Try Talking Mats
Our team of Speech and Language Therapists and associated therapists frequently use Talking Mats. It is an invaluable resource, which can be used with a range of clients to discuss a multitude of topics from discussions around safe eating and drinking to care plans and life goals. It is extremely versatile and easy to use and it is a vital resource for many of our clients.
What is Talking Mats?
Developed from a research project by Joan Murphy in 1998, Talking Mats has become a well-researched communication tool. It involves a ‘talking mat’ (which looks like a car mat) that allows Velcro Symbols to be placed on it.
The aim is to facilitate a topic of discussion using picture cards and the mat. For example you may want to try to find out about a person’s preferential activities.
You would place the topic at the top of the mat and then offer 2 choices either, “Yes” and “No” or “I like” and “I don’t like.” Some people also have a 3rd “maybe” or “not sure” option.
Who can you use it with?
Almost anyone with communication difficulties can use Talking Mats. The resource allows people to think about information in small chunks and to organise their thoughts. We use it with many clients who have:
- Learning Disability
- Dementia
- Aphasia
- Autism
- Acquired Brain Injury
- A range of Speech, Language and Communication needs.
Again with such a versatile resource the options are endless. Some of the many topics of discussion we have facilitated using Talking Mats are:
- Food choices and preferences
- Care plans including what a client wanted from his new home
- Behaviour and what behaviour is liked/disliked within a setting (school/home)
- Activity likes/dislikes
- Sensory preferences
- AND much more!
Talking mats is aided with non-verbal cards; we have used photographic images, symbols and written bullet points to aid discussions.
Talking Mats can help people with communication difficulties have a greater understanding about the chosen topic. It can increase engagement and can enable them to make informed choices.
Talking Mats is one effective method to support people with communication needs, but it should not be used as a stand-alone aid. There are many other methods of communication, which can be used in conjunction with Talking Mats.
