Dr Kondekar helps you understand best for your autism kid.

What is best for autism spectrum disorder kids? Best doctor,best therapist, best parent, best school, best home,best friend, best toy, best app,best set up?

in Mumbai, Thane, Dahisar, Vashi, Juhu, Pune Nashik, Lucknow, Delhi, Bhubaneshwar, Nepal

A BEST DOCTOR FOR AUTISM IS ONE WHO INITIATES AND SUSTAINS SOCIALISATION AND COMMUNICATION BY TURNING THE KID RECEPTIVE BY TACKLING HIS STEADYNESS BEHAVIOUR VIOLENCE AND VERBAL UNDERSTANDING.

A BEST THERAPIST OT/ ST/ ABA FOR AUTISM IS ONE WHO TEACHES THE CHILD TO LEARN LANGUAGE BASED STORY ESSAY COMPOSITION AND CONVERSTAIONAL SKILLS THROUGH LIVE EXAMPLES AND CONTEXTS, IN EYE TO EYE SITTING ON FACE TO FLOOR FACE TO FACE , SITTING.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY BEST WHEN WE TALK ABOUT AUTISM AND DOCTORS?

Best is a relative word. Though often used loosely, it does mean good or better than other, but unique. A parent should look at it in a way to understand as the one who shows obvious improvement in 100 days, which other experts couldnot predict in advance.

Here’s a summary of what Dr. Santosh Kondekar (neuro‑developmental pediatrician in Mumbai) seems to consider the hallmarks of a good/best autism doctor, based on his writings, “Ten Commandments”, “Goal‑Directed Cognitive Approach”, clinic philosophy, etc. If you want I can also compare this with mainstream/academic definitions.

Dr. Kondekar’s View: What Makes an Excellent Autism Doctor

Dr. Kondekar believes a top autism doctor should have the following features:

Neuro‑Developmental Pediatric Expertise
- Someone who understands not just pediatrics, but neurodevelopment; knows child neurology, developmental milestones, behavioural disorders (autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability). autismdrmumbai.com+1
Diagnosis Using Current Standard Criteria
- Use of DSM‑5 (or ICD‑11) criteria, not older tools alone. autismdoctor.in+1
- Use of questionnaires and clinical observation; not over‑reliant on expensive tests unless clinically needed. autismdoctor.iN
Goal‑Directed Cognitive Approach (GDCA)
- The doctor should plan therapies/care around clearly defined goals. autismdrmumbai.com+1
- Regular monitoring of progress; adjusting plan if no improvement within a certain period. autismmumbai.com
Holistic Treatment: Therapy + When Needed, Medicines
- Emphasis on therapies like speech, occupational therapy, sensory integration. autismmumbai.com
- Use medicines only for “accessory features” (e.g. hyperactivity, behaviour issues, seizures, anxiety) and to improve receptivity to therapy—not to ‘cure’ autism per se. autismmumbai.com autismdoctor.in
Focus on Communication & Social Skills
- Strong emphasis on verbal communication: increasing listening, narration, face-to-face interaction, shifting from screen‑based/object based learning to people/action based learning. autismdoctor.in+2autismmumbai.com+2
Sensory Regulation & Physical Stability
- Recognizes sensory issues are critical. The doctor should help manage sensory overload, hyperactivity to enable the child to sit, attend, engage. Physical stability (not just exercises) is important so therapy can be effective. autismmumbai.com+1
Parental Involvement / Counselling / Education
- Doctor should guide and empower parents: tools to monitor, document progress; teach how to engage, communicate with the child. autismdoctor.in+1
Pragmatic Use of Testing
- Tests (genetic, imaging, metabolic) are not routine; used selectively when clinical picture suggests syndromic, metabolic, or neurological conditions. autismdoctor.in+1
- Tests are more for ruling things out, for planning and counselling, rather than simply for diagnosis. autismdoctor.in
Hope & Realistic Expectations
- He emphasizes that while “cure” is not claimed, improvements are possible. He encourages not giving up, not accepting deficits prematurely. autismdrmumbai.com+2autismmumbai.com+2
Structured, Time‑Bound Approach
- Goals should be sequenced, timed. If expected improvements don’t happen in a certain period (say 2 months or 100 days) reassessment or change of plan is needed

