Upcoming Conference

The International Autism Synergies Conference, 2027

Name: The International Autism Synergies Conference 2026
Start: 2026-07-25T09:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-07-26T18:00:00+05:30
Location: NIMHANS Convention Centre

Rethinking Autism: Neuroscience Meets Neurodiversity

16–17 October 2027

Chennai

Coming Up

See you in 2027

The conversation continues. We are thrilled to announce the next edition of the International Autism Synergies Conference.

Join the interest list →

Location TBD

Venue and city details coming soon

16–17 October 2027

Save the Date

Join the 2027 Interest List

Sign up to be the first to know when registrations open. The location is currently TBD, and joining this group is not a registration or ticket purchase.

Thank you for a truly transformative gathering.

To the clinicians, researchers, therapists, educators, advocates, and families who joined us — your energy and insight made "Rethinking Autism: Neuroscience Meets Neurodiversity" an unforgettable experience.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our speakers for sharing their wisdom, our presenters for their dedication to the field, our partners and sponsors for their steadfast support, and our volunteers for making it all possible.

Attendees

Speakers

Poster Presentations

Oral Presentations

Awards

Event Gallery

Moments from 2026

A look back at two days of learning, unlearning, and profound connection.

Participants and speakers gathered at the International Autism Synergies Conference 2026

View All Event Photos

The Impact of Synergies 2026

The International Conference of Autism Synergies brought together therapists, doctors, educators, researchers, advocates, policymakers, autistic voices, and parents to explore the most current evidence-based practices in autism support and intervention.

Designed as a high-impact global platform, the conference showcased cutting-edge research, internationally recognised clinical practices, innovative intervention models, and emerging technologies transforming autism care.

Delegates gained practical, real-world insights into communication, sensory regulation, behaviour, feeding, mental health, inclusion, family support, and lifespan outcomes — bridging the gap between science and everyday practice.

Interdisciplinary Focus

Delegates heard from leading voices across diverse fields of autism research in carefully curated panels.

Cutting-edge Scientific Papers

Researchers showcased scientific paper presentations highlighting the latest preliminary findings and methodologies.

Clinical Translation

Dedicated tracks focused on moving scientific discoveries into meaningful clinical and educational practices.

Conference Tracks

Core Pillars of the Conference

Five interconnected tracks that formed the foundation of a truly integrated understanding of autism.

Neurodevelopment, Brain & Behaviour

Exploring how neural development influences behaviour, regulation, learning, and participation. Moving beyond labels to interpret the 'why' behind what we see—with a focus on early markers, interdisciplinary assessment, and whole-individual practice.

Sensory Integration & Regulation

Highlighting the powerful role of sensory processing in shaping engagement, behaviour, attention, and participation. Bringing together sensory integration principles, reflexes, postural foundations, and clinical reasoning.

Communication as a Neuromotor-Linguistic Network

Communication is far more than words. A complex interplay of motor planning, sensory processing, cognition, language, and connection—explored from a neuromotor perspective for integrated, evidence-based intervention.

Feeding & Gastrointestinal Comorbidities in Autism

Addressing feeding through a comprehensive lens: sensory-motor, medical, gastrointestinal, nutritional, and psychosocial factors. From ARFID to complex clinical decision-making, with practical family-centred insights.

Functional Development, Mental Health & Emotional Safety

True progress is about participation, autonomy, safety, and quality of life. Exploring dynamic AAC, clinical decision-making, and the importance of mental health and emotional safety in therapy, education, and daily life.

Keynote Speakers

Voices Shaping the Field

We were honoured to welcome internationally recognised leaders who delivered the keynote addresses at Autism Synergies 2026.

KEYNOTE

Dr. Praveen Goday, MD

Director, Nutrition & Feeding Programmes

Nationwide Children's Hospital · The Ohio State University

Paediatric gastroenterologist and clinical professor whose work has been instrumental in defining Paediatric Feeding Disorder and shaping international guidelines on nutrition support and paediatric malnutrition.

Paediatric Feeding DisorderNutritionGastroenterology

KEYNOTE

Dr. Prathibha Karanth

Director & Managing Trustee

The Com DEALL Trust, Bengaluru

Distinguished speech-language pathologist and creator of the Communication DEALL (Com DEALL) Program — a pioneering early intervention model for children on the autism spectrum. Recipient of the Dr. Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award.

Speech & Language PathologyEarly InterventionCommunication

Special Guests

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. N. Shivashankar, M.Sc, Ph.D.

Distinguished Speech Pathologist & Audiologist

Distinguished Speech Pathologist and Audiologist with over 40 years of dedicated experience. His expertise encompasses Hearing Loss and Stammering, positioning him as a prominent figure in his specialty.

SPECIAL GUEST

Dr. B.K. Yamini

Professor & Head, Dept. of Speech Pathology and Audiology

Professor and Head of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at NIMHANS, Bengaluru — one of India's foremost centres for neuroscience and mental health.

Conference Host

Hosted by Autism Synergies

The convening voice and clinical anchor behind Autism Synergies 2026.

