Mysore/Mysuru: Stressing that families are the cornerstone of effective care for neurodiverse children, Prof. Thomas Kishore, researcher and Clinical Psychologist from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, inaugurated a two-day RCI-CRE National Workshop at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, recently.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop on “Emerging Trends in Multidisciplinary Evidence-Based Intervention of Neurodiverse Population,” organised by AIISH at its 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).

Prof. Kishore emphasised that intervention strategies must be family-centred, 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, he noted that 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.

Dr. M. Pushpavathi, Director, AIISH, underscored the importance of early identification of neurodiverse populations and the adoption of evidence-based, multidisciplinary practices to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Programme Coordinator Dr. Jayashree C. Shanbal, HoD of Speech-Language Pathology and Chairperson of ASD Unit, said the workshop bridged the gap between research and clinical practice.