Our Team
Home – Our Team
Welcome to the heart of compassionate care and expertise at the Kids Neuro Clinic. Our team of dedicated professionals stands as a beacon of hope and healing for children and families facing neurological challenges. With a shared commitment to the well-being of our young patients, our team brings together diverse talents, experience, and unwavering compassion to provide the best in pediatric neurological care.
Meet the individuals who are not only experts in their fields but also champions of the children they serve, fostering brighter tomorrows and nurturing the unique potential within each young life.
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Dr. Arif Khan
Pediatric Neurology Consultant
Dr. Arif is a British Board-certified Consultant Pediatric Neurologist. He completed his General Pediatric and Pediatric neurology training in the UK.
He has trained and worked in a number of regional and tertiary hospitals in the United Kingdom. The prominent ones included Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester and the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. He was a Consultant Pediatric Neurologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for 3 years. During his tenure, he was assigned as lead clinician for complex epilepsies, vagal nerve stimulation service, and ketogenic diet service in Leicester.
He moved to Dubai in the year 2015 and was appointed as the Head of Children’s services at the American Center for Psychiatric and Neurology in 2015. After having completed 2 contractual years at the center, he set out to develop the first pediatric neurosciences center in the region called Neuropedia.
More recently in Jan 2022, he founded and developed the first pediatric-focused Orthotics and Prosthetics clinic in the region called Xtremity in Dubai.
Dr. Arif is an avid writer, authoring more than 40 peer-reviewed and public health publications. He has recently authored a book called Pediatrics – A clinical Handbook.
He is currently an Associate Professor (adj) of Pediatric Neurology at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai. He has been a lecturer for medical students at the University Hospital of Leicester and has been teaching national training courses like the Pediatric Epilepsy training course. He is an accredited examiner for the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health.
Dr. Muhammad Aslam Nagi
Specialist Pediatric/ Pediatric Neurology Division
Dr. Muhammad Aslam Nagi is a highly experienced pediatrician for pediatric neurology conditions with over 30 years of expertise in clinical practice and subspecialty teaching. He served as a Specialist in Pediatric Neurology at Tawam Hospital, Al-Ain, and as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Medicine, UAE University, for nearly two decades.
Dr. Muhammad Aslam specializes in pediatric neurology, with specializing in neurological conditions like epilepsy, Autism and ADHD.
He has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing conditions such as pediatric epilepsy, movement disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
He is adept at utilizing advanced therapeutic techniques such as vagal nerve stimulation, and baclofen pump programming. His practice also covers the management of pediatric headaches, including migraines, as well as complex conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and spasticity management, with and without Botox.
Dr. Muhammad Aslam received his Membership and Fellowship in Pediatrics from the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan, with specialized training in Civil Hospital Karachi and Neonatology at Aga Khan University Hospital. He further advanced his skills through the Penry Pediatric Epilepsy Mini Fellowship and Bresnan Child Neurology courses at Harvard Medical School, BPNA pediatric epilepsy courses in the UAE, and masterclasses in Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics in the UK.
An active contributor to international conferences, Dr. Muhammad Aslam has also published research on Leukodystrophies and Mitochondrial Diseases in children.
Dr. Mohamad Alhalwani
Consultant Pediatrics
MD (Masters in Pediatrics and Arab Board of Pediatrics)
“Guiding Healthy Beginnings, One Child at a Time”
Dr. Mohamad Alhalwani, a distinguished medical professional, holds an MD degree, complemented by a Master’s degree in Pediatrics, and is also accredited by the Arab Board of Pediatrics. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of pediatrics, he has established himself as a highly skilled and experienced Consultant Pediatrician. Dr. Mohamad’s commitment to pediatric healthcare extends far beyond the scope of traditional medical practice. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients, embracing a holistic approach that not only focuses on treatment but also encompasses prevention and education.
With a strong academic background and a deep understanding of the intricacies of pediatric medicine, Dr. Mohamad is well-equipped to address a wide spectrum of pediatric conditions. Whether it’s the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or the promotion of preventive measures to ensure a healthier childhood, Dr. Mohamad stands as a pillar of support dedicated to the welfare of the next generation.
