The Talkabout Program
Talkabout is Telethon Speech & Hearing's specialist program for children experiencing a speech and language delay or disorder. This delay may be due to a history of middle ear dysfunction, otitis media (glue ear), fluctuating hearing loss, specific language impairments or dyspraxia (motor planning difficulties).
The Talkabout programs currently being run at Telethon Speech & Hearing include Toddler Talkabout, Talkabout 3, Talkabout 4 and Talkabout 5.
Toddler Talkabout
- For children between 18 months and 2.5 years who are at risk of developing a speech or language delay or disorder.
- Children attend 1 group session per week with their caregiver(s).
- Main focus is on demonstrating language facilitation techniques and on showing caregivers how to apply these at home.
- Child needs to be able to cope with group structure and demands.
|
 |
<<back to top
Talkabout 3
- For children in their pre-kindergarten year who are at risk of developing a speech or language delay or disorder.
- Children attend 1 group session per week with their caregiver(s).
- Main focus is on concepts and social skills, and the expressive and receptive language that accompany these areas. The program also addresses pre-kindergarten skills such as colour, early number and fine motor skills.
- Child needs to be turning 3 before June 30 of the current year, and be able to cope with group structure and demands.
|
 |
<<back to top
Talkabout 4
- For children turning 4 who are experiencing a speech and language delay or disorder and are not registered with any other agencies.
- Children attend 2 half days per week in a kindergarten type setting.
- Main focus is on comprehension, narrative and semantic organisational skills.
- Child needs to be eligible for enrolment in kindergarten and be toilet trained.
- Children are encouraged to also attend their local kindergarten for appropriate language models from their peers.
<<back to top
Talkabout 5
- For children turning 5 who are experiencing a speech and language delay or disorder and are not registered with any other agencies.
- Children attend 2 full days per week in a structured language stimulation environment.
- Main focus is on comprehension, narrative, semantic organisation, metalinguistics and auditory processing skills.
- Child needs to be eligible for enrolment in pre-primary and be toilet trained.
- Children are encouraged to also attend their local pre-primary school for appropriate language models from their peers.
|
|
<<back to top
Like our other programs, Talkabout also uses a team-based approach to helping your child achieve their speech and language goals. This team includes your child and family, teacher and assistant, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist and audiologist.
Talkabout is not designed to manage the special needs of children with specific disabilities, such as intellectual disability, permanent hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, autism, or other difficulties that are eligible for registration with the Disability Services Commission.
To download the Talkabout brochure, go to the publications section of our website.
<<back to top
|