Mainstream / Academic Definition of a Good Autism Specialist

From sources like:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
DSM-5 / ICD-11 standards
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK)
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
WHO and top autism research centers (like UC Davis MIND Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute)

✅ 1. Proper Diagnosis Using Standardized Criteria

Academic View: Diagnosis should be based on DSM-5 or ICD-11, using:
- Clinical observation
- Developmental history
- Structured tools (e.g., ADOS-2, CARS, M-CHAT-R)
Dr. Kondekar: Agrees – emphasizes current criteria (DSM-5), developmental observation, and selective use of tools. Cautions against outdated tests and overdiagnosis.

🟢 Alignment: Strongly aligned

✅ 2. Multidisciplinary Approach

Academic View: Involves a team: developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, psychologist, speech therapist, OT, special educator.
Dr. Kondekar: Also encourages collaboration, but focuses on neuro-developmental pediatricians with structured goal-directed care. Less emphasis on large teams unless needed.

🟡 Alignment: Mostly aligned, but more streamlined and individualized in Dr. K’s model.

✅ 3. Evidence-Based, Individualized Treatment Plan

Academic View: Focus on therapies (ABA, speech, OT, social skills), individualized based on the child's strengths and needs.
Dr. Kondekar: Fully agrees. Uses his Goal-Directed Cognitive Approach (GDCA) for custom plans, focuses on early outcomes, communication goals, and adjustment if no progress in a set time.

🟢 Alignment: Aligned, with added emphasis on time-bound progress.

⚠️ 4. Use of Medication

Academic View: Medications only for comorbid issues (e.g. ADHD, anxiety, aggression, sleep problems); not for autism itself.
Dr. Kondekar: Agrees; uses meds for “accessory symptoms” only. Emphasizes that meds should improve therapy receptivity, not replace it.

🟢 Alignment: Strongly aligned

✅ 5. Family Involvement and Education

Academic View: Parents are central to therapy. Doctors must guide, counsel, and empower them.
Dr. Kondekar: Emphasizes parent training, documentation, and realistic hope. Avoids “doom and gloom” narratives.

🟢 Alignment: Very well aligned

⚠️ 6. Use of Investigations / Tests

Academic View: Use tests selectively—e.g., for syndromes, metabolic/genetic issues. Imaging not routinely done unless neurological signs are present.
Dr. Kondekar: Matches this closely. He’s cautious about over-testing unless symptoms clearly suggest it.

🟢 Alignment: Strongly aligned

✅ 7. Focus on Functional Gains, Not Labels

Academic View: Diagnosis is a tool; ultimate goal is functional independence, communication, and social engagement.
Dr. Kondekar: Echoes this—focus is on skill-building, speech, socialization, and not over-focusing on the label or IQ score.

🟢 Alignment: Strong

⚠️ 8. Therapy Models (ABA vs GDCA)

Academic View: ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is most widely studied and used, though controversial for some.
Dr. Kondekar: Doesn’t promote ABA directly; instead, his own GDCA model emphasizes cognitive targets, communication, therapy timing, and outcome-based planning.

🟡 Alignment: Philosophy is similar, but approach differs. ABA is behavior-focused; GDCA is more cognitive‑communication‑goal focused.

🧾 Summary Table

🧠 Final Take

Dr. Kondekar’s definition of the “best autism doctor” is mostly aligned with global standards, but he:

Adds clear structure and time-bound goals
Pushes for early, targeted intervention
Avoids over-testing and over-labeling
Advocates hope + realism, not despair
Builds his own practical therapy framework (GDCA)

He may be a great option for parents who want an actionable, structured, and communication-focused approach, particularly in early stages or in India where access to full teams may be harder.

