More Than a Profession. A Life's Calling.
A journey shaped by lived experience, relentless learning, and an unwavering belief that every child deserves to be understood before they are expected to change.
Mini is a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI™) Consultant with nearly two decades of experience supporting families of children with Autism and other developmental differences. As the Founder of PlayStreet Specially Abled Educare Trust in Bengaluru, India, she has pioneered an integrated developmental approach that combines relationships, neuroscience, sensory-motor development, and parent guidance to help children build the foundations for meaningful communication, emotional regulation, confident learning, and fulfilling participation in everyday life.
Mini began her career as a Software Engineer after studying Mathematics and Computer Science. Life took an unexpected turn when her son was diagnosed with Autism. Like many parents, she found herself searching for answers that went beyond conventional therapy. That search became a lifelong commitment to understanding child development, relationships, communication, and the nervous system—not only for her own child, but for thousands of families who would later walk through her doors.
From Software Engineer to Developmental Guide
Mini often says that her greatest qualification has never been a certificate—it has been her willingness to keep learning.
Rather than limiting herself to one discipline, she chose to learn from many. Relationships. Neuroscience. Motor development. Sensory processing. Trauma. Communication. Feeding. Attachment. Development.
Every course added another piece to the puzzle. Every family she worked with refined her understanding even further.
Today, her work brings these disciplines together into one integrated developmental framework.
Journey Built on Curiosity, Not Convenience
For more than a decade, PlayStreet has evolved by listening closely to children, families and professionals.
What began as a clinic in 2012 gradually grew into integrated programs, parent empowerment, professional training, technology, relationship-based approaches and online learning.
Each step taught her something new about how children grow—and about what families need to support that growth.
I am Because we are (iBwe) is the next chapter of that journey: bringing these experiences together into a more connected, accessible and meaningful way of understanding the child.
Beyond Therapy: Building Platforms That Create Change
Building PlayStreet
Initiatives Envisioned and Designed
Autism Hour Summit
Mini with her team at PlayStreet, created the international online summit called “Autism Hour Summit,” which takes place in April during World Autism Awareness Month. This summit brings together international experts and pioneers in the field of autism to share their knowledge and insights.
Mobile Applications
Mini with her team at PlayStreet have developed apps to support organizations working with individuals with special needs. “PlayTalk” is an Android app designed to foster communication for non-verbal individuals, while “GoalTrack” is an app to monitor and track the progress of students.
A Gift of Friendship
Mini initiated “A Gift of Friendship” to inspire college students and young professionals to become leaders, autism advocates, and supporters of children with autism on college campuses and in local communities.
iBwe – I am Because We Are
Mini created an on-demand course platform for Relationships, Movement and Consciousness informed approach for Individuals with Autism (https://ibwe.thinkific.com/pages/home-page). All of her programs and courses are delivered through the iBwe platform.
Awards and Recognitions
Family Empowerment Leader Award
Forttuna Global Excellence Awards - 2025 Global Edition, Dubai
December 2025
Creating Services that Matter!
TEDxSBSC - April 2022
Iconic Women Leader Award for Excellence and Leadership
Asia-GCC, September 2021
Pioneering Women Leader Award
World Women Leadership Congress
February 2020
Playstreet was recognised in the Top 20 Promising Parenting Empowerment Sessions for Families of Children with Special Needs
Goodwill Ambassador for Spreading Awareness on the Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
Sanrakshan Pte. Ltd. Singapore and Faith Foundation India
January 2018
Women Icons Award for Innovation and Excellence in Special Education
BERG Singapore
March 2017
Silicon India
August 2018
She employs a relationship-based, trauma-sensitive, sensory, and motor-backed approach to support individuals, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD. Her methodology integrates:
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI™)
Theory of Secured Attachment
Trauma-Sensitive Practice
Additionally, Mini uses the following approaches:
Sensory Motor Approach to Feeding and Speech
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Language Stimulation and Development
Sensory Integration and Motor Development
Rhythm-based Sensory Music and Movement Program
She emphasizes the importance of diet and nutrition in the treatment of these conditions.
Her core work revolves around helping families develop a guiding relationship with their children. This approach fosters:
Connection to the Environment
Intrinsic Motivation
Coregulation as the foundation of mental development
This method stands in contrast to traditional autism interventions that often rely on repetitive drills without presuming competence or fostering self-esteem.
Mini is the Founder and Director of PlayStreet Specially Abled Educare Trust in Bengaluru, India. She is recognized as one of the foremost experts on Autism, employing relationship-based, sensory-motor, and child-centric approaches for intervention. Her goal is not to fix the child’s disability but to enhance the quality of life for children and their families.
As a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Consultant, Mini utilizes one of the latest approaches based on cutting-edge neuroscience research for people with Autism. She has developed numerous programs that focus on the sensory, motor, and social wellbeing of children with Autism.
Mini works on ensuring the safety of the nervous system for individuals with trauma and other mental health conditions. As a trauma-sensitive practitioner, she is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol based on Polyvagal Theory and is an Access Bars Facilitator, providing drug-free treatment for PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Additionally, Mini is a certified Oral Placement Therapist for Feeding and Speech (Level 2) and a certified Special Educator for Autism, trained in language stimulation techniques, sensory integration, and neuro-developmental therapy (NDT).
