Prithvi is interested in being involved in research in the field of autism which leads to practical benefits. He has authored journal articles, book chapters and books focusing on various aspects of autism. He has been a Principal or Co-investigator for various research, knowledge exchange projects and consultations. Funders have included Autism Education Trust, Department for Education, ESRC, UNICEF, and Whole School SEND.

Current and recent projects include:

PI- Teacher Preparedness for Teaching Students with Autism (2022-23), funded by Al-Qasimi Foundation- Ras Al-Khaimah

PI- Engaging with families of autistic pupils who are marginalised due to educational exclusions, ethnicity, linguistic and social status (2022-23), funded by ESRC IAA

Co-I- Understanding school workforce experiences regarding access to, and the impact of, special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) continuing professional development (CPD) and expertise (2021-22), funded by DfE and Whole School SEND

PI- Whole School SEND Autism Resource Suite (2020-21), funded by Department for Education

Co-I- Developing best practice for schools working with marginalised autistic pupils and their families, (2020-2021) funded by UKRI

Some of the previous projects:

Co-I- Autism and school exclusion: A digital resource for school leaders and teachers (2020-21), ESRC IAA grant

PI- Whole School SEND Autism Resource Suite, funded by Department for Education (2020-21)

Co-PI- Autism and school exclusion: A digital resource for school leaders and teachers, (2020-2021) funded by ESRC Impact Acceleration Account

PI- Educational inclusion of children with autism in India- research dialogue, (2019-20), funded by Global Challenge Research Fund

Co-PI Investigation of the causes and implications of exclusion for autistic children and young people, (2019-2020) funded by UKRI

PI- A feasibility study for the application of the AET professional development model for the children’s social work community (2017-18), funded by Autism Education Trust

PI- Situation Analysis on Inclusive Education and Children with Autism in the Sultanate of Oman- Ten-Year Autism Strategy and Five-Year Autism Action Plan for children with ASD (2015-2016) funded by UNICEF Oman

PI- An investigation of teachers’ attitudes to teaching sex and relationships education to students on the autism spectrum (2013) funded by University of East London

Prithvi started his career as a special needs teacher and worked with children on the autism spectrum across the age range (from early years to further education) in India and the UK. He was an advisory teacher for children with autism within mainstream schools where he mainly supported children and staff in early years and primary school settings. Later he worked as a disability advisor at the London South Bank University. In addition to educational settings, he has experience of working in adult care, both in supported living and independent living settings. He has worked for various national and regional charities where he developed parent support groups, established family support teams, and managed play schemes.

Before joining Birmingham, he has worked as a Senior Lecturer at the University of East London and the University of Northampton and was programme leader for special educational needs programmes at both the universities. He developed the MA in Autism programme at the University of Northampton.