Empowering Families, Educators, and Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow

Prof (Dr) Mallikarjuna Rao Dubisetty exemplifies hope, transformation, and unwavering advocacy in the world of autism support. As the founder of the World Autism Society ® an initiative of Smiles Foundation India. His personal journey as a parent of an autistic child has fuelled a lifelong dedication to bridging gaps, enabling inclusion, and creating global opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.

Distinguished Expertise and Professional Journey

Dr. Mallick’s credentials include certification as a Rehabilitation Specialist and special educator in Autism Spectrum Disorder, a Postgraduate degree in Child Development and Cross Disability Early Intervention Speciality from Osmania University and the Rehabilitation Council of India, alongside a Masters in Hospital and Health Systems Management from BITS Pilani. As a Doctoral Research Scholar at GITAM School of Business, his expertise in developmental and behavioural interventions is well recognised.

Professionally, Dr. Mallick serves as Vice President – Strategy & Execution, Healthcare & Life Sciences at HelixBeat, a global leader in software products, AI solutions, and healthcare IT services. Previously, he held roles at Kyndryl as Chairperson for True Ability KIN, India (2025), and Global Co-Lead at its Healthcare & Life Sciences Centre of Excellence, with extensive experience across IBM, Accenture, Apollo Hospitals, FHPL, NISC, and NIIT.

Awards and Accolades

• Telangana State Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disability (2022): Honoured for significant contributions to inclusion and empowerment.
• International Changemaker Award (Gold): Recognised for international leadership and transformative impact.
  CSR Leader (Gold): Commended for outstanding corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Healthcare Solutions & Insights (Gold): Acknowledged for innovation in the healthcare sector.
• Outstanding Leadership Award (Dubai, 2024): Celebrated for exceptional leadership on global platforms.
• Man of the Year Excellence Award (2024): Bestowed by the Indian Achievers Forum for exemplary service and leadership.

Thought Leadership and Global Engagement

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Mallick has delivered keynotes at prestigious events such as TEDx Talks, the International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), NABID Elevate, Research reviewer of ISC2024 and MEDInfo 2025 (Taiwan). His presentations illuminate issues of inclusion, neurodiversity, patient safety, and educational transformation, delivering actionable insights to diverse audiences.

Advocacy, Social Impact, and Community Building

Beyond professional achievements, Dr. Mallick is the visionary behind Smiles Foundation, which supports children with Autism, neurodiversity and their families through community programmes fostering inclusion, capacity-building, and holistic development. His blogs, www.SameStory.in and www.autismhelp.in , offers valuable perspectives and resources for parents, educators, and advocates.

Personal Journey: Parenting, Passion, and Research

Dr. Mallick’s path began at home, shaped by the challenges and joys of raising an autistic child. Navigating gaps in early intervention and support, he transformed into a research scholar and early intervention specialist, focusing on special education for children with autism and diverse abilities. His expertise now spans direct intervention, system design, and capacity-building for families and professionals.

The World Autism Society: Vision, Objectives, and Global Impact

Founded under Smiles Foundation India, the World Autism Society is a registered trademark that realises Dr. Mallick’s vision. The Society’s mission is to build a global network connecting parents, teachers, therapists, volunteers, doctors, researchers, and NGOs engaged in autism and neurodiversity. Its objectives include:

• Promoting early identification and intervention for children with autism
• Providing ongoing education and training for parents, teachers, and therapists
• Supporting lifelong development, health, and independence
• Fostering research, collaboration, and policy advocacy
• Expanding global access to quality services and support

Forum Activities: Connecting and Enabling Stakeholders

The Society’s dynamic forum links parents, professionals, and NGOs, enabling knowledge-sharing through workshops, webinars, and conferences. This inclusive approach ensures the voices of families and individuals with autism are heard and respected, while encouraging volunteerism and global participation.

World Autism Awareness Day: Driving Change Worldwide

Observed on 2nd April each year, World Autism Awareness Day—along with Neuro Diversity Awareness Month in April—is central to the Society’s advocacy. Global campaigns, awareness drives, and community events spotlight both the challenges and strengths of persons with autism, inspiring acceptance and inclusion.

Lifelong Needs: Advocacy for Education, Employment, and Inclusion

Recognising autism as a lifelong condition, Dr. Mallick and the Society champion inclusive education, vocational training, meaningful employment, and supportive housing. Their efforts build environments where diversity is celebrated and participation is universal.

