We were lucky to catch up with Manisha Lad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

Manisha Lad, founder of the Akhil Autism Foundation and The Sensory Pathway Center in New Jersey (USA); an amazing state-of-the-art facility focused on helping families with neurodiverse children grow and develop their skills. As an extraordinary advocate for neurodiversity and autism care, Manisha Lad has deep passion for creating positive change and bringing about Neurodiversity awareness.

Manisha Lad Bio:
Manisha Lad is the proud founder of The Sensory Pathway Center, as well as the Akhil Autism Foundation in Dayton, New Jersey, a haven where neurodiversity thrives.

Her journey into the world of neurodiversity began when her only son, Akhil Lad, was diagnosed with autism. The struggle to find resources and guidance that catered to his unique needs was challenging. Yet, amidst the labyrinth of trials and tribulations, hope emerged.

As a mother, she not only saw but felt the need for resources, a place that would foster her son’s continuous success. Manisha knew that if she had these feelings, countless others undoubtedly felt the need for a similar sanctuary. This became her mission. That spark of hope was the genesis of The Sensory Pathway Center and The Akhil Autism Foundation. The smiles that light up the faces of individuals, and the ripple of positive change that emanates from the sensory pathway and beyond, are the rewards that fuel her resolve. The experiences, the alliances, the community engagements, and the expanding horizons all meld together to create what Manisha believes is the “big picture,” reverberating with hope, acceptance, and empowerment.

Collaborative ventures with distinguished personalities like Dr. Temple Grandin and Deepak Chopra have been significant milestones for the shared mission to educate and promote neurodiversity, and improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological differences. Manisha continues to strive to foster change throughout her community and beyond, ensuring each individual finds their rightful place to thrive.

She envisions a world where every person with autism has the opportunity to reach their full potential and work together to achieve a common goal: improving the lives of individuals living with ASD through innovative approaches.

Manisha Lad Leadership Speaker Conference Examples 2022 – 2023:
US Autism Association’s 2023 World Autism Conference & Expo
NYC Autism Tech, Innovation & Career Expo
Global Virtual Neurodiverse Symposium 2023
Neurodiversity India Summit 2022

Example Topics of Discussion:
Prioritizing Brain Development and Communication Techniques that Can Encourage Self-expression and Communication
Autism: Inclusivity in the Workplace
Behavioral Therapy and Biomedical Intervention Roadblocks
Presume Competence Approach

Media Features:
USA Wire Press Release https://usawire.com/the-sensory-pathway-center-empowers-neurodiverse-individuals-with-innovative-support-for-autism/
Manisha Lad Interview // Medium :https://medium.com/authority-magazine/social-impact-heroes-why-how-manisha-lad-of-the-sensory-pathway-center-is-helping-to-change-our-6509de926d22
Manisha Lad Blog Post // Different Brains :https://differentbrains.org/my-journey-into-the-world-of-neurodiversity/

https://youtu.be/Ek__cmMdccE?si=TOYNHiDMmzc61VHN

Manisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I would love to take this opportunity to introduce our foundation AKhil Autism Foundation started by me and my husband 16 hrs back.

About the Sensory Pathway Center, a nonprofit supported by the Akhil Autism Foundation.

we specialize in empowering individuals with autism and other Neuro developmental disabilities,

1. About the Sensory Pathway Center:

1. We are a DDD Approved Vendor under Goods and Services, and a DDD Approved Provider.

2. We offer a state-of-the-art Sensory Gym and a variety of programs in a safe, supportive environment.

3. NeuroCare Continuum Model:

This structured, multi-phase model is designed to guide individuals through their developmental journey:

1. Phase 1: Evaluation – Comprehensive assessments and reflex screenings to create a tailored treatment plan.

2. Phase 2: Sensory Regulation & Reflex Integration – Focus on regulating sensory and nervous systems for body awareness.

3. Phase 3: Executive Functioning & Motor Planning– Developing cognitive and motor skills for planning and executing tasks.

4. Phase 4: Functional & Pre-Vocational – Applying skills in real-world contexts, including our Neurodiverse Gardenersprogram. This program features a hydroponics unit where participants grow produce that is donated to the South Brunswick Food Pantry, providing hands-on pre-vocational experience.

3. Unique Offerings:

1. Functional daily living skills, fitness, and letter board communication programs for nonverbal individuals.

2. Sensory integration for those with anxiety, offering a customized approach.

3.. Pre-Vocational Classeslaunching soon to help individuals build workplace readiness, including the Neurodiverse Gardenersinitiative

4. Social Skills Program an opportunity for neurotypical to interact with neurodiverse community

4. Community Impact:

1. Our patient-centric approach focuses on long-term growth and independence for individuals and their families.

2. Through partnerships like the South Brunswick Food Pantry, we give back to the community in meaningful ways.

5. Invitation to Visit:

We would love to invite you to visit the Sensory Pathway Center, explore our facilities, and experience our innovative programs, including the Neurodiverse Gardening Program.

This initiative showcases how we blend therapeutic approaches with vocational training to empower individuals in a real-world setting

https://www.akhilautismfoundation.org/
https://www.aafsensorypathway.com/

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aafsensorypathway.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manishaladnc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishaladaaf/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtLSr5YPQBn09Bu42r0PBDQ

Image Credits

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