For more than 23 years I have been helping children to overcome speech, language and feeding challenges and reach their full potential. Having worked as a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS for 18 years, I set up the London Speech and Feeding Practice in 2018 in order to provide individual, expert support to children and their families all over North-west London. I continue to work in the NHS part time at Barnet Hospital, where I provide a Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Service, supporting oral feeding and early communication for fragile infants and neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

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My specialist areas of expertise and interest are Profound and Multiple Learning/Physical Difficulties (PMLD),  Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia) and  Social Communication Disorders and Autism,

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All treatment approaches I offer are based on evidence-based practice and up to date research and have proven to be effective. I make sure that my skills and knowledge are always fresh by attending relevant courses, reading research papers & seeking regular clinical supervision in keeping with the standards of the regulatory agencies.

It is my absolute passion to provide a holistic, well-rounded and comprehensive approach to all my clients and I have been able to establish solid links with many excellent professionals from a wide range of disciplines.  Often I work within a multi-disciplinary context where I collaborate and provide intervention together with an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and/or Specialist Dietician.  

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You can trust that I will listen and help you through the fears that are completely natural as you look to help your child. I am dedicated and committed to achieving the very best outcomes I can for the children and families in my care.
 

In my free time you might find me walking dogs, or having a go at a bit of gardening. I have two sons aged 16 & 18. We are a bilingual household (English/German) and this experience has enhanced all my working experience over the years. I understand what it is to be a working mum and keep this very much in mind when formulating any home programmes!

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My qualifications and professional registrations at a glance:

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• Bachelor Science Degree in Clinical Communication Sciences, Royal College of Speech and Drama

• Advanced Paediatric Dysphagia Diploma, Manchester University

• Regional Makaton Trainer, registered with the Makaton Charity

• ADOS  (The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

• HANEN certified practitioner ("More than Words", "Talk-Ability")

• PROMPT trained - Level 1 (Restructuring Oral Musculature Phonetic Targets)

• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

• SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) Approach to Feeding - help for picky eaters

• SOFFI certified (Supporting Oral Feeding in Fragile Infants)

• AttentionAutism (all levels) 

• Registered with the Health Professions and Care Council (HCPC)

• Member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)

• Member of the Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)

• Full Enhanced DBS - regularly updated

“Sonja is a very good and committed professional. She is always enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I am so glad to have found her… She came to assist Christian with eating and drinking issues. Quickly we got on with all the new recommendations she gave us... In a few weeks time he got to do most of the things expected for his age.We are all really pleased with Sonja’s support.
I really recommend her.”

Claudia S, mother of Christian (14 months)

Please call or email us today to learn more about how we can support you and your child.