Commitment to Well-being: Sustainable Community Support

In alignment with global best practices, the Society works with government bodies, NGOs, and the Administration for Community Living to promote health, well-being, and independent living. Its initiatives are designed to be sustainable, impactful, and responsive to evolving community needs.

Integrated Services: One-Stop Support for Autism and Neurodiversity

A pioneering goal of the Society is to offer all essential services—early detection, education, therapy, medical advice, rehabilitation, sponsorship, incubation, and employment—under one roof. This integrated model streamlines access and ensures continuity of care, with the ambition to become a trusted neighbourhood tool for autism and special needs support worldwide.

Expansion and Vision: Towards a Global Neighbourhood

Dr. Mallick envisions the Society as a borderless hub. By leveraging technology and partnerships, it seeks to provide resources to underserved regions, empower local leaders, and adapt services to diverse cultural contexts, making support as accessible as a local clinic or school.

Key Service Areas

• Early Intervention and Parent Counselling: Empowering parents through early identification and actionable strategies.
• Medical Advice: Facilitating specialist diagnosis and ongoing care.
• Therapy Services: Delivering occupational, speech, behavioural, and sensory therapies tailored to individual needs.
• Education Support and Diet Advice: Supporting inclusive education and nutrition for optimal development.
• Research: Advancing evidence-based practices and innovation via research and academic collaboration.
• Rehabilitation and Incubation: Promoting skill-building and incubation of new ideas or social enterprises for autism support.
• Industry Collaboration and Employment: Building partnerships for inclusive workplaces and economic independence.

Publications: Advancing Knowledge and Practice

Prof. (Dr) Dubisetty’s academic contributions include his book SMILES: Bridging the Mile in Special Skills: Invisible Power: Stories of True Ability Across Disabilities and Neurodiversity (ISBN-13: 978-9371648981). His articles on LinkedIn and co-authored research in Scopus and Scribd-indexed journals reflect his commitment to advancing understanding in disabilities and neurodiversity.

INVISIBLE POWER: Stories of True Ability Across Disabilities and Neurodiversity challenges traditional thinking by introducing the “True Ability” framework. The book, grounded in Dr. Mallick’s dual experiences as a parent and inclusion expert, offers scientifically supported action steps for early intervention, career development, and systemic advocacy. Twelve evidence-based chapters blend real family stories with proven interventions, providing practical tools and policy recommendations. The book serves parents, professionals, organisations, and activists, synthesising emotional depth with pragmatic application.

• Amazon URL: https://www.amazon.in/SMILES-Bridging-Invisible-Disabilities-Neurodiversity-ebook/dp/B0F746KDB1
• https://www.scribd.com/document/742620248/Technology-Transformation-of-Healthcare

P2GLife Magazine: Knowledge Sharing and Real-Life Experiences

P2GLife Magazine publishes a series of topics on Paediatric to Geriatric Life Services, with monthly issues supported by OpenLibrary and SameStory blog portals. The central theme highlights how parents, as advocates and researchers, light the path to empowerment for persons with disabilities and neurodiversity, reinforcing that every unique mind and ability deserves recognition, respect, and opportunity.

Issue1: https://samestory.in/Books/P2GLife_Issue1_October2025.pdf
Theme: Career Counselling and Employment Support Career guidance and counselling services. Job placement and internship opportunities. Skills development and training programs. Support for work-life balance and mental health in the workplace.

Issue 2: https://samestory.in/Books/P2GLife_Issue2_November2025.pdf
Theme: When parents stand as advocates and researchers in the journey of true ability challenges, they light the path towards empowerment for persons with disabilities and neurodiversity, showing that every unique mind and ability deserve recognition, respect, and opportunities

Changemaker Profile: Living the Motto of Giving

Dr. Mallikarjuna Rao Dubisetty lives by the motto, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” His journey as a parent of an autistic child, technologist, and healthcare specialist illustrates the power of bridging technology, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and research. His awards honour efforts to transform persons with disabilities and neurodiversity from dependency to independence.

True Ability: Embracing Diversity Beyond Disability

What is True Ability?

True Ability shifts the focus from “disability” to the recognition and appreciation of diverse abilities. It highlights strengths and contributions, regardless of physical, intellectual, or neurological differences.

