The Special Needs Children Podcast - with Chitra Iyer

In this exclusive ‘Expert Speaks Series’, Chitra will be in conversation with various experts who closely work with Special Needs Children and their families. These experts could be doctors, therapists, legal professionals, vocational trainers or even family members who have successfully secured the future for a loved one. The aim is to bring their knowledge and vast experience to you so that you can find the solutions and guidance you need to live a happier life.In this episode, we have with us Dr. Rubina Lal, a parent, professor, special educator and researcher. She is the Founder member of Sopan, an NGO that works for Autism. Listen to her in conversation with Chitra Iyer, where she shares her thoughts on:1. As an expert in the field of Autism and after having worked with the government and other private institutions, what is the big change that she has seen over 40 years? What is her 'ask' for the coming decades?2. What are the 3 most important things she would like to tell the newly diagnosed Special Needs Parents?3. What are her thoughts on the 'future planning' of Special Needs Children as they become adults?For some of you who might not know, Chitra Iyer, is a Special Needs Parent herself and a Trustee with Forum for Autism. Her 22 year old son, Shravan, has Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Professionally, she is a Financial Coach and the CEO of MFA, a 16-year-old organization that specializes in Goal-based Investing and has been supporting the cause of Autism for more than a decade now. She has been helping hundreds of families with her guidance, talks, webinars etc.We would like to emphasize here that 'Special Needs' covers any kind of intellectual or physical challenge/disability and not just Autism. The challenges faced and future planning required for it, are quite similar.Do listen and share it with all the Special Needs Families and other groups you know.To get in touch with us:  Book a meeting instantly- https://bit.ly/2XBF5aSOrWrite to us on - teammfa@myfinad.inIn Pursuit of Your Happiness,Team MFA

In this episode of the Special Needs Children Podcast, Chitra is in talks with Aniket Kadam, Co-founder of Powered by Autistics. He was diagnosed 3 years ago and we will ask him why he needed to get diagnosed. He is an accomplished Android developer with over a decade of experience in the tech industry. Aniket is renowned not only for his tech innovation but also for his commitment to equality, mental health, and neurodiversity.His work includes everything from creating apps for parents and children to empowering individuals to achieve their goals.For some of you who might not know, Chitra Iyer, is a Special Needs Parent herself and a Trustee with Forum for Autism. Her 25 year old son, Shravan, has Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Professionally, she is a Financial Coach and the CEO of MFA, a 18-year-old organization that specializes in Goal-based Investing and has been supporting the cause of Autism for more than a decade now. She has been helping hundreds of families with her guidance, talks, webinars etc.We would like to emphasize here that 'Special Needs' covers any kind of intellectual or physical challenge/disability and not just Autism. The challenges faced and future planning required for it, are quite similar.Do listen and share it with all the Special Needs Families and other groups you know.To get in touch with us: Contact us on - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠teammfa@myfinad.in

In this episode, our CEO, Ms. Chitra Iyer is in talks with Asha and Maitreya Matale. मैत्रेय मटाले हा 22 वर्षांचा गायक आणि संगीतकार आहे. He was diagnosed with Autism at the very young age of 1-year 8-months. लहानपणापासूनच संगीताची आवड असल्याने तो ९ वर्षांचा असल्यापासून हिंदुस्थानी शास्त्रीय संगीत शिकत आहे.Join us as Maitreya and his mother Asha share their inspiring journey since his autism diagnosis. With courage and resilience, they've navigated challenges and triumphed over obstacles, fueled by a positive attitude and determination. Listen in as they discuss the importance of inclusivity, and the lessons they've learned along the way.For some of you who might not know, Chitra Iyer, is a Special Needs Parent herself and a Trustee with Forum for Autism. Her 25 year old son, Shravan, has Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Professionally, she is a Financial Coach and the CEO of MFA, a 18-year-old organization that specializes in Goal-based Investing and has been supporting the cause of Autism for more than a decade now. She has been helping hundreds of families with her guidance, talks, webinars etc.We would like to emphasize here that 'Special Needs' covers any kind of intellectual or physical challenge/disability and not just Autism. The challenges faced and future planning required for it, are quite similar.Do listen and share it with all the Special Needs Families and other groups you know.To get in touch with us: Contact us on - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠teammfa@myfinad.in

