Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever.

We Also Cover:

• Why using simple, accessible language is key to destigmatizing neurodiversity.
• The societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
• The importance of integrating mental health education and self-love practices into school curriculums.
• The conflict many adults face between a high-paying job and their true passions.
• Actionable strategies for making mental health services more accessible, especially in rural communities.
• The concept of "brain diversity" as a tool for reframing the conversation around neurodivergence.

Quotes:

• "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
• "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
• "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."

About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:

With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Delhi, Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.

Connect with Pritika:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pritika-bernice-gonsalves-30250451/
• https://www.instagram.com/dr.pritikabernice/
• https://www.youtube.com/@mindbasket_india
• https://www.facebook.com/drpritikabernice/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

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