Http://autismdoctor.in

Http://www.autismdoctor.in

Http://autism-doctor.in

Http://www.autism-doctor.in

Http://bestautismdoctor.in

Http://www.bestautismdoctor.in

Http://pedneuro.in

Http://www.pedneuro.in

Http://neuropediatrician.com

Http://www.neuropediatrician.com

Http://autismmumbai.com

Http://www.autismmumbai.com

Http://autismdrmumbai.com

Http://www.autismdrmumbai.com

Key Differences / Unique Aspects in Dr. Kondekar’s Approach

“Ten Commandments for Autism Reversal”: A list of concrete guidelines that therapist + parents follow. These are more prescriptive than many academic guidelines which are more flexible. autismdoctor.in
GDCA (Goal Directed Cognitive Approach): Focuses heavily on cognitive and communication readiness, with early emphasis on listening, narration, social communication instead of early reading, letters, object‑based learning. autismdoctor.in+1
Time‑bound expectations: He expects visible change relatively quickly (within ~100 days) at least in basic domains. Mainstream guidelines also emphasize early intervention, but tend not to specify such a firm expectation.
“Make social, not special”: A strong narrative of bringing child into social world rather than treating as “special need” isolated. Possibly more emphasis socially.
Therapy priority order: For him, physical stability (capacity to sit still, attention, eye contact) comes before complex language or academic tasks. Other models may start parallel tracks or start language earlier.
Caution against overuse of tests: He recommends minimal necessary testing; many tests done “for research” only; avoids tests until clinically indicated. This might differ from some settings where assessments (psychometric, behavioral) are routine.

how to be best parent for your autism kid?

Here are some ideas, drawn from Dr. Santosh Kondekar’s writings (Goal Directed Cognitive Approach, his “ten commandments”, follow‑up formats etc.) plus general best practices, for how to be the best parent for a child with autism. You can use them as both mindset pointers and practical tips.

Dr. Kondekar’s Advice: Being the Best Parent for an Autism Child

Based on his websites and clinic material, this is what he expects parents to do / believe / practice:

