Ms Nisha Narvekar

Title: Predictive factors for restrictive repetitive behaviour (RRB) in infant autism-risk siblings with a focus on anxiety and sensory symptoms. 

This PhD aims to: (1) investigate at what point in development do traits for  anxiety and sensory symptoms emerge, and (2) examine whether anxiety and sensory symptoms are an early predictor of restrictive and repetitive behaviour (or vice versa) in high-risk siblings, and (3) study the relationship, severity and influence these constructs have on each other during development.  

Before moving to the UK to pursue her PhD, Nisha led the LifeMAP project at Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) a non-profit organization based out of Boston (MA, USA) where she grew from the position of an intern to Assistant Director. Nisha’s work involved developing programs and fostering partnerships towards the awareness, acceptance, and support of individuals on the Autism Spectrum and related profiles. Prior to this, Nisha worked at Victory Arts Foundation (VAF) in Mumbai (India), where she co-developed a program to support children who were at a high risk of contracting HIV, by merging dance with counseling and life skills education. 

Nisha holds a Bachelors in Sociology and Psychology from St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai, India), a Masters in Applied Psychology from University of Mumbai (Mumbai, India) and a second Masters in Community Social Psychology from University of Massachusetts (USA).