HOST

Chitra Thadathil

Founder & CEO, Autism Synergies

Founding Director & Clinical Head, Dimensions Centre for Child Development (Bengaluru & Coimbatore)

Chitra Thadathil is a senior speech-language pathologist who has spent more than two decades building multidisciplinary intervention programmes for autistic children across India. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and a Master's in Speech and Hearing from Bangalore University, with advanced certifications in PROMPT, SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR Floortime, DTTC for CAS, OPT, and Beckman Oral Motor Therapy.

She is President-Elect of the Indian Speech and Hearing Association, Bengaluru Chapter (ISHA-BC), and the convening force behind the International Autism Synergies Conference.

Speech-Language PathologySensory IntegrationEarly InterventionClinical Leadership

Learn more about Chitra

2026 Plenary Speakers

Our sincere thanks to the visionaries and experts who shared their research and clinical insights.

Dr. C.P. Ravi Kumar

Paediatric Neurologist, Bangalore Neuro Centre

Dr. Kritika Rajaraman

Developmental Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital

Dr. S.S. Meera

Researcher & India Alliance Fellow, NIMHANS

Dr. Jayashree C. Shanbal

Professor of Language Pathology & Head, AIISH Mysore

Dr. Ramandeep Kaur

Professor, In-charge — Speech Language Pathology, Father Muller College

Dr. Gowri Ravi Chinthalapalli

Family Physician & Child Development Specialist, KIMS Hospital, Bengaluru

Dr. Reeny Roy

Professor, Speech Language Pathology, Father Muller College

Dr. Roberta M. Leu, MD

Paediatric Sleep Medicine Specialist, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Dr. Sumitha Hemavathy (PT)

Founder & Director, CAPAAR

Dr. Kalaiselvan Manoharan (OT)

Founder, Mano Social Enterprises · Singapore

Dr. Shilpa Sankhla (OT)

Training Coordinator, The Com DEALL Trust

Dr. Hiral Divyansh Mishra (OT)

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Dr. Namita Shenai Vadhavkar

Paediatric Occupational Therapist, TheHomeOT, Mumbai

Dr. Y. Sravana Kumar Reddy

Founder & Director, CDC Madhapur, Hyderabad

Dr. Haritha S. Mohan

Head of Research, CADRRE

Prof. Sujata Missal

Director cum Professor & HOD, OT — KMCH College of OT

Dr. Vijaya Raman

Professor of Clinical Psychology, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences · Head, CARE ADD

Dr. Swapna N

Professor & HOD, Speech Language Pathology — AIISH, Mysuru

Milind Sonawane

Audiologist & Speech Language Therapist, Ireland

Ms. Bharathi Prabhu

Sr. Speech Language Pathologist · Panel Discussion Moderator

Dr. Annu Kumari

Director & Founder, Learn to Rise CDC, Bengaluru · Panelist

The Programme

2026 Programme Record

25–26 July 2026 · NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru

9:00 – 10:00

Dr. Prathibha KaranthKeynote

Autism Spectrum as Disconnection Syndromes: Implications for Interventionists

10:00 – 10:40

Dr. Krithika Rajaraman

Seeing the Whole Child: Medical, Developmental and Behavioural Insights in Autism

10:40 – 11:20

Dr. S S Meera

Understanding and Supporting Minimally Verbal Autistic Children

11:20 – 11:30

Short Break

11:30 – 12:10

Dr. Jayashree C Shanbal

Mapping Neuromotor Speech Planning and Linguistic Adaptations in Autistic Individuals

12:10 – 12:50

Dr. Vijaya Raman

Mental Health and Emotional Safety in Neurodevelopmental Conditions: The Hidden Challenge, the Missed Need, and the Path Forward

12:50 – 1:00

Sponsors' Showcase

1:00 – 2:00

Lunch

2:00 – 2:40

Dr. Ramandeep Kaur

Rethinking Social Communication Through a Neuro-Affirming Lens

2:40 – 3:10

Mr. Milind SonawaneInternational

Technology: An Emerging Frontier in Speech Language Therapy

3:10 – 3:20

Short Break

3:20 – 3:50

Dr. Sujata Missal

Early Foundations for Lifelong Participation: School Readiness for Autistic Children

3:50 – 4:20

Dr. Line DuarteInternational

Transforming Neurodevelopment Care in Africa: Bridging Science, Family Support, and Early Intervention

4:20 – 4:30

Short Break

4:30 – 5:00

Dr. Haritha S Mohan

A Teleintervention for Autistic Children: Bridging the Gap and Facing the Hurdles

5:00 – 5:30

Dr. Roberta LeuInternational

Sleep and Autism

(I) — International Speaker

Official Venue Partner

Proudly hosted in partnership with

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences

NIMHANS, Bengaluru · Institute of National Importance

India's foremost centre for mental health and neuroscience research, education, and clinical care. IASC 2026 was proudly hosted at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru — a landmark venue at the heart of India's neuroscience community.

Visit nimhans.ac.in

Our Partners and Sponsors