I specialize in working with the paediatric population with language delay or deviancy, articulation and/or feeding issues. I have also worked with adults with neuro-communication disorders and dysphagia and have completed my dissertation in creating a treatment manual for adults who have word-finding difficulties.
After working with various therapists over the years, I realised the importance of using a holistic approach for the treatment provided and sharing this form of approach with other therapists for professional development. I have developed an online portal called “Uncleft” wherein experts from various fields share their expertise on a topic which in turn will help train professionals and students.
I take keen interest in observing and learning best practices of experienced therapists and then applying them in my own therapy.
I believe that when we work on something continually and “be at it” (keep practising it), then over time, not only do we end up achieving our goals, but surpassing them.
I have completed my Bachelors in Audiology and Speech-Language pathology from Topiwala National medical college (Nair hospital) followed with a Master's degree in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology from Manipal University. I am certified by the Rehab Council of India and hold a Clinical Competence Certificate (CCC-SLP) from ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association). I have also received training in Oral Placement Therapy and Makaton.
Ridhika Shah is the founder of The Pollyanna Practice. She is also a consulting Speech Language Therapist and the ‘Grandstand Coordinator’ at ‘The Gateway School of Mumbai’
Ridhika holds a Bachelors and Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology from TN medical college & B.Y.L Nair charitable hospital, Mumbai and is a gold medalist in the state of Maharashtra for her final year graduation program. She is certified by the Rehab Council of India and is a member of ISHA (Indian Speech & Hearing Association). She has also received training and is certified by Hanen.
Ridhika has a special interest in pediatric language based challenges, Auditory processing (listening) difficulties, Autism spectrum disorders, Apraxia of speech, fluency disorders, feeding difficulties and picky eaters. She believes that language and movement go hand in hand and her style of therapy is holistic, experiential, with parent empowerment being a cornerstone of her approach.
Ridhika is experienced in actively working with other professionals in the client’s community including the schools to support transfer and generalization of skills into the real world and inclusion within the community.
School based therapy is another area of interest and Ridhika owes her learning to the Gateway school of Mumbai, a pioneering lab school with best practices for children with learning difficulties.
During her Master’s degree, Ridhika constructed a test of pragmatic skills for children of the age range of 5-10 years which led to her love of working towards building pragmatic/ social-communication skills in groups and their transfer into real life. Currently she is the Coordinator of Grandstand, a unique social space at Gateway, where large groups of children share, enjoy and communicate with each other and are also taught to transfer various 21st century skills (i.e collaboration, problem solving etc) to real life experiences.
Ridhika, a passionate believer in the power of positivity, tries to imbibe the same in her practice. Dream big, act towards it and magic follows!
If she’s not working, Ridhika is wandering away and exploring a new place either through her travels or is transported there via her books!
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37/41 Ground Floor, Kala Bhavan Building, Mathew Road, Behind Royal Opera House, Mumbai – 400004
+91 98202 90290, +91 8369233133
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Alisha has been in clinical practice for more than 15 years, and has been a part of a variety of different set ups, ranging from schools, hospitals, early intervention centres and therapy clinics. She has had the opportunity to work with a diverse caseload, right from infants to 80+adults, and has had extensive experience in evaluating and treating speech, language and feeding disorders, along with dabbling in diagnostic audiology. Currently, she is a speech therapist and lower school section co ordinator at The Gateway School of Mumbai. Collaboration and teamwork are her strengths, and she thrives in a multi- disciplinary setting.
Alisha believes every single individual has a right to communication,freedom of opinion and expression.And through motivation and commitment,, in depth knowledge and reflection, teamwork and collaboration, consistent effort and support, and the belief in an individual’s dynamism, we can ensure as a community, that every individual is heard, understood and accepted.
For Alisha, speech therapy is her “ikigai”! She loves interacting with people,the outdoors,reading in a quiet nook with a view, and binge watching period dramas and psychological thrillers.
Alisha has completed her Bachelors in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from Topiwala National Medical College (Nair Hospital), Mumbai. She has an M.Sc. in Psychotherapy and Counseling from The Indian Institute Psychotherapy and Management Studies, Mumbai. She engages in constant professional development through different courses, seminars, PLCs and is currently being mentored by Jenifer Midili, Orofacial Myofunctional Specialist and Speech Therapist, who is based in Virginia, USA.