Dr. Rajeshree Singhania
Developmental Medicine
PhD in Developmental Medicine (London University)
Dr. Rajeshree Singhania is a highly experienced Pediatrician with over 30 years of practice, specializing in Developmental Pediatrics. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the UAE. Alongside her general and hospital practice, she’s a pioneer in providing advanced, inclusive diagnosis and treatment for children with ADHD and Autism.
Dr. Rajeshree holds a PhD in Developmental Medicine from London University and a multitude of qualifications in Autism, Psychology, Counseling, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her extensive career includes roles as a visiting consultant, Adjunct Professor at MBRU University, and Visiting Professor in Psychology at Middlesex University Dubai. She’s also authored numerous papers and a series of books on child safety for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder in collaboration with Dubai Police.
Dr. Mohd Tanweer Baksh
General Practitioner
Medical Director
Dr. Tanweer is a passionate and enthusiastic individual who is deeply committed to the field of medicine. Their journey into medicine was inspired by a combination of factors, including a genuine interest in health and the causes of illness, a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, and a strong sense of altruism and compassion. The Dr have always been keen on learning and have actively pursued various opportunities to expand their medical knowledge and skills. Their proactive and goal-oriented nature has driven them to volunteer, work in hospitals, and engage in activities that address health inequities. As a lifelong learner, they are excited about the intellectual rewards and the ever-evolving nature of the medical field. Their motivation stems from the prospect of contributing to something greater than themselves and being the best doctor they can be. Overall, they are dedicated to their personal and professional growth, and are eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine.
Marisa Lobo - Biddappa
Child psychologist
Marisa’s career as a Psychologist began in 1987, after qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist from the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), one of Asia’s premier institutions.
After being placed 4th, out of 84,000 students, in her Pre-University boards, she completed her undergraduate degree with a Gold Medal in Psychology. On getting the 1st Rank and two Gold Medals in Clinical Psychology in her Masters, she did a 2-year intensive MPhil in Medical and Social Psychology at NIMHANS with distinctions in Neuropsychology and for her dissertation on ‘Thought Disorders and Information processing in Schizophrenics and Manics. Her modification of the Object Sorting Test is used to measure Thought Disorders.
In over two decades in Dubai, the last seven at the Kids Neuro Clinic, she has helped thousands of children and adolescents cope with their problems, function with or without support and bring out their best selves. She has worked in a range of environments including the Child Intervention Medical Center and Dubai Autism Center. She is a member of the British Psychological Society.
Besides conducting assessments and intervention through therapy, she also ran interactive courses like ‘Happy Heart’ for younger children and ‘Heart to Heart’ for adolescents addressing issues like Family Relationships, Friendships, Coping with Change, Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse.
She has co-authored papers and conducted over 25 Talks and Workshops including a talk at the Autism Around the World Conference, at the 1st International Symposium on Autism and Related Developmental Disorders, at Riyadh, and a Workshop on Best practices in Assessment at the 2ndKids Neuroscience Conference.
She has contributed to publications and served the community doing pro bono counselling. Helping people believe in themselves, discover their strengths and boost their self-esteem is perhaps the biggest change she has brought in young people. Her service to the community earned her the Dubai Healthcare Authority Excellence Award for Distinguished Allied Health Professionals in 2020 and also a Golden Visa in 2021 under the Exceptional Talents category.
Aakriti Mahindra
Clinical and educational psychologist
Aakriti specializing in Clinical Psychology brings over a decade of experience as a Licensed Clinical and Educational Psychologist registered with Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). With over a decade of experience, she received rigorous training in various psychotherapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and gained proficiency in psychological assessments encompassing intelligence, educational difficulties, developmental, personality, and neuropsychological evaluation.
Her expertise lies in psychological testing across age groups, specializing in children, young adolescents, and adults. She conducts comprehensive Cognitive/Academic Assessments and diagnoses conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity/Inattentive Disorder (ADHD/ADD), Autism, Behavioral/Emotional/Developmental disorders.
Beyond assessments, Aakriti is deeply committed to providing therapeutic interventions for an array of mental health and psycho-social issues, ranging from depression to parent-child relationships, school avoidance, learning difficulties, and peer relationships. Aakriti diagnoses and provides therapeutic interventions for various mental health issues, collaborates closely with educators, and engages in public outreach to destigmatize mental health and promote wellness
Ms. Ira Naeem
Clinical Psychologist
Dedicated Clinical Psychologist with Expertise in Trauma and Mood Disorders
Ms. Ira Naeem is a Dubai Health Authority Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of extensive experience in psychological assessment, treatment, and intervention for both children and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. Specializing in a variety of psychological conditions, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addiction, Ms. Ira utilizes a multimodal therapeutic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Psychodynamic Therapy to provide personalized care.
Ms. Ira was serving as a Clinical Psychologist at American Hospital Dubai, where she was recognized for her ability to manage high-risk patients with complex psychological needs. Her role involved comprehensive psychological assessments, the development of treatment plans, and providing outpatient therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions. She has also proven expertise in coordinating with insurance departments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that patients receive holistic and seamless care.
Previously, she held significant roles at Novomed Hospital and Pulse Therapy and Learning Center in Dubai, where she gained extensive experience in handling complex psychological cases and conducting psychometric assessments for educational and clinical purposes. Her work often includes providing family counseling, parental guidance, and developing individualized educational plans (IEP) for children with special needs.
Ms. Ira’s academic background is equally impressive. She earned her MS in Clinical Psychology from Government College University, Pakistan, and has pursued advanced training in CBT from the Beck Institute, USA, and EMDR from Queen’s University Belfast, Ireland. She is also an active member of both the British Psychological Association and the Pakistan Psychological Association.
With a strong commitment to mental health advocacy and improving patient outcomes, Ms. Ira continues to make a significant impact in the field of clinical psychology through her compassionate care and evidence-based approach to treatment.
Sunita Kumari Sahoo
Occupational therapist
Ms. Sunita earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research SVNIRTAR, one of Asia’s most renowned rehabilitation organizations in India. She has over 9 years of extensive experience in Occupational Therapy, with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities. She has honed her skills in working with both pediatric and adult populations, gaining clinical experience in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and special schools.
Ms. Sunita specializes in Sensory Processing Disorder and has researched the impact of outdoor play-based Sensory Diets on improving functional behaviors in children with ADHD. Her research was recognized as the best pediatric paper and was awarded the prestigious Gazala Makada Award at the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) conference, OTICON. The paper was also published in the Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy (IJOT).
Her practice extends beyond Sensory Integration Therapy to include Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) and Brain Gym.
In her work with pediatric populations, Ms. Sunita has dealt with a wide range of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Erb’s Palsy, Hydrocephalus, Angelman Syndrome, and Dandy-Walker Syndrome. She is dedicated and passionate about learning and working with children with special needs.
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Gopika Nath
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Gopika Nath is a dedicated Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (Pediatrics) and a Gold Medalist from SRM University, Chennai, India.
Gopika specializes in supporting children with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental challenges. Her expertise lies in sensory integration, neurological developmental treatment, and play therapy. She has experience working in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community rehabilitation programs.
Gopika uses a holistic approach to therapy, focusing on enhancing children’s functional abilities, motor skills, sensory processing, and overall well-being.
Her evidence-based therapy methods include:
- Sensory Integration Therapy: Addressing sensory processing challenges to improve daily functioning.
- Developmental Approaches: Targeting delays and promoting essential skill development.
- Play Therapy: Using play as a medium for emotional, social, and developmental progress.
- Motor Learning and Handwriting Interventions: Improving motor coordination and handwriting skills.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping with emotional regulation, anxiety, and social skills.
- Oral Motor Therapy: Supporting feeding, swallowing, and early speech development.
- Assistive Technology: Leveraging tools and tech to foster independence and engagement.
Gopika is passionate about empowering children and supporting families. She is committed to early intervention and family-centered care. She actively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive, individualized support that helps each child reach their full potential.
Radha Malhotra
Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
MSc. Child Development, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
“Transforming Lives Through Holistic Behaviour Analysis”
Radha Malhotra is a DHA licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a wealth of experience spanning 30 years in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a diverse background in clinical, academic, and administrative roles, including teaching at the university level and working with children with Autism and developmental challenges.
Radha’s expertise encompasses clinic and home-based treatment, behavioral support, academic assistance for neurodivergent children, and providing guidance and training in Applied Behavior Analysis to parents, Learning Support Assistants, and School Shadows. She also holds supervisory roles for various behavior-related positions, ensuring the highest standards of care and support.
Faten Mohamed
Behavioural Therapist
Faten Mohamed is senior ABA Therapist and a Registered behavior technician ( RBT).
With an experience of 8 years in clinics, Rehabilitation center in both Egypt and UAE, Faten brings an exceptional experience on board. She finished her graduation in Egypt and holds a diploma from the institute of Hearing and Speech.
She provides interventions for children diagnosed with Down syndrome, Autism, Learning disabilities and all other forms of conditions which impacts communication. She is a passionate individual and treats her patients accordingly using technology and applications which fosters adaptability and enables children to communicate better.
ROJI V ISSAC
Behavioural Therapist
Expert consultation for the multifaceted behavioural growth of your kid!
Mr. Roji V Issac is a dedicated behaviour therapist passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential. With a strong foundation in school counselling, he is specialized in supporting individuals with learning difficulties and neurodiversity. His multilingual skills enable him to connect with diverse backgrounds, ensuring clear communication in every interaction.
As a skilled behavioural therapist, he has extensive experience in implementing behaviour therapy programs, specifically for students with Autism and ADHD. He excels in creating individualized plans to address specific needs with applied behaviour therapy strategies. His expertise extends to providing individual and group counselling for students and parents, planning and executing engaging events, and leading seminars on life improvement topics.
Mr. Roji’s expertise includes behaviour reduction strategies, like Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Training (NET), training in Essential For Living( EFL) and essential daily living skills. Continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow, Mr. Roji stays up to date on the latest advancements in his field, aiming to create a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can thrive.
Combining extensive experience in behaviour therapy and counselling with a passion for motivating and guiding individuals, Mr. Roji V Issac is dedicated to fostering positive change and development. If your child is facing challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out and see how Mr. Roji can help lead towards overall growth and improvement.
Rawan Kitana
Speech Therapist
Speech and language therapist Rawan Kitana has over 8 years of experience in speech and language therapy. She is a bilingual therapist with experience in planning and diagnosing speech pathology in both Arabic and English.
She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Jordan in 2015. She has worked in various sectors, dealing with a wide variety of cases related to speech and language disorders in children.
Chanderdeep Kumar
Physiotherapist
“Dedicated to nurturing every step of your child’s journey”
Chanderdeep Kumar a seasoned pediatric physiotherapist with 12 years of expertise in neuro-rehabilitation, holds a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy from India. He also possesses a Post-Graduate Diploma in Disability and Human Rights, certifications in Physical fitness and sports medicine, and a Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education for Holistic Development. His specialization lies in employing Neurodevelopmental techniques and functional manual therapy for pediatric therapy sessions. He has garnered diverse experience in pediatric settings, from inpatient to outpatient and community rehabilitation, particularly in intensive rehabilitation for special needs children in Dubai.
Chanderdeep’s skill set encompasses gait analysis, orthotics prescription, aquatic therapy, and innovative approaches like hippotherapy (utilizing equine movement) and power plate (vibration) therapy. His extensive experience includes working with children facing complex neurological needs, metabolic and genetic conditions, neuromuscular disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), global developmental delays, and post-surgical management.
Chanderdeep is dedicated to incorporating child-led functional therapy, emphasizing learning and communication within therapy, and strongly advocates for a transdisciplinary approach that involves family education to unlock every child’s full potential.
Rachel Thomas
Pediatric Physiotherapist
Rachel Thomas is a highly experienced pediatric physiotherapist from Singapore with a specialised focus on early intervention. She is holds an Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from Ireland and is a board-certified Neonatal Therapist (USA).
Rachel brings a wealth of experience to her role as a pediatric physiotherapist. With over eight years dedicated to caring for children in Singapore and Dubai, she has developed a deep understanding of a wide range of pediatric conditions, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), cortical visual impairment and neuromuscular disorders. Her expertise in early intervention and neurorehabilitation ensures comprehensive care for her young patients. She is also experienced in prescribing adaptive equipment and orthotics.
Beyond her clinical work, Rachel is an active member of the Singapore Physiotherapy Association and a dedicated volunteer for the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT). In Singapore, she facilitated a sports program for children and teenagers with various needs.
Rachel adopts a child-led, family-centric, and strength-based approach to therapy and supports inclusion and neurodiversity. She is committed to providing holistic care and is passionate about empowering families to enable their children to lead their best lives.
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