In this inspiring episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben welcomes Dr. Pooja Panesar, behaviour analyst, Doctor of Behavioural Health, entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Kaizora Centre for Neurodevelopmental Therapies. Born and raised in Kenya, educated in Canada, and driven by a passion for helping children and families, Dr. Panesar shares her remarkable journey from working with a single child in a small room furnished with only a table and two chairs to building leading autism and neurodevelopmental services across Kenya and Tanzania. The conversation explores the evolution of autism services in East Africa, overcoming stigma, building professional capacity, integrating cultural humility with evidence-based practice, and creating interdisciplinary systems of care. Dr. Panesar also reflects on leadership, resilience, parenting, and her vision for the future of autism services across the continent. This episode offers powerful lessons for behaviour analysts, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and anyone interested in creating meaningful systems change.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ycA180S1EgE
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Links
Dr. Pooja Panesar
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pooja-panesar-31161872/
https://www.instagram.com/pooja_panesar/
Kaizora Centre for Neurodevelopmental Therapies
https://www.kaizora.com/
Autism Awareness Africa
https://www.facebook.com/groups/128237587206355/
Global Autism Project
https://www.globalautismproject.org/
QABA Credentialing
https://qababoard.com/
Cummings Graduate Institute
https://cgi.edu/
Related Behaviour Speak Episodes
If you enjoyed this conversation with Dr. Pooja Panesar and would like to learn more about the growth of behaviour analysis, autism services, and systems change across Africa, we encourage you to explore several related Behaviour Speak episodes.
These include:
From Sudan to Systems Change: Two Sisters Using Behavioural Science to Transform Community Health, featuring two sisters applying behavioural science to improve community health outcomes
The Somali Behaviour Analysis Association with Ikram Buralle, Rahma Farah, Suaad Jama, and Nasteya Mahamoud
Culturally Responsive Screening Tools for Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities in Nigeria with Dr. Eziafakaku Nwokolo
Behaviour Analysis in Ghana and Nigeria with Josephine Akure and Joy Oviojie
Behaviour Analysis in Botswana with Maleshwane Mauco; and Behaviour Analysis in Senegal with Adair Cardon.
Together, these conversations showcase the remarkable leadership, innovation, and commitment of professionals working to expand access to behavioural and developmental services across the African continent.
