B. SLHT, MSc in SLP (distinction), PGDip in Dev. Neuroscience & Psychopathology (distinction)

Hello, my name is Chevonne. I completed my undergraduate degree in Speech, Language & Hearing Therapy at Stellenbosch University in South Africa in 2013. Over the next 6 years, I worked in private practice, worked on collaborative research between the University of Cape Town in SA and Vanderbilt University in the US and presented on these findings at the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) congress in 2018. My research and academic interests center around naturalistic communication interventions for multicultural and multilinguistic children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism. I have also tutored undergraduate students on assessing and treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other complex needs.

Clinically, I saw a diverse caseload, practicing in both acute hospital settings and special needs schools in Cape Town. My clinical interests include neonatal and paediatric feeding, adult neurogenic communication disorders, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In 2019, after completing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cape Town, I presented my own findings as a delegate at my second IACAPAP congress. In the same year, I was one of 10 international applicants to be accepted to study a postgraduate qualification at University College London. This third qualification, a postgraduate diploma in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology that I completed in December 2020, gave me a unique perspective into the complexities of neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders and mental health difficulties and led me to my current position within Words First Ltd.

As of September 2021, I am able to share my love of integrated theory and multi-faceted practice as a level 5B ASD | ADHD Consultant at the Kids First Clinic in Kenley, where I provide specialist support for individuals with complex needs, as well as their families, schools and work environments to optimize communication and interaction. In addition, after recently completing my ADOS-2 training, I am proud to say that we will be starting with ASD Diagnostic Clinics at our private clinic in Kenley as of November 2021. Our team of professionals cater for clients of all ages, offering a collaborative and comprehensive approach from diagnosis to intervention and from childhood to adulthood.

There is little else that parallels my love of learning, research and knowledge- unsurprisingly, I will happily get lost in libraries or bookstores for hours on end. One of my all-time favourite books is Quiet by Susan Cain, which explores the world of introverts and reminds us of the power of silence. It has been one of the most powerful tools in both my personal and professional life to remember that communication is so much more than words; that even in silence volumes can be spoken.

Giulia has specialised in Autism and Social Communication. Giulia provides a special outreach service to parents and schools to support children with Social Communication needs. Giulia trained in both Germany and the UK and loves to add new and creative approaches to her forever growing tool kit. She knows that no two children are the same and is always prepared to think outside of the box. Giulia values the power of motivation and will always have enticing sensory toys to hand.

Tayla graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2017 with her BSc (Hons) Speech- Language Pathology and completed her community service in the Eastern Cape where she managed a variety of populations.

Her main areas of interest include ASD, ADHD, and early childhood intervention.

She has a passion for paediatrics and is a certified DIR: Floortime practitioner. As a DIR: Floortime practitioner, Tayla is able to offer families an internationally respected approach to support children on the spectrum. She further believes that through a multi-disciplinary team approach a child’s strengths can be best used to help them reach their utmost potential.

Hannah is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist with a special interest in Autism. Hannah leads our Social Communication Outreach Team (SCOT) which is a service that we offer for children, in their school environment, focusing on how to support the child at school through more effective environmental changes, differentiated teaching and appropriate strategies implemented across the curriculum.

Emma is an experienced Speech and Language Therapy assistant who has worked in a number of school and with a range of different clients and families. She is knowledgable with PECS and Makaton and is passionate about supporting children to achieve their goals. As a mum with personal experience in all areas of special educational needs (Emma’s son, who is now 21 years old, was born with 1p36 syndrome and has significant and complex needs), she is an extremely valuable and informed member of the Kids First team. Emma joined Words First in 2011 and is an integral part of our service for families. Your Speech and Language Therapist may recommend Emma to provide intervention under the Speech and Language Therapist’s guidance.