The Premier Autism Synergies Event

The International Autism Synergies Conference, 2026

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

In Partnership with the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, NIMHANS

Date

25–26 July 2026

9:30am – 5:30pm

Location

NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bangalore

Counting down to 25 July 2026

Autism Synergies 2026 begins in

Days

Hours

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Why Synergies?

The International Conference of Autism Synergies brings 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 will showcase cutting-edge research, internationally recognised clinical practices, innovative intervention models, and emerging technologies transforming autism care today.

Delegates will gain 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

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

Cutting-edge Scientific Papers

Explore hundreds of scientific paper presentations showcasing the latest preliminary findings and methodologies.

Clinical Translation

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

Speakers

Talks

Attendees

Scientific Papers

Our Partners and Sponsors

We are grateful to the organisations that make this conference possible.

Platinum Sponsor

Partner

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences

Partner

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Sponsor

Partner

Conference Tracks

Core Pillars of the Conference

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

Neurodevelopment, Brain & Behaviour

Explore 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.

Important Dates

Mark your calendar for these critical deadlines.

21 Apr 2026

Call for Abstracts Opens

15 Jun 2026

Early Bird Registration Ends

15 Jun 2026

Abstract Submission Deadline (Extended)

25 Jul 2026

Conference Begins

Keynote Speakers

Voices Shaping the Field

We are honoured to welcome two internationally recognised leaders to deliver 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

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 (Bangalore & 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

Plenary Speakers

We are assembling a world-class lineup of visionaries in autism science. More speakers will be announced in Spring 2026.

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. Line Duarte

Neurodevelopment Specialist, Founder, CALIOMAC Paediatric Clinic, Angola

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

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 is proudly hosted at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru — a landmark venue at the heart of India's neuroscience community.

Visit nimhans.ac.in →

Scientific Committee

Scientific Committee Members

An interdisciplinary panel of clinicians, researchers, and educators guiding the scientific programme and abstract review for Autism Synergies 2026.

Dr. Reeny Roy

Professor, Father Muller College

Dr. Krupa Murugesan

Associate Professor, SRMC

Ms. Anne Maria A

Sr. Speech Language Pathologist, DCCD

Topics Covered

Across two days, our programme covers nine focused topics.

Early Markers
Keynote: Neurodevelopment, Brain & Behaviour — The Developing Brain in Autism
Keynote: Autism and the Brain — Developmental Changes & Impact on Behaviour
Seeing the Whole Individual: Medical, Developmental & Behavioural Insights in Autism
SI & Regulation
Communication as a Neuromotor-Linguistic Network
Feeding & Gastrointestinal Comorbidities in Autism
Functional Development, Mental Health & Emotional Safety
Neurodiversity Affirming Assessment & Intervention

Programme

Conference Schedule

25–26 July 2026 · NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bangalore

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 · Schedule subject to change.

Closed

Speaker Nominations

Thank you to everyone who nominated speakers for Autism Synergies 2026. Speaker nominations are now closed and the programme is being finalised.

Nominations are no longer being accepted

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