Your host
Merina Panthii
President, deessa Foundation
A parent and host sharing real stories of raising children with autism
A parent-led video podcast
Living with Autism:Real Voices.
Real Stories.
Honest conversations about raising children with autism. The joy, the questions, and the hope that bring us together.
By
With technical support fromSDGStudio
- Parents’ experiences
- Expert perspectives
- Shared understanding
More than a conversation
Listening is the first step towards understanding.
Created to bring lived experiences of autism into the conversation, this series shares families' real journeys, including the love and joy, the challenges they navigate, and the hope that keeps them moving forward.
Alongside parents’ stories, expert insights help challenge misconceptions and build empathy, acceptance, and inclusion. At deessa Foundation, we believe every family’s story matters.
Visit our YouTube channel (opens in a new tab)Meet the hosts
Parents leading the conversation
Your host
Sarita Sapkota
Parent & Host
A mother bringing lived experiences to every conversation
Two mothers. Two journeys. One shared commitment to acceptance, understanding, and inclusion.
Episode Archive
Explore 11 conversations on autism, lived experiences, and community inclusion.
Showing 11 of 11 episodes
EP 11
38:19
Inclusion23 days ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories | Episode 11 | SDG Studio | deessa Foundation
Shamed Katila Shrestha, Pediatric Neuro Physiotherapist (MPT) and Inclusive Education Advocate, discusses the shared responsibility of parents, teachers, and policymakers in building inclusive schools and communities. The conversation also addresses Nepal’s shortage of trained professionals and the need for accessible services and stronger public support systems.
EP 10
34 min
Autism Awareness23 days ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories | Episode 10 | SDG Studio | deessa Foundation
Clinical Music Therapist Amrit Gandhari joins Merina Panthi and Sarita Sapkota to explore how music can support children with autism. The conversation focuses on communication, emotional expression, and development, offering families a compassionate introduction to the role of music therapy.
EP 9
24 min
Personal Stories23 days ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories | Episode 9 | SDG Studio | deessa Foundation
Kavita Dhakal, a mother of a child with autism and Mrs. Vogue Nepal Earth title holder, joins Merina Panthi and Sarita Sapkota to share her journey. They discuss parenting, societal stigma, mental health, and the difference family understanding and support can make for both children and parents.
EP 8
27 min
Autism Awareness23 days ago
Episode 8 Out Now | Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories
Kalpana Basnet, Pediatric Physiotherapist and Founder of SERC School, joins Merina Panthi and Sarita Sapkota to discuss primitive reflexes and child development. The conversation explores understanding the reasons behind children’s behaviours and therapies that support their growth.
EP 7
19:50
Autism Awareness23 days ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories.|| Episode 7 ll deessa Foundation
Special educator and trainer Sijan Shakya of Autism Care Nepal joins Merina Panthi to explore inclusive schooling, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and the role of parents and caregivers. Drawing on professional knowledge and lived experience, they discuss the support children need to learn alongside their peers.
EP 6
42:40
Autism Awareness6 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories || EP 6 ll deessa Foundation
Episode 6 Out Now | Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories In this episode, we explore how speech therapy supports children with autism in improving communication and social interaction. Sabin Sharma, PhD Scholar in Speech-Language Pathology and Consultant Speech-Language Pathologist joins our host Sarita Sapkota for an insightful and easy-to-understand conversation. Together, they discuss important topics such as speech and language development, joint attention, and emotional regulation, helping us better understand how these areas shape a child’s ability to communicate and connect with others. This episode breaks down complex ideas into simple and practical insights for parents, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better support children with autism. 🎙️ Presented by deessa Foundation 🎬 With technical support from SDG Studio Stay with us as we continue bringing real stories, lived experiences, and expert insights to support families raising children with autism. #LivingWithAutism #Episode6 #SpeechTherapy #AutismAwareness #RealVoicesRealStories #deessaFoundation #InclusionMatters
EP 5
Autism Awareness7 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories || EP 5 ll deessa Foundation
Episode 5 of the podcast series Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories, produced by the Deessa Foundation. Another inspiring episode featuring stories, insights, and conversations about autism, inclusion, and family journeys in Nepal.
EP 4
Autism Awareness7 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories || EP 4 ll deessa Foundation
Episode 4 of the podcast series Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories, produced by the Deessa Foundation with technical support from SDG Studio. This episode continues powerful conversations around autism awareness, inclusion, and community support in Nepal.
EP 3
26 min
Community8 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories || EP 3 ll deessa Foundation
This video is the third episode of the podcast series "Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories," produced by the deessa Foundation with technical support from SDG Studio. The episode focuses on the Parent Child Training Program (PCTP), a crucial initiative for parents of children with autism. Hosted by Merina and Sarita, the episode features a special guest, Ms. Kripa Shrestha, a senior trainer from the Autism Care Nepal Society. The discussion centers on why parents need specialized training to understand and support their neurodivergent children. Kripa Shrestha shares her personal journey as a mother of an autistic child and her professional expertise, explaining how the training empowers parents, reduces stress, and teaches practical strategies like structure, routine, and communication tools (e.g., PECS).
EP 2
41 min
Inclusion8 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories || EP 2 ll deessa Foundation
This is the second podcast will be updating soon
EP 1
25 min
Autism Awareness8 months ago
Living with Autism: Real Voices, Real Stories.|| EP 1 ll deessa Foundation
Its our first podcast video
Podcast Highlights
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