Dr Kondekar Santosh , Associate Professor Pediatrics Nair Hospital Mumbai. REVIEWS UPDATES Clinic Address: Aakaar clinic, shop 25, first floor, Laxmi residency, Byculla West, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027, India 9869405747 MAP LINK
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Caring for Autism Beyond Awareness, A Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician turning a Parenting Guide and a Lifecoach for parent and kids in distress
Adding life to SENSES, Adding SENSE to life; helps shaping the future & personalities. - Dr Kondekar
Lets dream to turn every autism kid an auditory learner (not visual) and thus a verbal & Orator. - Dr Kondekar
Giving up hopes adds nothing to life, add hopes. Work on what is weaker and not what is stronger in autism kids. - Dr Kondekar
Turning Special kids to Social kids. - Dr Kondekar
Pediatric Neurologist, Neuro Developmental Pediatrician in Mumbai for help in autism, adhd, hyper kids, behaviour issues, child psychiatry issues, issues related to epilepsy, neurometabolism, genetic disorders and IQ issues, intellectual disability, slow learner, learning disability and related issues.
https://fb.watch/lI1ngycovA/ for above video, time to come out of blues of autism
A goal-directed cognitive approach (gdca) for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focuses on enhancing the ability to set, pursue, and achieve meaningful personal and social goals through tailored cognitive, behavioral, and metacognitive strategies.[3][4][7]
### Core Principles
Goal-directed cognitive interventions are structured around identifying individualized goals such as improved communication, social engagement, regulation of attention, and executive functioning. The primary aim is to address the unique cognitive and behavioral strengths and challenges observed in autism and ADHD, leveraging motivation and real-world relevance to foster generalization of learned skills.[4][7]
### Evidence-Based Approaches
- **Cognitive Remediation and Socio-Cognitive Training:**
Programs such as NEAR (Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation) integrate cognitive exercises, social skills activities, and real-life bridging tasks to improve executive functions (e.g., planning, working memory, mental flexibility) and social cognition.
These methods combine digital exercises with group-based discussions and scenarios to promote application and generalization of skills beyond the therapeutic setting.[3]
- **Mindfulness and Metacognitive Training:**
Mindfulness training and metacognitive strategies are shown to help individuals with ADHD and ASD enhance self-awareness, regulate attention, and manage emotional responses, supporting goal pursuit in daily life.[2][3]
- **Behavioral and Environmental Supports:** For ADHD, structured routines, visual schedules, and reinforcement systems help maintain focus on goals. For autism, sensory integration and environmental modifications (e.g., reducing distractions, using sensory tools) are critical to support engagement and reduce interference.[2]
- **Intentional Control and Cognitive Flexibility Building:**
Interventions address intentional control—the capacity to form, maintain, and shift goals—and cognitive flexibility, both of which are frequently impaired in autism and ADHD. Practice with task switching, planning, and adapting behavior helps individuals adjust their actions in response to changing demands.[7]
- **Generalization of Skills:** Bridging groups and role-play scenarios ensure that cognitive improvements translate to real-life settings, addressing the common challenge of limited skill transfer among individuals with ASD and ADHD.[4][3]
### Practical Elements
- Setting clear, achievable goals collaboratively with the individual and their support system.[4]
- Incorporating AUDITORY, digital or hands-on cognitive tasks that match the individual’s interests and abilities.[3]
- Using group interventions to build self-esteem, peer relationships, and pragmatic language skills.[3]
- Fostering metacognitive reflection—encouraging individuals to think about their problem-solving strategies, recognize progress, and adapt approaches as needed.[3]
This approach is dynamic and tailored, combining structured cognitive exercises with real-world relevance, thereby strengthening executive control, social cognition, and goal-oriented behavior for people with autism and ADHD.[7][2][4][3]
Sources
[1] Social cognition in autism and ADHD https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763425000223
[2] ADHD and autism in Neurocognitive Mismatch Theory https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1617192/full
[3] Toward an integrative socio-cognitive approach in autism ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10244578/
[4] Understanding Autism. 15 Goal-Directed Cognitive ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GqZa7rxP7Q
[5] The paradox of cognitive flexibility in autism - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5538880/
[6] Real-world goal-directed behavior reveals aberrant functional ... https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0319746
[7] A Review of Intentional and Cognitive Control in Autism https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00436/full
[8] Differentiating neural reward responsiveness in autism ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929314000541
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There is no complete cure for many disorders including autism.
Dr Kondekar is a neurodevelopmental and behavioral pediatrician, being available for parents and kids suffering from autism, adhd, cerebral palsy, conduct disorders, learning disability and other behavioral and developmental disorders; helps then understand the issues and help enable the kid towards development of learning, attention, focus, behaviour, communication, speech, language, locomotion and improving scholastic / academic performance; eventually contributing towards the personality of the child through life skills, manners, habits, stories and cultural / moral values of life. Dr Kondekar is available in Mumbai at Nair hospital for autism kids, Aaakaar Clinic Byculla west and also providing services at Vashi, Nashik, Sangli, Pune, Delhi Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa, Bhubaneshar, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Jabalpur; and to a vast number of parents through video consultations.
Online appt We can plan or prepone today or tmrw. Send payment to 9869405747 any mode. Or other payment details at website.You may also book in advance at website. www.autismdoctor.inFor clinic appointment ask with date and time.Payment details at http://www.autismdoctor.in QR code at www.autismdrmumbai.comnew case 2500/-Old case 1500/-Video call whatsapp or botim,for bank account details https://kondekar.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/8/3/13830206/bank-account.png. Name of child-Date of birth-City-Last prescription copy-Current issues- paypal link https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/aakaarclinic
Please if possible fill the two forms , form 1 and form 2 below and send the filled report copy paste as whatsapp to 9869405747 and for free genetic counselling and advice for genetic test, click here Visit bottom of page for payment. QR code After 2013, the revision of criteria is made to call is DSM V Diagnostic Criteria for autism, see form 2 link above. Accordingly we have devised a scoring system and classification for autism, click here for same.DSM 4 based scoring system for self use and understandingDSM 5 based scoring system for self use and understandingCARS score free evaluation add your case result here
Please if possible fill the two forms , form 1 and form 2 below and send the filled report copy paste as whatsapp to 9869405747 and for free genetic counselling and advice for genetic test, click here Visit bottom of page for payment. QR code After 2013, the revision of criteria is made to call is DSM V Diagnostic Criteria for autism, see form 2 link above. Accordingly we have devised a scoring system and classification for autism, click here for same.DSM 4 based scoring system for self use and understandingDSM 5 based scoring system for self use and understandingCARS score free evaluation add your case result here
www.autismmumbai.com is a website you will get all anwers to your questions on autisms, dr kondekars tips for autism, adhd, learning disability. www.autismmumbai.com also mentions dr kondekars GDCA, Goal Directed Cognitive Approach, DR Kondekars Triology of Autism, Dr Kondekars $D Minus Diet, DR Kondekars Autism Reversal Commandments, DR Kondekars Neuronal Nutrition hypothesis, DR Kondekars concept of Internal sensory integration.
Cerebral Palsy
http://speechandsenses.blogspot.com/2025/10/dr-kondekar-on-world-cerebral-palsy-day.html
https://youtu.be/zVNcAs96Q2s?si=p7PlB7NTM-8yzYNA
Dr Kondekar talk on cerebral palsy in children, a marathi program in door darshan Sahyadri Chanel
Dr Kondekar talk on cerebral palsy in children, a marathi program in door darshan Sahyadri Chanel
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of muscle tone and posture due to some insult to developing brain usually at or before birth, due to unknown reasons.
