Talking Matters

"Helping children to reach their potential!" We are passionate about providing speech pathology services for children with communication or learning difficulties.

Who are we?

Talking Matters is a private speech pathology practice located at 53 Midway Road in Elizabeth East, Adelaide, South Australia. We are located adjacent the IGA at the Elizabeth East Shopping Centre.

Our team consists of

• Speech pathologists
• Speech assistants
• Teachers and
• Part-time administrative support

We can also arrange assessment in our rooms by;

• An occupational therapist (Natalie Hooper)
• A psychologist (Sue Watts)

Our current newsletter is available here (June 2009)

If you would like to register to have our newsletter sent to you via email please contact our office on office@talkingmatters.com.au and you will be added to the list.  Please include your name and the email address you would like the newsletter to go to in the body of the email and "Send me Newsletters" in the subject line.  Newsletters come out approximately twice a term. 

Communication Difficulties

Communication difficulties occur in a variety of forms, such as;

• Speech difficulties, for example, saying 'tat' for 'cat' or 'gog' for 'dog'.
• Language difficulties e.g. difficulties following directions, answering questions or constructing sentences as well as other children their age.
• Fluency difficulties, otherwise known as stuttering or stammering, e.g. they may say 'c-c-c-c-c-c-cat' or appear to be 'stuck' on words
• Difficulties learning to read and spell
• Difficulties telling or writing a story
• Difficulties knowing how to use language to get along and play with other children
• Difficulties using their voice (they may sound husky or hoarse when they speak)

Children who may need a Speech Pathologist

Some children are more likely to have difficulties learning to talk.  Children are at a higher risk of difficulties learning to talk if they:

• Have had repeated ear infections or glue ear
• Were born prematurely
• Have family members with a history of speech, language or reading difficulties, or
• Have been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, (c)APD, Down Syndrome, or a developmental delay

Early identification and assistance for children with speech and/or language learning difficulties can make a world of difference.   

 Services offered

We offer a range of services for families.  Services include;

• Individual assessments and diagnosis of speech and language difficulties.
• Assessment and diagnosis of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome
• Individual therapy sessions
• "Ready to Read, Ready to Write" group activities for children 4 1/2 to 6 years old
• "Succeeding with Reading" sessions for children with dyslexia.
• School visits in some locations
• Screening services within schools, preschools and childcare settings by arrangement
• Speech assistant programs
• Information and training sessions can be organised for teachers, school service officers, and parents.