Medicolegal Speech Therapy Assessment and Reports
I offer independent, impartial forensic speech-language assessments and reports for legal proceedings in South Africa. My role is to provide the court and legal teams with a clear, evidence-based picture of an individual's communication and swallowing functioning, and the real-world implications thereof.
What I assess
I assess the full range of communication and swallowing functioning in individuals who have sustained injury or experienced a medical event. This includes:
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Speech — the physical ability to produce clear, intelligible spoken language, including difficulties such as slurred or effortful speech resulting from neurological damage.
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Language — the ability to understand and use words, sentences, and grammar, both in spoken and written form. This includes difficulties with word-finding, following instructions, reading, and written expression.
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Voice — the quality, strength, and control of the speaking voice, including disorders affecting pitch, volume, and vocal endurance.
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Cognitive Communication — the communication difficulties that arise from problems with thinking and reasoning, rather than language itself. Effective communication depends on much more than the ability to speak — it requires concentration, memory, processing speed, the ability to stay on topic, and the capacity to reason through what we want to say before we say it. When these cognitive processes are affected by injury, communication breaks down as a result — even when speech sounds relatively intact. These difficulties are common following traumatic brain injury and can profoundly affect a person's ability to communicate, function independently, maintain relationships, and participate in work or education.
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Swallowing — the safety and efficiency of eating and drinking, including the risk of aspiration and the impact on nutrition, quality of life, and care needs.
What My Reports Address
Beyond the clinical findings, my reports consider the functional impact of the identified difficulties on the individual's daily life, care needs, and vocational and educational implications. Reports are thorough, evidence-based, and prepared in contemplation of litigation.
How I Work
I accept instructions from both plaintiff and defendant teams. I do not work on a contingency basis — fees are payable irrespective of the outcome of the matter. I am available for court testimony where required. Based in Cape Town, I am willing to travel nationally (travel costs apply).
Get in Touch
To discuss a referral or request my service conditions and fee structure, please contact me directly:
Email: saskia.speechtherapy@gmail.com
Tel / WhatsApp: +27 (0)79 966 3554