Cerebral palsy kids often present with developmental delay as late sitter, late walker, slow walker, weakness of one or other or both sides of body with or without joint deformities affecting various functions of hand feet and locomotion. Often they may also have issues like squint deafness speech delay low IQ epilepsy and behavioural issues as added complications in some cases.
There is something that can be done for everything to improve FUNCTIONALITY AND personality of kids. So management of cerebral palsy is multidisciplinary involving many different experts and therapists.
For any questions related to cerebral palsy management whatsapp 9869405747 india.
www.neuropediatrician.com
Questions:
How to manage behaviours in 13 year old girl with autism?
Answer:
Please have a detailed free whatsapo discussion +91 9869405747
Nonverbal autism kids donot respond to CBT. Their behaviours donot respond by handling them by therapist of any types. Behaviours at this age are not just a reaction to be treated by aba saying looking for antecedents will solve the problem. No they cant. but at this stage it is disorder of thought and action .. they will need medicines. www.autismdoctor.in to know what u don't know
Prof dr santosh Kondekar is one of the best autism doctors in mumbai THANE NASHIK PUNE, HE PRACTICES HIS UniQUE GOAL DIRECTED COGNITIVE APPROACH FOR MANAGING AUTISM KIDS, ADHD, SPEECH DELAY, LEARNING DISABILITY AND EPILEPSY CASES. HE HAS EXPERTISE IN COUNSELLING, GUIDING DOCTORS THERAPIST AND PARENTS ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND MAINSTREAMING CHILDREN UTH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY OR DEFICIT OR DISORDER.
Prof dr santosh Kondekar is one of the best autism doctors in mumbai THANE NASHIK PUNE, HE PRACTICES HIS UniQUE GOAL DIRECTED COGNITIVE APPROACH FOR MANAGING AUTISM KIDS, ADHD, SPEECH DELAY, LEARNING DISABILITY AND EPILEPSY CASES. HE HAS EXPERTISE IN COUNSELLING, GUIDING DOCTORS THERAPIST AND PARENTS ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND MAINSTREAMING CHILDREN UTH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY OR DEFICIT OR DISORDER.
Dr. Santosh Kondekar
Developmental Pediatrician | Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy | Autism and Neurodevelopment Specialist
Dr. Santosh Kondekar is widely known among families across India and internationally as an “Autism Doctor,” not merely because of his clinical involvement in autism spectrum disorder, but because of his deeply passionate and sustained commitment toward the welfare of children with autism and their families. Over more than a decade, he has developed a unique identity in the field of developmental pediatrics and pediatric neurodevelopment through his strongly cognition-oriented and goal-directed clinical approach.
Parents from multiple cities within India as well as abroad have been regularly consulting him for years, often continuing follow-up over long durations because of the sustained developmental progress observed in children under his guidance. His work has particularly gained recognition for helping children with autism gradually evolve into more socially interactive, emotionally connected and cognitively responsive individuals through structured developmental prioritization rather than symptom-based therapy alone.
Dr. Kondekar completed his MBBS and MD in Pediatrics from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, one of India’s premier medical institutions. He is presently working as an Additional Professor of Pediatrics at TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai.
His academic training spans across pediatrics, developmental neurology, epilepsy and medical education. He possesses three advanced fellowships and higher training qualifications:
1. MUHS Fellowship in Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy
2. Diploma in Developmental Neurology from Kerala University
3. FAIMER Fellowship in Medical Education and Research
This combination uniquely positions him at the intersection of pediatrics, pediatric neurology and developmental pediatrics. Despite broad training, Dr. Kondekar consciously restricted and refined his clinical work to a focused group of neurodevelopmental and pediatric neurological conditions involving:
- Pediatric Learning Disability
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
These domains collectively shaped the acronym “P.L.A.C.E.” Foundation, reflecting his focused philosophy toward pediatric neurodevelopmental care.