EDUCATION
INCUBATED FOR WOMEN STARTUP PROGRAM
NSRCEL, Indian Institute of Management, BengaluruRELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTION
Consultant, RDICONNECTCERTIFICATION ON POLY-VAGAL THEORY AND SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL
https://integratedlistening.com/VESTIBULAR-VISUAL MATTERS – AN INTENSIVE DIVE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION OF THE VESTIBULAR AND VISUAL SYSTEMS
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2023EATING AND FEEDING MATTERS – NEUROBIOLOGY OF EATING AND FEEDING
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2023SLEEP MATTERS – FROM SCIENCE TO STRATEGIES
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2023BECOMING A BEHAVIOURAL DETECTIVE - UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING COMPLEX BEHAVIOUR
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2023TRAUMA-SENSITIVE PRACTICE
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2023TREATING MOVEMENT CHALLENGES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: NDT FOR ASD
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2022AUTISM MATTERS – DECODING AUTISM INSIDE OUT
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2022NEUROBIOLOGY MATTERS - A Practical Approach to Applying Brain, Body and
Mind Science to Clinical Practice.
An 8-week certification with Relationship Matters, 2022
EARLY YEARS EDUCATION
The Teachers Foundation, 2019
ORAL PLACEMENT THERAPY (LEVEL 2)
COURSE 1: THREE PART PROGRAM, Talk Tools, 2014
COURSE 2: ORAL PLACEMENT THERAPY – ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM
PLAN DEVELOPMENT, Talk Tools, August 2016
COURSE 3: A SENSORY MOTOR APPROACH TO FEEDING & SPEECH, Talk
Tools, January 2017
COURSE 4: A SENSORY MOTOR APPROACH TO APRAXIA OF SPEECH AND
RELATED MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS
Talk Tools, 2017
THE SENSORY INTEGRATION PERSPECTIVE – COURSE 1 OF THE SENSORY
INTEGRATION PROGRAM
Dr. Erna Blanche, University of California, Hyderabad, 2016
IRLEN SYNDROME AWARENESS WORKSHOP
Tehnaz Ragi, Bangalore, 2016
2-DAY WORKSHOP ON CREATIVE MOVEMENT THERAPY
CMTAI, November 2015
FINDING THE MISSING PIECES OF THE AUTISM PUZZLE
Dr. Steve Gutstein (Founder- Relationship Development Intervention), Bangalore, 2015
4-DAY WORKSHOP ON DECODING AUTISM FROM INSIDE OUT
Kim Barthel, September 2015
SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS: INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE
SENSORY BEHAVIOUR AND FUNCTION
Loganathan Guruswamy, Bangalore, 2013
DIPLOMA IN SPECIAL EDUCATION - AUTISM
KPAMRC, BANGALORE, 2010-11
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
January 1999 - November 2008
MASTER OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, 1999
BACHELOR OF MATHAMATICS, 1996
Delhi University
EXPERTISE
Founder of PlayStreet: Established a centre in 2012 in Bangalore dedicated to empowering children with Autism and other developmental differences through innovative, child-centred programs.
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Consultant: Empowering families to support the development of children with Autism by addressing core deficits and re-establishing the “Guiding Relationship”.
Coregulation Coach: Teaching strategies to parents and caregivers for fostering emotional regulation, intrinsic motivation and calming interactions and communication with children, offering a fresh perspective on “Behaviours”.
Trauma-Sensitive Practitioner: Offering compassionate care tailored to children with Autism who may have experienced trauma, creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Apraxia/Dyspraxia Champion: Bringing awareness, support, and understanding of dyspraxia to improve the lives of those affected by the condition through eclectic strategies and programs.
Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and Feeding Therapist: Addressing oral-motor and feeding challenges to improve eating, speech, and overall oral health in children.
Sensory-Motor & NDT Ally: Trained in integrating sensory and motor-based approaches and neuro-developmental therapy to help children regulate, engage, and thrive. Uses the power of touch.
AAC Mentor: Supporting the transition to and effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to unlock a child’s voice and potential.
Language Stimulation Expert: Combining movement-based therapy and language stimulation techniques to enhance developmental progress and communication.
SPEAKER ON INVITATION
ADVANCED SPEECH THERAPY AND IMPORTANCE OF EARLY MOTOR FOUNDATION IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Every month for families enrolled for functional medicine treatment with Functional Medicine Clinic
THE IMPACT OF COREGULATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
Indian Association of Functional Medicine Conference (IAFMCON 2022), December 2022
PANELIST: NEW APPROACH TO ADDRESS AUTISM
Indian Association of Functional Medicine Conference (IAFMCON 2022), December 2022
STRATEGIES TO TEACH SWIMMING TO KIDS WITH AUTISM
Splash kids amaze staff, Singapore April 2018
PRACTICE ON INCLUSION FOR MAINSTREAM TEACHERS
Presented on mindful guidance on developing dynamic intelligence in the classroom, October 2017
DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES
Jain University, August 2017
SCHOOLS THAT CARE – A 3-DAY WORKSHOP BY “THE TEACHERS FOUNDATION” ON SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Inclusion of disabilities in classroom using relationship-based approaches, July 2017
INTRODUCTION TO RDI & PLAYTALK
Play Studio Singapore, March 2017
ROLE OF PSCYCHOLOGISTS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES HAVING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Christ College, March 2017
PLAYTALK – A COMPREHENSIVE AAC PROGRAM
Hope – The Early Intervention Centre, January 2017
Experience at a Glance
Still Learning. Still Listening.
Mini believes expertise is never a destination—it is a lifelong journey of learning, listening, and growing alongside the children and families she serves.
Every child she meets continues to teach her something new.
And that is perhaps her greatest qualification of all.
Mini's expertise has been shaped not only by formal education and professional certifications, but by lived experience, thousands of hours of clinical practice, continuous learning from global experts, and the privilege of walking alongside thousands of children and families. It's the combination of curiosity, discipline, experience, and the willingness to keep learning.
Knowledge Beyond the Clinic