Tiny Talkers is an Independent Speech and Language Therapy Service specialising in working with pre-school and school aged children in Northern Ireland.

Tiny Talkers is able to offer speech and language assessment, advice and therapy for children with a range of difficulties including:

  • Late talkers
  • Language delay or disorder (Understanding and using language)
  • Understanding and following directions
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Using words to make sentences
  • Making and using speech sounds e.g. saying 'tat' for 'cat'
  • Unclear speech
  • Dyspraxia
  • Specific Language Impairment
  • Global Developmental Delay
  • Attention and Listening
  • Interaction and communication difficulties associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder

About me

Shirley-Ann Dickey

Shirley-Ann Dickey

BSc (Hons) MRCSLT MASLTIP Speech and Langauge Therapist.

I qualified with a BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy Degree from The University of Ulster in 2004. Since then I've worked as a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist in various NHS settings including clinics, homes, nurseries, schools, Child Development Clinics and Autism Assessment Clinics. Before leaving the NHS in 2012 to set up in Independent Practice, I was a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist in the area of Autism.

I am highly experienced in administering assessment and providing therapy on a one to one and group basis with children from 12 months onwards. I can also provide training to parents and teaching staff.

I am a registered member of The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Private Practice (ASLTIP) and Independent Speech - Language Therapist of Ireland (ISTI).

Qualifications and Clinical Approaches

  • BSc(Hons) Speech and language Therapy from The University of Ulster
  • Makaton (Basic and Advanced level)
  • Hanen Programme - It takes two to talk, More than Words (Parent Child Interaction Advice)
  • Elklan (Encouraging children's communication skills, Supporting children with complex needs)
  • Derbyshire Language Scheme
  • PECS (Picture Exchange Approaches)
  • TEACCH Training (Autism Programme)
  • Social Stories
  • Comic Strip Conversations
  • ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
  • Gina Davies - The Curiosity Programme
  • Gestalt Language Processing Training

Services

Services

I provide a range of services which include:

Informal Consultation

Please contact me either by phone or email to discuss your concerns. The initial consultation is free. You are not obliged to commit to assessment or therapy at this time.

Initial Speech and Language Assessment

This lasts approximately one hour and takes place in my welcoming clinic. This involves using observation, informal assessments and standardized assessments. It is useful to make available any reports from other professionals involved with your child. A verbal summary of my findings and recommendations will be discussed at the end of the session.

Written Report (Optional and payable in advance)

This is a tailored report discussing relevant speech, language and communication development and recommendations. It is recommended that this report is shared with any other professionals involved. If therapy sessions are recommended, you are not committed to having these with Tiny Talkers.

Private Speech and Language Therapy Sessions

These sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are tailored to meet your child's needs. An individualised written treatment plan will be agreed to support your child's specific difficulties. It is likely that I will advise on home activities to practice after each session.

Review Appointment

This lasts approximately one hour. This includes re-assessment followed by a summary report and recommendations.

Nursery/School Visit

This lasts approximately 45 minutes. This involves observation of your child or liaising with staff to demonstrate therapy programmes.

School Support

I can provide specialist input into schools, nurseries and playgroups. This can be individual therapy for specific children or group therapy.

Training

Training is available to families, individuals, groups, schools and agencies. Examples of training include: Early speech and language development, Supporting communication development in nursery and school, Autism and behaviour.

Home/School Programmes

Individual home programmes and ideas to carry out at home or in school/nursery. These are designed to help your child generalise their skills into daily life.

FAQ's

How quickly will my child be seen?

An appointment can usually be offered within one to two weeks of initial contact.

How many sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions your child requires and how frequently they will occur will be agreed with you following assessment. Sessions may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on your child's age and specific needs.

How long will each session last?

An appointment will generally last 45 minutes to one hour. This will also include time giving feedback to parents/carers.

Can my child see an NHS therapist and attend Tiny Talkers?

Yes. You should be entitled to NHS therapy if required. It is important to make sure that both the NHS therapist and Independent therapist are aware of ongoing Speech and Language Therapy to prevent duplication of assessments which can affect the validity of results.

Will the therapist talk to other professionals involved with my child?

Providing I have your consent, I am more than happy to liaise with other professionals involved with your child.

How much does it cost?

Full details of my fees are available on request. All prices include administration, preparation time and materials. Travel expenses will be calculated as an additional cost.

Will I be able to pay through my Health Insurance?

You may be able to but you must check with your insurance company first. Clients must settle their invoice and then claim with their insurance provider. The Speech and Language Therapist cannot claim directly with the insurer.

Can my child be seen for Speech and Language Therapy in nursery or school?

As long as your school is in agreement, I am happy to see your child in this setting and for nursery/school staff to be present during sessions.

Get in touch

I am happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have about your child's speech and language development. Please contact me on:

Mobile: 07779619417

Email: info@tinytalkersni.com

Address: 16 Valley Road, Rossclare, Killadeas, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, BT94 1 SF

Directions to clinic from Enniskillen
Follow signs for Omagh. At Cherrymount roundabout take exit onto Irvinestown road, A32. Drive for 1.5 miles. At Trory roundabout take 1st exit onto B82 to Kesh. Drive for 4 miles. Drive past The Manor House Hotel. Turn left at sign for Inishclare Holiday Cottages. Drive for 1/4 mile and then turn left at cattlegrid. Drive to the top of the hill over a cattlegrid with private house sign. Tiny Talkers clinic is the 1st house on the left.

Directions from Kesh
Drive towards Enniskillen on A47. Drive for 5.5 miles. Turn right at sign for Inishclare Holiday Cottages. Drive for 1/4 mile and then turn left at cattlegrid. Drive to the top of the hill over a cattlegrid with private house sign. Tiny Talkers clinic is the 1st house on the left.