Meet Manisha Lad

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Manisha Lad. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Manisha below.

Hi Manisha , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

2002 when I went to the doctor with our only son Akhil lad when he was 18 months old. The doctor gave the diagnosis of Autism and I was told there is no hope he might speak late or he will never speak . He will also live a dependent life that’s where I found my purpose as when my inner conscious mind told NO. That’s where our Autism Journey started.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Manisha Lad, and I am the proud founder of the Akhil Autism Foundation and The Sensory Pathway Center in Dayton, New Jersey. Our state-of-the-art facility is a haven where neurodiversity thrives, focused on helping families with neurodiverse children grow, develop their skills, and achieve independence.

My journey into the world of neurodiversity began when my only son, Akhil Lad, was diagnosed with autism. The struggle to find resources and guidance tailored to his unique needs was a challenge that deeply shaped me. As a mother, I not only saw but felt the lack of comprehensive resources that supported continuous success for individuals like Akhil. I realized that countless other families likely shared the same need for a sanctuary of growth, hope, and empowerment. This vision became the driving force behind the creation of the Akhil Autism Foundation and The Sensory Pathway Center.

Our work focuses on empowering individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities through innovative programs like the NeuroCare Continuum Model, which emphasizes sensory regulation, executive functioning, and employability. We also offer specialized programs like the Neurodiverse Gardeners Project to develop vocational skills while promoting inclusivity and social justice.

Milestones and Impact
Through the years, we’ve achieved numerous milestones, including collaborations with distinguished personalities like Dr. Temple Grandin and Deepak Chopra, furthering the mission to promote neurodiversity and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological differences. Our work has been featured in USA Wire, Medium, and Different Brains, showcasing the impact of our advocacy and innovation in autism care.

Leadership and Advocacy
As an extraordinary advocate for neurodiversity and autism care, I’m passionate about creating positive change and bringing awareness to the potential and capabilities of individuals with autism. I envision a world where every person with autism has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

My work has been shared at notable conferences such as:

US Autism Association’s 2023 World Autism Conference & Expo
NYC Autism Tech, Innovation & Career Expo
Global Virtual Neurodiverse Symposium 2023
Neurodiversity India Summit 2022
Speaking Topics
Some of my most requested speaking topics include:

Prioritizing Brain Development and Communication Techniques to encourage self-expression.
Autism in the Workplace: Creating inclusive spaces for neurodiverse talent.
Behavioral Therapy and Biomedical Intervention Roadblocks: Navigating challenges.
The Presume Competence Approach: Changing perceptions of neurodiverse individuals.
Future Vision and Expansion
Looking ahead, my team and I are focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Ultraleap – Leap Motion, to revolutionize therapeutic approaches in sensory processing and communication. We’re also expanding our training programs to include advanced therapies like phototherapy and strength-based approaches

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resilience & Adaptability
The journey of building the Akhil Autism Foundation and The Sensory Pathway Center was filled with challenges—whether it was finding the right therapies for my son, navigating complex systems, or securing funding for our initiatives. However, resilience and the ability to adapt have been my greatest strengths.

📌 Advice for Others:

Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Every obstacle you encounter is a chance to learn and improve.
Be flexible and open to change. The autism field is constantly evolving, and being willing to explore new approaches, technologies, and therapies can make a significant difference.
Develop a problem-solving mindset. Instead of getting stuck on setbacks, focus on solutions and next steps.
2. Knowledge & Continuous Learning
From the moment Akhil was diagnosed with autism, I realized that knowledge is power. I immersed myself in learning—understanding brain development, therapy models, and the latest research in autism interventions. This deep knowledge not only helped my son but allowed me to create programs that benefit countless other families.

📌 Advice for Others:

Become a lifelong learner. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, keep expanding your knowledge through research, courses, and conferences.
Stay updated on scientific advancements. Autism therapies and interventions are rapidly evolving. Engage with experts, read studies, and be willing to integrate new approaches.
Seek mentorship. Connect with professionals, therapists, and experienced advocates who can guide you through the complexities of the field.
3. Community Building & Collaboration
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that no one succeeds alone. The success of my foundation and center is deeply tied to the network of parents, professionals, researchers, and community members who have come together to support our cause. Collaborating with thought leaders like Dr. Temple Grandin and Deepak Chopra has further strengthened our mission.

📌 Advice for Others:

Build a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can help you grow.
Engage with the community. Whether it’s through local meetups, online forums, or professional networks, connecting with others will open new opportunities and resources.
Collaborate instead of competing. The field of neurodiversity advocacy thrives when people work together. Be willing to share knowledge, partner with like-minded organizations, and amplify each other’s efforts.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Partnering and Collaborating with the Akhil Autism Foundation
Yes, I am always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations who share a passion for empowering neurodiverse individuals and creating meaningful change in the autism community. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at the Akhil Autism Foundation and The Sensory Pathway Center, and I firmly believe that by working together, we can amplify our impact and bring innovative solutions to those who need them most.

Who We Are Looking to Collaborate With
We are open to partnering with a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including:

Researchers and Innovators:

Experts in neuroscience, autism therapies, assistive technology, or eye gaze technology to help us expand our understanding and therapeutic offerings.
Developers and tech professionals focused on AR/VR and sensory-based interventions for autism care.
Healthcare and Education Professionals:

Occupational therapists, speech therapists, recreational therapists, and educators who are passionate about neurodiversity and want to co-create programs or contribute to training initiatives.
Universities and institutions interested in partnering for research, internships, or community programs.
Advocacy and Social Impact Organizations:

Nonprofits and advocacy groups working on inclusivity, vocational training, and education for neurodiverse individuals.
Social justice organizations interested in partnering on projects like the Neurodiverse Gardeners Project or other community-based initiatives.
Corporates and Businesses:

Employers looking to create inclusive work environments or offer opportunities for neurodiverse talent.
Companies interested in sponsoring or supporting our events, programs, or campaigns for autism awareness.
Creative and Media Professionals:

Writers, filmmakers, and artists who can help tell the stories of neurodiverse individuals, raise awareness, and advocate for inclusivity.
Media outlets or influencers looking to amplify the message of hope, acceptance, and empowerment for neurodiverse individuals.
How to Connect with Us
If you are passionate about neurodiversity, innovation, or making a difference in the autism community, I’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can connect:

Email: info@akhilautismfoundation.org
Website: www.akhilautismfoundation.org
LinkedIn: Manisha Lad LinkedIn Profile (Feel free to share yours, if applicable!)
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on our programs and initiatives.
What Collaboration Means to Us
Collaboration isn’t just about working together—it’s about building bridges, fostering inclusivity, and co-creating solutions that bring real change to the lives of individuals with autism and their families. If you share this vision, let’s join hands and make a difference togethe

Contact Info:

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