Programs for Parents

The Hanen Centre’s family-focused programs for parents are led by Hanen Certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have received special training at a Hanen Workshop.

Through the use of activities and group discussions, small groups of parents learn to create and take advantage of everyday opportunities to improve their child’s communication skills. All Hanen Programs® use a combination of group training sessions (where only parents and the SLP are present) and individual consultations with the SLP (in which the child is present). This provides a comprehensive and personalized learning experience for each family participating in the program.

For parents whose child is experiencing a communication difficulty, Hanen’s specialized programs can provide them with the tools they need for helping their child reach his or her fullest communication potential. Hanen has developed programs for parents in three areas: Language Delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Asperger Syndrome.



Language Delay

It Takes Two to Talk® - The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delays

The It Takes Two to Talk Program was specifically designed for parents of children with language delays. In a comfortable small group setting, you’ll learn how you can build your child’s language skills naturally during everyday routines and activities.

To learn more about the It Takes Two to Talk Program, click on the link below:




Target Word™ - The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children who are Late Talkers

Developed specifically for parents of children who are Late Talkers (that is, children who have good comprehension, motor and learning skills, but who are using fewer words than other children their age), the Target Word Program shows parents how they can help their child use words and build his expressive vocabulary during everyday routines and activities.

To learn more about the Target Word Program, click on the link below:





Autism

More Than Words® - The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties

Created specifically for parents of children on the autism spectrum or with other social communication difficulties, the More Than Words® Program provides practical strategies for addressing your child’s specific needs and building his communication and social skills during everyday routines and play.

To learn more about the More Than Words Program, click on the link below:



TalkAbility™ - The Hanen Program® for Parents of Verbal Children on the Autism Spectrum

The TalkAbility Program is designed for parents of children on the autism spectrum aged 4-8. The program shows you how to help your child have more extended conversations with adults and peers, how to tune in to messages people send without words, how to understand others' perspectives, and how to expand their play and friendship skills.

To learn more about the TalkAbility Program, click on the link below:





 Literacy

The Hanen I'm Ready!™ Program for Building Early Literacy in the Home

Designed for parents of children aged 3-5 years old (typically developing, at risk of language delay or with a mild language delay), I'm Ready! offers parents the chance to help their children develop the literacy skills they need before starting school. Parents learn simple strategies that are fun for children and can be used while sharing books or throughout the day.

To learn more about the I'm Ready! Program, click on the link below: