Building Autism Services in Kenya and Tanzania: Dr. Pooja Panesar on Leadership, Inclusion, and Behaviour Analysis

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.