The papers covered topics including: early signs of auditory processing difficulties, the latest research on late talkers, the importance of newborn hearing screening, the challenge of auditory neuropathy, a communication profile of young children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and information sharing with parents. All presentations included practical guidelines on assessment and intervention, thereby attempting to contribute to the day-to-day practice issues of clinicians.

At the conclusion of the seminar a tribute was given to Prof Brenda Louw for her role in establishing the field of early communication intervention in South Africa and directing the Centre for Early Communication Intervention in the Department. Prof Louw is retiring at the end of September 2009.