Parenting, Autism, and Inclusion with Chitra Paul 

About the Guest: Chitra Paul

Chitra is a strong advocate for participatory inclusion and the power of neurodiversity. She considers herself an Ally of the Autistic Community and is extremely passionate about communication inclusion. She firmly believes in the power of lived experiences and the need to include autistic individuals in all aspects of life, including but not limited to those concerning them. She strives to follow the tenet – “Nothing about us, without us!” in every sphere of her life, professional and personal.

Chitra completed her MA in Special Ed and Inclusion from the University of Northampton, UK, and her work involves training special educators and empowering parents. Being trained in the philosophy of Social Role Valorization greatly influences her work; she occasionally contributes as an Associate Faculty for Keystone Institute India. She is also trained in the practice of Narrative Therapy which she uses in her work to support parents of children with autism.

Allinclusive Foundation is an organization that Chitra Co-Founded. The organisation based in Bangalore works to change environments to make inclusion a reality. The role she considers most precious and the one that constantly inspires her, though, is that of being a parent to her 19-year-old autistic son.

The Themes

• The emotional journey of receiving an autism diagnosis
• The importance of alternative communication methods
• Creating truly inclusive spaces at home, school, and work
• The role of technology in supporting neurodivergent individuals
• The Gendered Impact on Caregivers
• The ‘disappearance’ of neurodivergent individuals with high support from society as they grow older

#Autism #Inclusion #normalisingdisability #Parenting #Neurodiversity #Empathy

How One Educator Transformed Learning for 1,000+ Children with Disabilities

About the Guest: Mangala Jayachandran

Mangala Jayachandran is a pioneer in the education sector and is known for her work on disability and inclusion. With over three decades of experience, Mangala shares her journey from teaching dance in Bombay to developing inclusive education models at Lady Andal School in Chennai. She discusses the challenges, strategies, and successes in integrating special education into mainstream schooling, emphasizing the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and a solutions-based approach. This insightful conversation highlights the essential role of teachers, parents, and the community in shaping a supportive educational environment for children with learning disabilities.

The Themes

• Strategies to build empathetic classrooms and foster truly inclusive learning environments
• Transformation of Special Education over three decades
• The importance of strong partnerships between educators and parents in driving student success
• Flexible & Personalized Assessments
• Challenge societal misconceptions and embrace a positive narrative around diverse learning profiles.
• Creative use of available resources to enhance support for students

#SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #EmpathyMatters #TeacherParentCollaboration #LearningDisabilities #FlexibleAssessment

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Understanding Special Education with Sharmila Jois Vellal

About the Guest: Sharmila Jois Vellal

Sharmila is a special educator with over 20 years of experience in inclusive education. She is the founder-director of Anantha Academy for Special Education, where she creates safe spaces for children to thrive at their own pace. Sharmila is also a co-founder of Ishanya Center for Special Needs and Eka Educational and Charitable Trust. She serves on the board of SERPA, advocating for the rights of children with disabilities across Karnataka.

Sharmila shares her insights gained from over two decades in inclusive education, her motivations behind establishing Anantha Academy, and her journey towards creating safe, empowering environments for children with diverse needs. The discussion also covers the importance of individualised education plans, early diagnosis, various therapy options, and the challenges parents face. Full of practical advice and wisdom, this episode is a resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in special education.

The Themes

• Creating safe spaces for children with disabilities to thrive at their own pace
• The importance of early diagnosis and the right therapy
• Individualized education plans (IEPs)
• The holistic development of children beyond academics
• The need for realistic expectations
• The significance of parental support networks, and
• the often overlooked financial and emotional challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.

#Autism #Inclusion #normalisingdisability #Parenting #Neurodiversity #Empathy

Invisible Disabilities: A Parent’s Journey to find her and her child’s voice!

About the Guest: Suchitra Narayan

​With a distinguished 40-year career in both mainstream and special education across Indian and international schools and colleges, Suchitra Narayan has been a steadfast advocate for inclusive practices. Her expertise encompasses problem-solving, teacher training, parent guidance, and comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities from infancy through adulthood. Passionate about child and disability rights, she actively collaborates with medical professionals, educators, therapists, legal experts, media, and activists both in India and globally. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in trekking, nature, art, poetry, music, and reading.

In this deep and eye-opening conversation, Suchitra shares her journey as a parent and advocate for inclusion, shining a light on the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of raising a child with invisible disabilities. From her early dreams of a career in forensic science to her lifelong dedication to disability advocacy, Suchitra takes us through her powerful story of resilience, love, and the pursuit of equality. This conversation highlights the importance of exposure, understanding, and the power of asking the right questions. Discover the nuances of invisible disabilities, the reality of sensory issues, and the need for more awareness, empathy, and systemic change in India and beyond.

The Themes

• The transformative power of exposure and empathy
• The complexities of family dynamics around disability
• The impact of access to resources and systemic advocacy
• Balancing self-care with caregiving responsibilities

Understanding Learning Disabilities with Aruna Bhaskar

In this insightful episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, I sit down with Aruna Bhaskar, a dedicated special educator who has played a significant role in my own journey with learning disabilities. We dive into the complexities of dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, discussing how these learning disabilities manifest, the emotional toll on children, and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Aruna shares practical strategies for parents, teachers, and caregivers, emphasizing the need for personalized learning, emotional support, and building a strong partnership between home and school. Whether you’re a parent navigating the world of learning disabilities or simply curious about the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for every child’s potential to thrive.

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The podcast in full and shorter versions are also available on Instagram, Spotify and YouTube: