Insighte Childcare Pvt. Ltd. leads as a trailblazing, neurodiversity-affirming organization committed to advancing child rights and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of neurodivergent children. Whether at home, in mainstream schools, or on digital platforms, Insighte embeds inclusion into every natural setting, breaking down barriers and building equitable support systems.
Driven by a powerful ethos of social innovation and measurable impact, Insighte has earned national recognition for its pioneering efforts. The organization secured a spot among the top 10 social enterprises selected for the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s SEAG program. It was also chosen for the Telangana Social Innovation Cell Bootcamp in 2020—yet another testament to its relevance and vision. In 2021, TiE Hyderabad honored Insighte with the TSS Emerging Social Enterprise of the Year Award, further validating its transformative mission.
At the heart of Insighte’s offerings lies a comprehensive ecosystem of specialized services tailored for neurodivergent children. These include support from Behavioral Therapists, Speech Therapists, Shadow Teachers, Special Educators, and Counseling professionals. Guided by a progressive belief—that systems must adapt to children, not the other way around—Insighte builds inclusive environments that celebrate strengths rather than pathologize differences. Every intervention reflects compassion, rights-based thinking, and a strength-oriented approach.
Powering this mission is a formidable team of over 160 trained psychologists and allied professionals. Together, they have delivered more than 40,000 sessions, supporting over 1,000 children. Their collective dedication has enabled countless young minds to flourish, unlocking their full potential.
As it continues to challenge conventional paradigms, Insighte stands at the forefront of reshaping neurodivergent care in India through a lens of inclusion, empathy, and social responsibility.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at Startup Mahakumbh, Nikita Nath, Head of Investor Relations and Counselling, and Midhun Noble, Co-founder and CEO, offer deep insights into Insighte’s initiatives for supporting neurodivergent children. They shed light on their shadow teacher program, explore the market size and potential of the neurodivergent segment, examine existing challenges, and discuss their broader efforts to address India’s mental health crisis. Here are the most compelling takeaways from their conversation.
Q: Can you share insights into how your organization supports neurodivergent children, and what specialized care or programs you’ve implemented to meet their unique needs?
A: We are a service-based organization dedicated to advancing child mental health. Our work spans support for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, ensuring no child is left behind.
For neurodivergent children, we offer a robust suite of services, including shadow teachers, home-based therapy, and specialized counselling. At the same time, we provide counselling and skill-building programs for neurotypical children—along with parental training to create supportive environments at home.
However, child mental health cannot be addressed in isolation. Recognizing this, we actively forge partnerships with schools and corporations. These collaborations help us reach children where they spend most of their time and ensure that parents and educators—key stakeholders in a child’s ecosystem—are involved in the process.
Although schools are now mandated to have psychologists or counsellors, many still lack the capacity to offer consistent one-on-one support. This is where we step in. By working alongside schools, we aim to bridge the gap in mental health services and promote inclusive education.
Our vision of inclusion is clear: neurodivergent children do not need to be segregated into special schools. Instead, with the right accommodations and support, they can thrive in mainstream classrooms. We are committed to building ecosystems that support this integration—so that every child, regardless of neurotype, can learn, grow, and succeed together.
Q: Could you elaborate on your shadow teacher program and how it supports students requiring individualized attention?
A: Shadow teachers serve as specialized support educators, and in our case, they are primarily trained psychologists. These professionals accompany neurodivergent children to school and work with them one-on-one throughout the day.
In fact, several schools where our children are enrolled require the presence of a shadow teacher for admission. Without one, the child may not be allowed into the classroom. During school hours, the psychologist supports the child in developing essential skills—academic, social, and behavioural. For instance, many children struggle to engage or communicate effectively with their peers; the shadow teacher actively guides them through such interactions, fostering confidence and connection.
Importantly, the objective is not for the shadow teacher to remain with the child indefinitely. Rather, their role is to ease the child into the school environment, build their capacity to function independently, and gradually step back. In essence, shadow teachers serve as a bridge—empowering children to thrive in mainstream classrooms and eventually navigate their school life with autonomy.
Q: How significant is the neurodiversity market today, and what strategies is your organization employing to effectively address its unique needs and opportunities?
A: Neurodiversity represents a vast and largely untapped market. Globally, millions of children have already been diagnosed, yet countless others—especially in underserved regions—remain unidentified. In India, for instance, many children from rural areas still lack access to proper evaluation and support.
At our core, we’ve made significant strides. Our primary centre operates out of Bangalore, where we’ve partnered with over 70 schools. In total, we’ve reached more than 90 schools nationwide. Driven by growing demand, we’re now scaling our services to other key cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai.
But the need extends beyond neurodivergent children. Increasingly, we see that so-called “regular” students are also struggling—whether with social adjustment, academic pressures, or mental health challenges. We’re addressing those needs, too. Our approach is inclusive, comprehensive, and deeply committed to supporting every child’s unique journey toward well-being and success.
Q: How is your organization addressing the mental health needs of the broader public, particularly those with limited access to specialized care?
A: When we say our solutions are “common,” we mean they are designed to serve everyone—not just a specific group. Whether it’s a couple seeking counselling, or young parents navigating the challenges of early parenthood, we offer tailored support across the board.
Take, for instance, a family whose child has just been diagnosed with autism. In that moment of uncertainty, we step in with an early onboarding process. We guide parents on the next steps, offering structured support and actionable insights. More importantly, we don’t stop there—we commit to a full life-cycle approach. From the moment a person becomes a parent, all the way until their child grows up and becomes a parent themselves, we’re there every step of the way.
We recognize that mental health is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It manifests differently in different environments. The pressures faced in corporate settings are not the same as those experienced by parents or children. That’s why we’re building inclusive programs—customized to address the unique needs of diverse audiences. Our goal is clear: to offer holistic, lifelong support that evolves with every stage of life.