True Ability is Not Disability

It is about recognising “different ability,” encouraging society to see beyond stereotypes and value the unique capabilities of all individuals.

Who is Included?

True Ability encompasses:

• PH – Physically Challenged: Individuals with movement, strength, or coordination challenges
• VI – Visually Impaired: Those who are blind or partially sighted
• HI – Hearing Impaired: People who are deaf or hard of hearing
• ID – Intellectually Disabled: Individuals with conditions such as Down Syndrome (using respectful terminology)
• ND – Neurodiverse: Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Parkinson’s Disease and more
• LD – Learning Disorders: Difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics

True Ability values diversity and promotes empowerment. It encourages nurturing strengths and creating environments where everyone’s talents are celebrated.

Celebrating Diverse Abilities

By embracing True Ability, society moves beyond labels and focuses on supporting the inclusion of all—physically challenged, visually or hearing impaired, intellectually disabled, neurodiverse, or those with learning disorders. This approach fosters respect, dignity, and equal opportunities for all.

Programme Design: A Unique Collaboration

The MBA HHSM is a result of a visionary partnership between three renowned institutions—BITS Pilani, CMC Vellore, and Mumbai hospitals. This joint design ensures that the curriculum reflects real-world challenges and current industry trends, drawing upon the academic rigour and practical insights of each partner. The synergy between these institutions enables a holistic approach to healthcare management, equipping students with the skills required for success in diverse healthcare environments.

Lab Infrastructure:

Access healthcare management simulators/simulations, hospital information systems, and healthcare analytics platforms. Hospital facilities management tools, patient care optimization systems, healthcare quality management software, and healthcare simulation environments.

Hands-on Experience:

Manage healthcare operations, optimize patient care processes, analyse healthcare data, and implement healthcare quality improvements. Participate in healthcare management simulations and hospital administration case studies. Work with professional healthcare management tools and simulation environments.

Skill Development: Responding to Industry Needs

The curriculum is meticulously crafted to nurture skills that are highly relevant to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Key areas of learning include:

• Epidemic & Disaster Management: Understanding, preparing for, and responding to public health emergencies.
• Biostatistics & Epidemiology: Analysing health data to inform evidence-based decisions and policies.
• Healthcare Management: Mastering the principles of effective healthcare delivery and organisational efficiency.
• Hospital Operations Management: Streamlining hospital processes for enhanced patient care and resource optimisation.
• Strategic Management of Healthcare Organisations: Leading organisations through strategic planning, innovation, and transformation.

These focus areas ensure graduates are equipped with a robust skill set, ready to tackle contemporary healthcare challenges and drive systemic improvements.

Learning Experience: Practical, Interactive, and High-Quality

The MBA HHSM distinguishes itself through its commitment to experiential learning. Students benefit from high-quality, interactive sessions delivered through remote and simulation labs. These practical learning experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling participants to simulate real-life scenarios, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge in a safe, controlled environment. The programme’s innovative approach ensures graduates are not only well-informed but also confident in their ability to lead and manage under pressure.

Alumni Diversity: A Unique Blend of Professionals

The strength of the MBA HHSM lies in its vibrant and diverse alumni network. The inaugural Batch 1 brings together professionals from a spectrum of backgrounds—including healthcare practitioners, medical experts, leadership roles, technology specialists, and research scholars. Alumni represent multi-speciality hospitals, educational institutions, defence services, navy, multinational corporate CSR initiatives, civil services and research organisations. This diversity fosters a rich exchange of perspectives, creating a dynamic learning community that reflects the multifaceted nature of the healthcare sector.

Impact: Alumni Contributions Across Sectors

Graduates of the MBA HHSM programme have made significant contributions across various domains. Their expertise has enhanced patient care in hospitals, advanced medical research, improved healthcare education, and supported strategic initiatives in defence and corporate social responsibility. The alumni’s ability to integrate management acumen with sectoral knowledge positions them as valuable assets in a range of settings—from frontline healthcare to policy-making and beyond.

Conclusion

Prof (Dr) Mallikarjuna Rao Dubisetty’s vision and leadership have transformed autism support in India and beyond. The World Autism Society invites parents, educators, therapists, NGOs, and allies to join the movement—advancing research, expanding services, and building compassionate, empowered communities where every neurodiverse individual can thrive. Together, let us shape a future grounded in inclusion, opportunity, and hope.