In this episode, our CEO, Ms. Chitra Iyer is in talks with Swati Vispute and her son Hrishikesh. ऋषिकेश हा 26 वर्षांचा ऑटिस्टिक अमूर्त चित्रकार आहे ज्याने मुंबईत एसएससी आणि फाईन आर्टस् मध्ये डिप्लोमा पूर्ण केला आहे. त्याच्या उत्कृष्ट Drawing skills साठी राज्य आणि राष्ट्रीय दोन्ही स्तरावर गोल्ड मेडल देऊन सन्मानित करण्यात आले आहे. या एपिसोडमध्ये, आम्ही ऋषिकेश शी त्याचा प्रवासाबद्दल, त्याच्या पालकांचा प्रवासाबद्दल आणि त्यांना आलेल्या challenges बद्दल बोलत आहोत.For some of you who might not know, Chitra Iyer, is a Special Needs Parent herself and a Trustee with Forum for Autism. Her 25 year old son, Shravan, has Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Professionally, she is a Financial Coach and the CEO of MFA, a 18-year-old organization that specializes in Goal-based Investing and has been supporting the cause of Autism for more than a decade now. She has been helping hundreds of families with her guidance, talks, webinars etc.We would like to emphasize here that 'Special Needs' covers any kind of intellectual or physical challenge/disability and not just Autism. The challenges faced and future planning required for it, are quite similar.Do listen and share it with all the Special Needs Families and other groups you know.To get in touch with us: Contact us on - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠teammfa@myfinad.in

We are excited to launch an all new series of the Special Needs Children Podcast- 'Finding Happiness' where parents share their journey of resilience and finding their way to happiness. ह्या एपिसोड मध्ये आमच्या सीईओ, चित्रा अय्यर, दर्शना सावंतशी संवाद साधत आहेत. दर्शना आपल्याशी तिचा मुलगा वरूण बद्दल, त्याचा ऑटिसम diagnosis आणि आत्तापर्यंतचा प्रवासाबद्दल share karat aahe. How finding joy in small victories has been crucial for their family is wonderful to hear. Today, Varun leads his own venture Bake & Flake following his passion for baking, other than being a marathon runner.For some of you who might not know, Chitra Iyer, is a Special Needs Parent herself and a Trustee with Forum for Autism. Her 25 year old son, Shravan, has Autism, Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy. Professionally, she is a Financial Coach and the CEO of MFA, a 18-year-old organization that specializes in Goal-based Investing and has been supporting the cause of Autism for more than a decade now. She has been helping hundreds of families with her guidance, talks, webinars etc.We would like to emphasize here that 'Special Needs' covers any kind of intellectual or physical challenge/disability and not just Autism. The challenges faced and future planning required for it, are quite similar.Do listen and share it with all the Special Needs Families and other groups you know.To get in touch with us: Contact us on - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠teammfa@myfinad.in⁠

As part of the Vocational Training Interview Series on The Special Needs Children Podcast, Chitra Iyer is in conversation with Anita Kumbhani from The Anchorage.Founded in 1988, The Anchorage is one of Mumbai’s earliest organisations supporting adults with special needs, started by parents who were thinking deeply about life after the school years.For over three decades, Anchorage has focused on what truly matters in adulthood: meaningful work, daily structure and dignity. Through job work from nearby industrial units and close partnership with families, adults are supported to build confidence, purpose and a strong sense of belonging.This episode offers a warm, thoughtful look at vocational training and what supported adulthood can truly look like.

In the latest episode of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer, sits down with Manu Sekar, founder of HashHackCode, a name steadily transforming how the world views neurodiverse learners in the digital age.Manu, who has spent years working closely with children and young adults with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Down Syndrome, has built an ecosystem where coding becomes more than a skill — it becomes a pathway to confidence, independence, and belonging.In this soulful episode, we step into Manu’s journey… the questions, the breakthroughs, the quiet determination, and the belief that every child deserves a space where they are understood, included, and empowered.

What began with one mother’s lived experience has grown into a haven of dignity and purpose for over 25 special adults.In the latest episode of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer, sits down with Mrs. Vandana Karve, the Sanchalak of Aawhan Palak Sangh.Her journey, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment have touched countless families over the last 30 years. We are also honoured to be joined by her daughter, Vasudha, whose creativity and story add a beautiful depth to this conversation.

In the latest episode of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer, is in talks with Dr. Shoba Srivastava, Managing Trustee of SOPAN, a name that resonates deeply within the special needs community.Dr. Shoba, a parent to an adult with autism and tuberous sclerosis, has spent decades transforming questions into action, from “What next after school?” to creating meaningful pathways for adulthood through SOPAN’s vocational and respite care centres.In this heartfelt episode, we go behind the scenes of her journey...the doubts, decisions, courage, and compassion that shaped SOPAN into a space of learning, dignity, and joy.Tune in to hear how one mother’s love and determination grew into a movement that continues to empower countless families. 💙Watch the episode now on The Special Needs Children Podcast, created by one of you, for all of you!

