Show notes
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Being Mom & Beyond, Zahra Jani sits down with author, therapist, and mother of twins Gopika Kapoor to talk about her journey raising a child on the autism spectrum.From the moment of her son’s diagnosis to the challenges of parenting, societal stigma, therapy, guilt, and acceptance—Gopika opens up about what it really takes to support a neurodivergent child. She also shares her work with the WHO’s Caregiver Skills Training Program, and how she co-founded Buddy Up, a first-of-its-kind app that creates safe spaces and social networks for people with disabilities.This is a must-watch episode for parents, educators, and anyone looking to better understand autism, inclusion, and the power of community. Plus, don’t miss the lighthearted Quick 10 with Zahra at the end!About Gopika KapoorA writer, therapist, and neurodiversity consultant, Gopika Kapoor is the mother of twins, one of whom is on the autism spectrum—a journey that transformed her life and purpose. Formerly part of the autism intervention team at Ummeed Child Development Center, Gopika has worked extensively with families and professionals, including her role in piloting the WHO's Caregiver Skills Training program in India.She is also the author of Beyond the Blue, a deeply personal and widely acclaimed memoir about parenting a neurodivergent child. In 2023, she co-founded Buddy Up, an inclusive social app designed to build safe connections for people with disabilities. Through her work, Gopika continues to advocate for awareness, inclusion, and mental health support for caregivers.Chapters for easy navigation:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:07 Discovering Autism: A Mother's Journey00:30 Early Signs and Diagnosis02:33 Coping up03:27 Navigating Early Challenges04:14 Therapies and Treatments08:26 Family Dynamics and Acceptance12:41 Balancing Attention Between Twins16:28 Professional Involvement and Privilege21:11 Working with Underprivileged Families23:00 Changing Approaches to Autism Therapy25:08 Key Learnings from OMI27:10 Dealing with Guilt and Anxiety30:09 Turning Point and Realizations32:12 WHO Caregiver Skills Training Program34:01 Community Support and Mental Health35:27 Caregiver Skills Training Program36:12 Writing 'Beyond the Blue'39:11 Impact of the Book42:40 Buddy Up App: Bridging Disability and Tech49:37 Addressing Stigma and Awareness52:46 Corporate Inclusion and Employment54:31 Emotional Hurdles for Parents01:00:28 Quick 10 with Zara01:03:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts--------About Zahra Jani:Zahra is a popular mom and parenting influencer, content creator, and the relatable voice behind Being Mom & Beyond podcast that brings real, honest conversations about motherhood, family, and everyday life. With a growing digital community, Zahra uses her platform to break parenting myths, share practical advice, and make every listener feel seen—whether they’re changing diapers or changing the game. She’s a mom first, but also a creator, connector, and all-round conversation-starter.For business enquiries: [email protected]