Dr Sarosha Pillay
My research interests lie in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) educational systems. I worked for the Department of Education (DoE) for many years as a school-based occupational therapist, where we were instrumental in starting up new units and new schools for children with autism. I am passionate about addressing the need for education services for children with ASD, especially as there is an increasingly high demand, and a limited supply.
My Master’s research was completed during my clinical years and investigated the sensory compatibility of children with autism and their mothers. A key finding was the value of sensory compatibility intervention for children with autism. My PhD explored strategies towards integrated service delivery for children with Autism in the Western Cape. My findings showed the prevalence of autism and the need for contextually relevant and effective inclusive education systems to address the long waiting lists for school placement – despite early intervention being imperative. I supervise student research concerned with autism services and caregivers’ experiences in rural settings. Other projects include the experiences of neurodiverse students in higher education.
Qualifications:
BSc (OT)
MSc (OT)
PhD, UCT.