Over the years, Dr. Kondekar has developed several original conceptual frameworks and cognitive-developmental therapeutic philosophies, many of which are published through his writings and conceptual articles available on his academic platform:
His work is especially recognized for proposing a “Goal Directed Cognitive Approach” in autism intervention. This approach challenges several conventional therapy paradigms that excessively prioritize isolated sensory activities, repetitive task completion or mechanical behavioural outputs without sufficient cognitive-verbal integration.
According to Dr. Kondekar’s developmental philosophy, natural developmental progression must remain central to autism rehabilitation. He emphasizes that meaningful neurodevelopment begins not merely through training the body or increasing activity participation, but through strengthening cognition, verbal connection, common sense development and socially meaningful interpretation.
He frequently states:
«“Training the body without training the brain cognitively is mechanical training.”»
His work therefore shifts therapeutic attention toward:
- Development of common sense
- Cognitive-verbal association
- Social-emotional interpretation
- Cause-effect understanding
- Functional communication
- Interactive thinking
- Reflective behaviour
- Purposeful participation
rather than mere completion of activities without meaningful understanding.
This philosophy gradually evolved into his broader conceptual framework:
«“Adding sense to life by adding life to senses, and thus shaping the future through verbal and cognitive sense.”»
In contrast to purely sensory-driven therapeutic systems, Dr. Kondekar advocates that sensory experiences become developmentally meaningful only when connected with cognition, language, emotional understanding and purposeful interaction.
Clinically, his work has been particularly appreciated for helping many children with autism transition from isolated repetitive behavioural patterns toward improved social interaction, emotional reciprocity and cognitive responsiveness. Parents frequently describe sustained and time-bound developmental progress under structured goal-oriented intervention plans.
One unique observation repeatedly noted in his practice is that nearly 90% of parents gradually discontinue intensive therapy dependency within approximately six months, not because of dissatisfaction, but because of increased parental understanding, improved child functionality and better integration of developmental principles into daily life routines.
Apart from autism, Dr. Kondekar also possesses extensive expertise in:
- Pediatric epilepsy
- Developmental delay
- ADHD
- Learning disability
- Behavioural disorders
- Cerebral palsy
- Cognitive developmental disorders
- School-related neurodevelopmental concerns
His approach remains strongly interdisciplinary, integrating:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Cognitive-behavioural understanding
- Pediatric neurology
- Emotional regulation
- Family guidance
- Educational adaptation
- Goal-oriented rehabilitation
rather than symptom suppression alone.
Dr. Kondekar continues to provide consultation services through regular academic and clinical visits across multiple cities. He conducts:
- Monthly visits to Nashik, Pune and Sangli
- Three-monthly consultations in Delhi, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar
His work has attracted families globally because of the depth of developmental understanding, continuity of follow-up and practical translation of neuroscience into meaningful day-to-day developmental guidance.
For pediatricians referring developmental neurology, autism, ADHD or epilepsy-related cases, Dr. Kondekar’s work offers a uniquely integrated model combining:
- Pediatrics
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental cognition
- Behavioural sciences
- Autism intervention
- Family-centred developmental rehabilitation
- Goal-directed neurodevelopmental therapeutics
His central clinical philosophy remains deeply humanistic:
Children should not merely be trained to perform activities mechanically. They should be helped to think, connect, interpret, communicate and participate meaningfully in life through development of cognition, common sense and emotional understanding.
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Academic and Professional Profile
Name: Dr. Santosh Kondekar
Qualification: MBBS, MD Pediatrics
Advanced Training & Fellowships:
- MUHS Fellowship in Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy
- Diploma in Developmental Neurology (Kerala University)
- FAIMER Fellowship in Medical Education & Research
Current Position:
Additional Professor, Department of Pediatrics
TN Medical College & BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai
Special Areas of Expertise:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ADHD
- Learning Disability
- Pediatric Epilepsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Neurology
- Behavioural and Cognitive Disorders in Children
Conceptual Contribution:
Developer of the “Goal Directed Cognitive Approach” in Autism and Neurodevelopment
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Academic Platforms:
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