Accept Autism, Not Disability
- Recognize that autism is a neuro‑developmental difference. Do not accept a label of “disabled” as a fixed destiny; believe in potential and improvement. autismmumbai.com+1
- Don’t let the diagnosis freeze your expectations; work on what is difficult but expect gains. autismdrmumbai.com
List What’s Difficult & Track Gains
- Make a list of things your child finds hard. Then list what you have tried over recent months. autismdrmumbai.com+1
- Also make a list of what improvements you have made. Even small ones matter. This helps you and your doctor/therapist know what’s working. autismdrmumbai.com+1
Set Short‑Term, Achievable Goals (100‑Day Change Principle)
- Dr. Kondekar believes that after interventions, you should see definite changes in ~100 days in certain areas if therapies + medicines are properly aligned. autismmumbai.com+2aakaarclinic.weebly.com+2
- If you are “stuck” at a certain step for more than ~3 months (or about 100 days), then reevaluate plan — change therapy / diagnostic approach etc. autismdrmumbai.com+1
Be the Eyes & Ears: Observe, Document, Report
- Maintain a monitoring chart or diary at home: eye contact, concentration, response to sound, behavior changes etc. Using his “follow up format” for tracking symptoms and gains. autismdoctor.in+2autismdrmumbai.com+2
- Note even small changes (e.g. better eye contact, more imitation, less tantrum etc.). These feed into decision making. autismmumbai.com+1
Work with Eye Contact, Face‑to‑Face & Social Communication
- Encourage face‑to‑face interaction, sustained eye contact. These are foundational to communication. Google Business+1
- Narrate what you do; avoid over‑reliance on screens or object‑based learning early; move towards language via listening and talking. autismdoctor.in+2autismdrmumbai.com+2
Set & Enforce Rules, Structure, Consistency
- Dr. K says if you don’t make rules for child behavior, child may “rule you” — tantrums, etc. So parents must provide structure. autismdoctor.in+1
- Consistent routines, behavior expectations, predictable environment help. Also sensory breaks, etc when needed. autismmumbai.com+2autismdrmumbai.com+2
Be Careful What the Child Sees, Hears & Feels
- Children copy what they observe. If parents shout, use physical punishment, or model unwanted behaviors, children may mimic. autismdoctor.in+2autismdrmumbai.com+2
- Instead, model calm, communication, respectful interaction. Give positive attention for good behavior rather than negative attention for bad. autismdrmumbai.com+1
Physical Stability & Receptiveness
- Work on helping child to sit calmly (when required), attend, focus. But also allow sensory breaks; regulate hyperactivity etc so that the child can benefit from therapy. Google Business+2autismdrmumbai.com+2
- Medicines may help in some cases to bring the child to a state where therapy becomes more effective. But medicines are accessory, not replacement. autismmumbai.com+2autismdoctor.in+2
Parental Commitment & Consistency
- Do not leave things “halfway.” Consistency in following therapy plan, daily home routines etc. Drop in routines or missing therapy sessions delays gains. autismdrmumbai.com+1
- Parents must learn what to do at home; follow up on assignments from the therapist/doctor. You are part of the therapy. autismdrmumbai.com+1
Don’t Chase Miracles; Use Evidence / Trust Expert Guidance
- Avoid unproven treatments, miracle cures. Seek advice from a pediatric neurodevelopmental specialist. Rely on therapies with reasonable evidence. autismmumbai.com+1
- Use questionnaires, diagnosis tools, but understand that tests are for counselling/documentation, not always for predicting everything. autismdoctor.in+1
Mental Health of Parents & Family
- Parenting an autism child is demanding; parents need to care for their own emotional/mental health. Seek peer support, counselling as needed.
- Also, support siblings; balance attention so no child feels neglected. (While I didn’t find a lot about this specifically in Dr. K’s writings, it is part of general good practice and appears in related articles.) India Today+1
Maintain Hope & Realistic Expectations
- Celebrate small successes. Progress may be slow and uneven. Some things may take much longer. Don’t lose hope, but also understand that “normal” may need a definition relative to child’s potential. autismdrmumbai.com+2autismdoctor.in+2

Practical Tips (What to Do Day to Day)

Putting the above into daily life, here are actions parents can take:

Create a daily schedule including therapy, play, rest, meals. Keep it as consistent as possible.
Narrate everything: Talk about what you are doing, what you see, what feels, what you plan to do. Use full sentences.
Reduce screen time or make screen use carefully structured, balanced with face‑to‑face interaction.
Use sensory‑friendly environments: dim lights if oversensitive, allow breaks in noisy places, calm area when child is overwhelmed.
Use positive reinforcement: praise, affection when child does what you want, even small attempts.
Set simple rules: calling your child, asking to sit, using manners etc; enforce gently but regularly.
Eye contact games: playing games that encourage eye contact, mirroring facial expressions etc.
Social exposure: Try safe, small social interactions (family, small groups). Allow child to observe, model social behavior.
Follow up with doctor/therapist regularly: share your observations, ask for changes if no progress.
Be your child’s advocate: ensure proper schooling options, resources, tell school/teachers your child’s needs.
Take care of yourself: Healthy parents are better parents. Seek help, share burden with spouse, family, support groups.

/what school can be best for autim kid as per dr kondekar ?

Here are some ideas from Dr. Santosh Kondekar’s approach + what experts recommend, to help you choose a good school for a child with autism, and some school / centre suggestions in Mumbai. If you tell me which area of Mumbai you are in (or prefer), I can narrow more.

