Prof. (Dr.) M. Thomas Kishore: A Leading Expert in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Prof. (Dr.) M. Thomas Kishore is an Additional Professor of Clinical Psychology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India. With an extensive career in child and adolescent mental health, Dr. Kishore has established himself as a leading authority in the areas of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. He is well-recognized for his pioneering work in the early detection and intervention of child mental health problems.

Academic and Professional Background

Prof. Kishore has over two decades of experience, having previously served as an Associate Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Hyderabad and as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad. His vast expertise spans clinical services, teaching, and research, particularly in child and adolescent mental health, infant mental health, and school mental health.

Specialisations and Research Interests

Prof. Kishore’s research focuses on:

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders, with a particular emphasis on ASD
• Early Intervention Programs for Developmental Difficulties
• Executive Functioning and Behavioral Assessments in Children with ADHD
• Family Functioning, Stress, and Coping in Childhood Disorders

He has been a Principal Investigator in numerous research projects, including those funded by NIMHANS, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). His ongoing research includes the developmental and behavioural outcomes of children born to mothers with severe postpartum mental illnesses.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Kishore has received several prestigious awards, including:

• IACP Child and Adolescent Mental Health Award (2014) from the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists
• Reeta Peshawaria Fellowship (2014) for research on autism
• SC Gupta Award (2003) for best paper presented at the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists’ annual conference

Key Contributions

One of Dr. Kishore’s significant contributions is the development of a scale to assess Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during early childhood. This tool has been instrumental in improving the early diagnosis of ASD in India. He is also actively involved in training psychologists and healthcare professionals through workshops and courses, sharing his expertise in perinatal mental health, specific learning disabilities, and cognitive development in children.

Dr. Kishore has been a consultant clinical psychologist in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Unit 2 and Perinatal Psychiatry Services at NIMHANS, where he continues to provide clinical services while conducting cutting-edge research.

Publications and Academic Contributions

Prof. Kishore has published extensively in national and international journals, with over 30 peer-reviewed papers covering topics such as early childhood intervention, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health in low—and middle-income countries. He has also contributed to several book chapters on intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, further cementing his status as a thought leader in the field.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Kishore is affiliated with several professional organisations, including:

• Fellow of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP)
• Fellow of the Indian Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• International Affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA)

Prof. (Dr.) M. Thomas Kishore is a dedicated researcher, clinician, and educator who has made remarkable contributions to the field of child and adolescent mental health. His work in the early detection and intervention of developmental disorders continues to benefit countless children and families, shaping the future of mental health services in India and beyond.