What after school? Har maa aur pita jiske bachche ko special needs hai, yeh zarur sochta hai – 18 saal ya school ke baad kya? Vocational training aur kya options available hain?In this episode of The Special Needs Children Podcast, Chitra speaks to Ms. Sulekha Doshi, a parent who, while seeking options for her own son Geet, turned that question into action by starting a vocational centre where young adults now learn, work, and find purpose. 💙Sulekha shares her journey, challenges, and advice for families still seeking options after school.Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with hope and ideas.

In this episode, our CEO, Chitra Iyer, has a heartfelt conversation with Sonali Saini, the Founder & Executive Director of Sol’s ARC—an inspiring changemaker who has dedicated over two decades to building inclusive education and livelihood opportunities for individuals with disabilities across India.Driven by her powerful and compassionate vision—Every Child Learns, Every Adult Earns—Sonali has been working closely with government bodies and nonprofit organizations to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind, but instead empowered through meaningful learning and earning pathways.Her journey is one of courage, commitment, and quiet revolutions that are changing lives every single day.

In this episode, our CEO, Chitra Iyer, is in conversation with Debashis Paul—a renowned marketing strategist behind campaigns for Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and more personally, an autism parent and author of I Have Autism and I Like to Play Bad Tennis, a book that has sparked global conversations on parenting and inclusion. In this podcast, Debashis shares the story behind his book and reflects on parenting a child with autism. He speaks about the shift from fixing to accepting, the joy in everyday moments, and offers heartfelt advice to fellow parents.To get in touch with us: Contact us on - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠teammfa@myfinad.in

In episode 80, our CEO Chitra Iyer is in conversation with Benifer Satarawala, a Special Needs mom, Secretary of Forum for Autism (FFA) and Principal of Priyanj Special School, Mumbai. With over a decade of experience in remedial education, play therapy, and communication skill development, Benifer is a passionate advocate for children with autism. Today, she shares how her journey fuels her mission at Priyanj, Savali and FFA, driving empathy, resilience, and inclusion for children with autism and their families.

In episode 79, our CEO Chitra Iyer is in conversation with Beverly Louis, founder of Mann- Centre for Individuals with Special Needs and co-founder of Karmann, a brand creating handcrafted quilted products by artisans with intellectual disabilities and autism. Joining her is Gauri Shringarpure, Chief Program Officer at Mann and a seasoned mental health expert with over 25 years of experience in consumer behavior, gender, and positive psychology.Together, they share how Mann is creating real impact through skill-building, inclusive employment, and emotional wellness for young adults with disabilities.

In episode 78 of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer is in talks with Ms. Gulshan Kavarana, a founding member of SFS (Special Families Support group), a support group for families with children with special needs, also the founding member of Ahura Support and Residential home in Mumbai and the Art Mentor at Mawaheb, an art studio for adults with special needs.Get inspired by Gulshan’s journey of compassion and impact. Tune in to this powerful podcast and discover how small actions can create a change. Listen now!

In this episode, our CEO, Chitra Iyer is in conversation with Sonalee Shyamsunder, Founder & Director of Urmi Foundation, a non-profit organization that is making a remarkable impact in the lives of children with developmental disabilities. Tune into the podcast to watch her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and the transformative work being done at the Urmi Foundation to create an inclusive future for children with developmental disabilities.

In Episode 75 of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer is in conversation with Shilpi Kapoor, founder of BarrierBreak and 247 Accessible Documents, a pioneer in digital accessibility. She also created Newz Hook, India’s first inclusive news platform.Tune into the podcast as Shilpi shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her vision for the future of digital accessibility.

In this episode our CEO, Chitra Iyer is joined by Ritu Vig, an educator and interior designer who took a sabbatical after her son Kritin was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Driven by the need for true inclusion, she founded Special Hangout and what started as a small gathering of children playing together organically evolved into a thriving, supportive community for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

In this episode of The Special Needs Children Podcast, our CEO, Chitra Iyer is in talks with Ms. Ruhi Patwardhan and Ms. Aditi Jha, dedicated social workers at Ummeed Child Development Center In this episode, they discuss the importance of the UDID card for individuals with disabilities and explain its benefits, the application process, and how Ummeed supports families in obtaining it.

In episode 71, Chitra Iyer is in talks with Ms. Nehal Tiwari and her parents Ms. Seema and Mr. Anupam Tiwari.Nehal is a consultant at EY and a gifted artist whose passion for stone painting began in college and serves as her creative voice. Diagnosed with Autism at two, Nehal transformed her challenges into opportunities for creativity, using her art to communicate and connect with the world. Nehal and her parents talk about Nehal's passion for art, how she achieved financial independence and the role of her parents in the growth of her journey.