Pooja Panesar

Bio:

Pooja Panesar, BSc, MEd, BCBA, QBA, IBA is one of the Founders and Directors of Kaizora Therapies, Kaizora Foundation (Kenya) and Kaizora Child Development Centre (Tanzania). These are multidisciplinary centres serving individuals with developmental disorders and partners with the Global Autism Project. After her brief experience in Applied Behavior Analysis in Ontario, Canada, she returned to Kenya in 2007 and was overwhelmed with the lack of awareness of autism and desperation of parents looking for quality services. When programs to study Applied Behaviour Analysis were rarely available online, she paved her way and received a scholarship to complete her Masters at University of Massachusetts, Boston with online accommodations, along with supervision through the Global Autism Project and became the first Board Certified Behaviour Analyst in East Africa in 2014. Over the past 14 years, she has spearheaded autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion through free of charge events for the community in Kenya. She has been a pioneer in pushing evidence-based interventions for developmental disorders and established Kenya Association of Behavior Analysis, the first ABAI chapter in Africa in 2016. She has presented at numerous conferences including at the United Nations during World Autism Awareness Day. She provides training/consultations for schools, parents, professionals, and students and teaches at a local university. She is currently also a member of QABA’s International Standards Committee.

Abstract:

Chapter 42: STIGMA
Stigma through a Behavioral Lens: A Kenyan Perspective

Stigmas are ubiquitous and are observed across various groups, regardless of size and also between individuals. This chapter discusses definitions, types of stigmas including public and self-stigma, and personal responses to stigma. A behavioral perspective is explored on the perpetuation of stigma and the creation of change within marginalized communities. As a Kenyan woman running centers for individuals with developmental disorders in Kenya and Tanzania, I share personal experiences, myths, and misconceptions encountered that have led to stigmatization within these communities. Many countries have constitutions declaring rights for individuals with different abilities, yet much remains to be done. Knowledge on what to do can create change and pave a way forward.