Dr. Kondekar’s Principles

Dr. Kondekar emphasizes the following:

Goal-Directed Cognitive Approach — setting clear goals and working towards them, including readiness for primary school. Autism Dr Mumbai+2autismdoctor.in+2
Therapy & remediation integrated into routine: occupational therapy, speech therapy, special educators, remediations. Mumbai Child Specialist+2Mumbai Child Specialist+2
Regular monitoring of progress with objective tracking (not just “feels better”) — eye contact, responses, concentration, etc. autismdoctor.in+1
Flexibility: the school must cooperate with outside therapeutic/support services; and adapt as per the child’s level of disability. ButterflyLearnings+1

What to Look for in a School (According to Experts + Kondekar’s ideas)

Putting Dr. Kondekar’s inputs together with general best practices, a good school should have:

Inclusive vs Special decision: depending on how severe/broad the autism is. If the child has strong verbal skills and manageable sensory/social issues, inclusive schools with supports may work. If more support is needed, special schools with small class sizes.
Qualified staff: teachers trained in special education, speech, occupational therapy support (or at least close collaboration with therapists).
Low student-teacher ratio so that the child gets individualized attention.
Support for therapies: either in-school or the ability to accommodate sessions outside school.
Safe, sensory-friendly infrastructure: quieter classrooms, calm environment, possibly rooms for calming or OT.
Location and Accessibility: easier commute, so child is not too fatigued; easy for parents to reach.
Regular assessment & feedback: school should work with you to track progress and adapt IEP (Individualized Education Plan).
Flexibility in curriculum/exams: alternative boards like NIOS, or accommodations if the board allows so. Hindustan Times

Some Schools / Centres in Mumbai / Nearby

Here are a few institutions and special schools / therapy-centres around Mumbai you may consider, depending on where you are:

From Justdial etc.:

Swavalamban Special Education & Therapy Center (Mumbai Central area) Justdial
Silver Lining Center, Bandra East Justdial
Sai Connections, SV Road, Khar West Justdial
Priyanj Special School, Oshiwara, Andheri West Justdial
Organization for Autistic Individuals, Andheri West Justdial
Shanay Autism Resource Centre (STU) – early intervention, allied therapies, assessment etc. Sopan

Also institutions like Dr. Kondekar’s own Aakaar Clinic, which may help coordinate therapy + schooling advice

right to education act summary for indian autims kids

Here’s a clear summary of how the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 applies to children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities in India:

📘 Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 – Key Points for Autism

1. Free & Compulsory Education

Every child between 6–14 years has the right to free and compulsory education in a neighbourhood school.
This includes children with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities (as recognised by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD)).

2. No Denial of Admission

A child with autism cannot be denied admission to a mainstream school on the basis of disability.
Schools (government, aided, and even private unaided receiving government aid) must admit and retain the child.

3. Inclusive Education Mandate

RTE + RPwD Act together push for inclusive education: children with autism should ideally study alongside peers in regular schools.
Schools must make “reasonable accommodations” – such as curriculum modification, extra time in exams, assistive devices, and therapeutic support.

4. Special Provisions for Children with Disabilities

Section 3(2) of RTE: children with severe or multiple disabilities, who cannot be accommodated in mainstream schools, have the right to homeschooling, special schools, or alternative education centres.
Parents can choose what’s best.

5. Infrastructure & Teacher Training

Schools should have trained special educators or resource teachers.
Barrier-free access (ramps, sensory-friendly environment) is required.
Teacher training curriculum (NCTE, SCERT) must include special education modules.

6. Reservation / Quota

25% reservation for disadvantaged groups (including children with disabilities) in private unaided schools under Section 12(1)(c) of RTE.
State reimburses school fees for these children.

7. Examination Concessions

Children with autism can get:
- Extra time in exams
- Use of a scribe / computer
- Exemption or modification in subjects like second language or handwriting-intensive tasks
Boards like CBSE, ICSE, and state boards already provide these concessions.

8. Monitoring & Redressal

State and local authorities (School Management Committees, District Education Officers, State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights) are responsible for ensuring RTE implementation.
Parents can file complaints if schools deny admission or accommodations.

✅ In essence:

All autistic children (6–14 yrs) have a right to free education in their neighbourhood school.
Schools must admit them, provide support, and cannot discriminate.
Parents can also choose special schools if mainstream is unsuitable.
Private schools must keep 25% seats reserved (with government reimbursement)

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