The reimagination of speech therapy access

In the digital age, Sanya Modi is the founder and speech therapist behind Sounderic, an online platform for speech therapy. With a bachelor's degree in audiology and a master's in speech-language pathology, Sanya has dedicated her career to helping children and adults find their voices. She has experience working with children with autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with neurological speech disorders and dysphagia. As a researcher, she has presented her work at national conferences.

Sanya’s vision drives Sounderic, a platform aimed at making speech therapy accessible and personalized, especially for families in remote or underserved areas. By offering a user-friendly digital portal, Sounderic removes barriers to care, providing a vital resource for those who cannot access traditional therapy.

Sanya's journey into speech-language pathology began unexpectedly when she learned about the field from a friend. Intrigued by its unique blend of healthcare and communication, she pursued a dual degree in speech-language pathology and audiology. Her passion grew through hands-on experience, and the idea for Sounderic emerged during the lockdown when she returned home.

Sounderic has served over 2000 clients, with one success story that stands out for Sanya—a boy with a severe speech delay whose parents didn’t initially know about therapy. After starting online sessions, he made significant progress, leading to a transformative experience for his family. This reinforced Sanya's mission to reach families who might not otherwise have access to help. 

When forming her team, Sanya seeks therapists who possess empathy and a commitment to the mission, rather than just clinical qualifications. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, curiosity, and the ability to work collaboratively, especially in an online setting where adaptability is crucial.

Many misconceptions surround speech therapy, particularly regarding online sessions. Some believe it only benefits those with clear speech issues, but therapy encompasses a wide range of communication challenges. Many also doubt the effectiveness of online therapy, though Sounderic has shown that with the right tools and family involvement, it can be just as impactful.

Sanya employs individualized, relationship-based approaches for clients with autism and social communication challenges. She emphasizes understanding personal perspectives and emotional regulation, using play-based techniques for children and focusing on self-advocacy for adults. 

Since launching Sounderic in 2020, perceptions of teletherapy have changed. Initially seen as a stopgap during lockdowns, families now recognize its effectiveness, leading to broader acceptance, including by traditional clinics. This has resulted in increased access for those recovering from strokes, managing communication changes, or simply needing more convenient therapy options. 

For young therapists entering the field, Sanya advises patience, continuous learning, and openness to change. As the field evolves with new practices and technologies, therapists must adapt and explore innovative ways to improve client care.

Sounderic aims for global growth, focusing on creating a digital ecosystem for therapy that maintains high standards of care. They plan to expand multilingual offerings and collaborate with schools and healthcare providers, while also developing training and mentorship programs for therapists.

Sanya's tagline, "empowering voices and connections," reflects her commitment to helping individuals express themselves confidently. It shapes the culture at Sounderic, fostering a supportive environment for clients and therapists alike, ensuring every individual feels heard and valued. 

correspondent by: