Specialty Area: Autism and Eating Disorders

Dr. Nishawala is a nationally-recognized authority in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She also has extensive expertise in the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and general psychopharmacology. Dr. Nishawala is Clinical Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Service and the Eating Disorders Service. She is also Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine.

Dr. Nishawala earned her M.D. at Northwestern University. She completed her Adult Psychiatry Training at the University of Minnesota and her Child and Adolescent Training at MCP-Hahnemann University. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

In the News

Can Preschoolers Be Depressed?
Melissa Nishawala M.D., spoke to the New York Times Magazine about the diagnosis of depression in preschoolers. "How many times have you heard, ‘They'll grow out of it' or ‘That's just how he is'?" (August 29, 2010) 

Hollywood Finds Its Disorder Du Jour
Dr. Melissa Nishawala spoke to the New York Times about the impact of the broader definition of autism in an article on the increase in movies featuring characters with autism. (April 29, 2007)

Autism Cases
Dr. Melissa Nishawala appeared on CBS (Windows Media file) newscasts around the country talking about the CDC report that sites an increase in the number of children with Autism in the United States. Dr. Nishawala says that early intervention is critical—the sooner a child is diagnosed, the sooner they can get treatment. Unfortunately, Dr. Nishawala also points out that there are not nearly enough people trained in the appropriate types of therapy to treat all the children who need help. (February 9, 2007)

Rise in Number of Autism Cases in the U.S.
Dr. Melissa Nishawala was quoted on CBS News Radio (mp3) about the CDC report of an increase in prevalence of children in the U.S. with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Nishawala said that the increase in numbers of children with Autism could be because the definition of Autism has been expanded, and therefore children with milder symptoms are now receiving treatment and needed attention. (February 9, 2007)

N.J. Shows High Rate of Autism in Study
Dr. Melissa Nishawala spoke to the Newark Star-Ledger about a new CDC study showing that New Jersey has the highest rate of autism in children in the country. Dr. Nishawala said that one reason for the increase in prevalence could be the adoption of an expanded definition of autism which now includes milder versions of the disorder. (February 9, 2007)

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