Sofya Gektin is a developmental psychology PhD student studying communication in autism. Her research explores ways to support nonspeaking autistic individuals through innovative communication methods and assistive technologies.
Sofya Gektin is a PhD student in the Developmental Psychology program at the University of Virginia. She conducts research in the Jaswal Lab, where she studies communication and cognitive development in autistic individuals.
Her research focuses on understanding how nonspeaking autistic individuals communicate and how supportive systems can improve communication access. This includes studying alternative communication strategies and technologies that help individuals express language without relying on speech.
Before beginning her doctoral studies, Sofya completed her undergraduate education at the University of Toronto. She has also gained experience in counseling and applied psychology settings while pursuing research in developmental and clinical psychology.
Her work contributes to interdisciplinary research exploring how educational tools and assistive technologies can improve communication opportunities for nonspeaking autistic individuals.