Ms Sonika is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. With nearly three years of experience, she has worked across clinical, educational, and government settings, treating a variety of disorders, including articulation disorders, paediatric dysphagia, childhood apraxia of speech, language delays, stuttering, and social communication difficulties. She has had the privilege of supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome, with a special interest in adult neurogenic communication disorders like aphasia and dementia.

In addition to her clinical work, Sonika is passionate about research, with published work in Communication Disorders Quarterly and an upcoming article in Qualitative Research in Communication Differences and Disorders, co-authored with colleagues from the University of Pretoria.

Her therapeutic approach emphasizes collaboration with families and multidisciplinary healthcare teams. She is committed to cultural sensitivity and empathy, ensuring that her patients and their families feel understood and supported throughout the therapy process. Sonika believes that "communication is the energy created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued—when they can give and receive without judgment." She is dedicated to helping her patients reach their full communication potential and strives to make a positive, lasting impact on their lives.

Expertise:

ADHD
Aphasia
Articulation Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Dementia
Developmental Delays
Down Syndrome
Language Delays/Disorders
Paediatric Dysphagia

Qualification

Master of Arts: Speech-Language Pathology (2023; University of Pretoria)
Bachelor of Arts: Speech-Language Pathology (2021; University of Pretoria)

Ms. Sonika Van Der Riet

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