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Integrated and sustainable model of therapeutic systems of care for neurodivergent children (autism spectrum disorder and intellectual developmental disorder): Cross-cultural insights from the USA and India
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Integrated and sustainable model of therapeutic systems of care for neurodivergent children (autism spectrum disorder and intellectual developmental disorder): Cross-cultural insights from the USA and India

Parameswaran Ramakrishnan, Sailaja Musunuri, Rajesh Sagar and Tine Hansen-Turton
Indian journal of psychiatry, v 68(Suppl 1), pp S152-S152
01 Jan 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry_62_26 (S152)
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https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry_62_26View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)CC BY-NC-SA V4.0,  Open

Abstract

Conferences and conventions Conferences, meetings and seminars Crisis intervention (Psychiatry) Evidence-based medicine Medical colleges Patient compliance Social aspects Public Health
Background: WHO –UNICEF (2019) estimates indicate that 317 million children globally live with developmental disabilities. Neurodivergent children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD), have complex biopsychosocial needs requiring coordinated, multidisciplinary, and sustainable systems of care. Yet they are often overlooked in policy and planning, and fragmented services lead to inequitable access, poor continuity, and suboptimal care. These gaps contribute to persistent stigma, institutionalization, and unequal opportunities in health, education, and community participation. Objectives: Drawing on clinical, academic, and cross-cultural experiences from the USA and India, this symposium presents a Therapeutic Systems Model of Care integrating psychopharmacological, psychosocial, and cultural-spiritual approaches within sustainable service frameworks. Symposium Summary: Four presentations anchor the model: 1. Dr. Sagar examines India’s current systems of care for neurodivergent children, outlining strengths, challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy implications. 2. Ms. Hansen-Turton discusses the USA experience in creating and sustaining therapeutic systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary coordination and community-based integration. 3. Dr. Musunuri presents integrated biopsychosocial approaches for ASD and IDD, demonstrating how genetic and neuroimaging insights inform personalized interventions through case-based illustrations. 4. Dr. Parameshwaran explores evolving biopsychosociospiritual systems of care, offering cross-cultural lessons from comparative case studies in the USA and India. Expected Outcomes: Participants will learn how psychiatric leaders from two distinct sociocultural settings address challenges in caring for neurodivergent children. They will gain practical insights from the USA and Indian contexts to strengthen and innovate systems of care within their own practice environments.

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