized ABA as a credible approach to autism treatment.

Despite this, ABA remains relatively new in India, and raising awareness is crucial. Many families hesitate to explore this method due to misconceptions, missing out on a proven and compassionate approach to supporting children with autism.

Session Schedule:

The event will begin with a series of talks by experts in the field of autism and behavioral therapy.

  • ABA – An Evidence-Based Approach for Autism: Scientific Evidence and Case Studies – Radhika Poovayya

  • Anatomy of a Tantrum: The ABA Approach to Solving Behaviour Problems – Nischita S

  • Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child: How Relevant is it Today? – Radhika Poovayya

  • 10 Things Your Child with Autism Wants You to Know – Noor Ayesha

Following these talks, there will be a panel discussion on Multi-disciplinary Approach vs. ABA for the Early Years of an Autistic Child. This discussion will be moderated by Bharathi Prabhu and will feature Chitra Shankar, Sunanda Kolhe, Preethi Shankar, Jovitha Catherine Joy, Roshana Fulmali, and Radhika Poovayya as panelists.

The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Speakers and Panellists

Radhika Poovayya

Founder & Director, Samvaad Institute

Radhika Poovayya holds a Master’s in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, as well as a Master’s in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Florida University. She is the first speech-language pathologist in India to achieve this dual degree.

As the Founder and Director of the Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing and Samvaad Centers for Speech and ABA Therapy, she oversees three clinics in Bangalore and one in Cambodia. Under her leadership, Samvaad was the first center to organize an ABA conference in Bangalore. She is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of early identification of speech and hearing disorders and advocating for the effectiveness of ABA therapy.

Noor Ayesha

Senior ABA Therapist, Samvaad Institute

Noor Ayesha holds a BA and MA in History and has cleared the KAS Mains with experience in civil services. She has worked as a guest lecturer for five years and is currently a Senior ABA Therapist, a QASP-S candidate, and a Guest Lecturer at Samvaad.

Nischitha

Senior ABA Therapist, Samvaad Institute

Nischitha holds a Master’s in Psychology and has worked as a research assistant with Dr. Srinivas Murthy on Project ENRICH. She has authored Loss, Love, Growth: Lived Experiences of Children with Special Needs and a Self-Care Guidebook for Parents. She has also written various articles on autism and parenting. Currently, she serves as a Senior ABA Therapist and is a QBA candidate.

Preethi Shankar

Occupational Therapist

Preethi Shankar is an Occupational Therapist at RXDX Multispeciality Hospital.

 

Jovitha Catherine Joy

Speech Language Pathologist

Jovitha Catherine Joy has completed my Bachelors in Audiology and Speech language pathology (BASLP) from MAPS college, Mangalore (2015-2019), and MASLP from Dr. M. V. Shetty college (2020-2022). I am currently working in Steppingstones Center as a Speech Language pathologist.

Chitra Shankar

Developmental Pediatrician

Roshana Fulmali

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Sunanda Kolhe

Cognitive Psychologist

Sunanda has a PhD and is a Clinical Psychologist.

Bharthi Prabhu

Speech Pathologist & Freelance Writer