Meet Dr da Silva

Subspecialist in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics

Dr Sonia da Silva is a paediatrician with a subspeciality in neurodevelopment. Her work centres on careful assessment and helping families better understand their child’s development when questions or concerns arise.

Professional Experience

Dr Sonia da Silva brings extensive experience spanning both psychology and medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Psychology in 2005, completing 720 hours of practical training in the development and implementation of preschool stimulation programmes to assess school readiness – an experience that sparked her enduring interest in developmental work.

Dr da Silva subsequently qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Witwatersrand in 2010 and completed her internship, community service, and medical officer training at various public hospitals in Johannesburg. In 2021, she obtained her Fellowship in Paediatrics, and in 2022 she commenced subspecialist training in Developmental Paediatrics at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

Over a decade of experience working with children across various clinical settings, including:

  • Public and private sector
  • Neurodevelopmental clinics using developmental tools such as ADOS and Griffiths.
  • Multidisciplinary teams that encourage collaboration with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and educators.

Dr da Silva is registered with the HPCSA and practices in accordance with current clinical and ethical standards.

Formal Education & Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science Cum Laude (NWU) 2003
  • Bachelor of Psychology Cum Laude (NWU) 2005
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Wits) 2010
  • Fellow of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa 2021
  • Master of Medicine in Paediatrics (Wits) 2022
  • Certificate in the Sub-speciality of Developmental Paediatrics from the College of Paediatricians of South Africa 2024

Philosophy of Care

The process at Mindful Milestones is designed to be structured and thorough, providing clarity at every stage.

Dr da Silva begins by listening carefully and taking time to understand the broader context of your child’s development – how they learn, regulate, interact and function in everyday environments.

Every child is best understood in the context of their whole environment – how they learn, how they regulate, and how they relate to the world around them.

About the Practice

The practice is designed to allow time for thoughtful consultations, clear explanations, and structured continuity of care. Families are encouraged to ask questions so they feel confident that their concerns are heard, understood and fully addressed.

We endeavour to work within a multi-disciplinary team for holistic support. 

The aim is always to provide clarity, guidance, and reassurance so that you feel informed and empowered in managing your child’s wellbeing.

Mindful Milestones was established as a dedicated space for evidence-based neurodevelopmental assessments.