About Me
My name is Rithika
I’m Rithika Shilam, a high school student from Frisco, Texas, passionate about neuroscience, mental health, and advocating for people with invisible neurological disorders.
Through my work with Hope for Neuro, GeneLegacy, and In White Coats, I’ve led outreach efforts, created educational content, and supported families facing neurological and genetic challenges. I’ve also conducted research at UT Austin focused on suicide prevention and mental health in underserved communities.
Whether it’s teaching kids, dancing, or volunteering at senior homes, I believe in using empathy and action to create change.
I hope UnseenNeuroStruggle.com becomes a space for awareness, support, and healing.
Leadership in Action
Rithika isn’t just passionate about awareness — she leads by example. Here are five key leadership roles she holds in the community:
Social Media Director – Hope for Neuro
Rithika creates and manages educational content to raise global awareness about neurological conditions, connecting audiences through powerful storytelling and advocacy online.
Executive Assistant Chapter Coordinator – GeneLegacy
She supports children with genetic disorders by organizing events, coordinating chapters, and building partnerships to expand impact.
Director of Community Outreach – In White Coats
As the outreach lead, Rithika develops programs to increase medical access and builds bridges between youth and healthcare professionals.
Health Educator – HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
Rithika led interactive sessions for elementary students, teaching first aid and wound prevention while promoting early health education.
Volunteer - Leos Club
As a proud volunteer with the Leos Club, a youth branch of Lions Clubs International, Rithika actively participates in service projects that uplift the community and build leadership skills.
Volunteer - Teresa’s House
Dedicated to supporting elderly residents. Engaged residents through conversation, recreational activities, and social events to foster community and reduce loneliness.
MISSION
To raise awareness, compassion, and understanding for invisible neurological disorders — especially among youth.
Our mission is to
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Destigmatize mental and neurological conditions
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Highlight the connection between brain function and emotional health
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Offer support through community, advocacy, and education
Rithika's Research
Research Assistant (Publication date June)
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Co-authored publication under the guidance of Dr. Afroze Shaikh, examining culturally relevant coping mechanisms to reduce suicide risk and prevention.
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Researched psychological factors contributing to perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness among emerging adults of Asian descent.
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Contributed to data analysis and literature review on mental health interventions for suicide risk mitigation.
🧠 Educate Yourself
Learn about conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, epilepsy, sensory processing disorder, and others that aren’t always visible — but deeply impact daily life.
🗣️ Challenge Stereotypes
Avoid assumptions like “They’re just lazy” or “They’re faking it.” Instead, promote understanding that everyone’s brain works differently.
👂 Listen Without Judging
Offer a safe space for someone to share what they’re going through — even if you can’t see their struggle, your support matters.
💬 Talk About It
Start conversations at home, school, or online. The more we talk about invisible disorders, the less isolated people feel.
Upcoming Events
🎨 Color Outside the LinesWed, Jun 11Frisco Public Library
🛍️ Local Fundraiser for UnseenNeuroStruggle at ChipotleSat, Jun 21Chipotle Frisco
🏆 Awareness Contest for UnseenNeuroStruggleSat, Jul 12Via Google Meet
💌 Letters of Support for UnSeenNeuStruggleSat, Jul 19Frisco Public Library
Light Up the Brain WalkSat, Jul 19Frisco
Blogs on Invisible Neurological Disorders
Get in Touch
You are not alone — and your voice matters.
Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, healthcare provider, or someone living with an invisible neurological disorder, we want to hear from you.
💡 Let’s build a world where invisible doesn’t mean ignored.
- Love, Rithika
Email: rithika.shilam@gmail.com
