Stressing that families are the cornerstone for effective care of neurodiverse children, Thomas Kishore, noted researcher and clinical psychologist at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, inaugurated a two-day Rehabilitation Council of India’s Continuing Rehabilitation Education (RCI–CRE) national workshop at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) here on December 18.
Speaking after inaugurating the workshop ‘Emerging Trends in Multidisciplinary Evidence-Based Intervention of Neurodiverse Population’ on the Naimisham campus, Prof. Kishore highlighted the growing evidence supporting parent-mediated interventions as a sustainable and impactful approach in managing Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
He emphasised that intervention strategies must be family-centric, focusing equally on child training and parental well-being. Early identification of parental distress, he said, is critical, as parents and extended family members inevitably become the primary support system for children with NDDs.
Explaining the concept of neurodiversity, Prof. Kishore said variations in thinking, learning and behaviour should be recognised as natural human differences rather than deficits. He observed that parent-mediated interventions have proven effective even in resource-constrained settings and often lead to positive transformations within families, including enhanced sensitivity, resilience and a more optimistic outlook on life. Sustained success, he added, depends on long-term, trust-based partnerships between families and professionals to reorganise supports and strengthen coping mechanisms.
M. Pushpavathi, director, AIISH, who presided over the workshop, underscored the importance of early identification of neurodiverse populations and the adoption of evidence-based, multidisciplinary practices to achieve meaningful outcomes. She called upon professionals and students to enhance inter-professional collaboration in clinical and academic settings.
Program coordinator Jayashree C. Shanbal, head of department of Speech-Language Psychology, AIISH, said the workshop aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by equipping participants with technology-enabled assessment and intervention tools. The workshop is providing rich clinical exposure and fostering collaborative approaches to promote social-emotional development and active engagement among individuals with ASD.
Published – December 19, 2025 06:46 pm IST
