HEALING TOUCH

Radhika Poovayya, Founder of Samvaad Centres for Speech and ABA therapy, is specialised in integrating Applied Behaviour Analysis with Speech Therapy for children with autism

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Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition requiring a wide range of therapies for helping children affected by it. In India, going the traditional route with speech therapy, occupational therapy and sensory integration is common, but these approaches have limited benefits. Founder of Samvaad Centre for Speech and ABA Therapy, Radhika Poovayya says, “I started my first therapy centre in 2002. At that time, autism awareness had just begun to increase, and children were being referred to speech language pathologists. I had 18 years of experience as a speech pathologist, but when I got my first client with autism, I just couldn't hold his attention. That's when I realised the limitation of speech therapy approach. I began looking for a better way to get the child to sit and learn communication. Through a parent, I got to know about Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a new approach that was well established in the USA. I went on to do my masters from Florida University, and cleared the final certification exam to become India's first US board certifie