Supporting Your Language Delayed Child
It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words
Giving PARENTS the tools and strategies they need to help their children’s language soar!
What is It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words?
It Takes Two to Talk and More Than Words are programs developed by the Hanen Center, which supports parents of young children (typically ages 0-5) who are language delayed or with suspected or diagnosed autism spectrum disorder. I am a Hanen certified Speech Language Pathologist. I guide individual or small groups of parents in learning the research-based interaction strategies that parents can apply to their daily interactions/routines with their child, to help them improve their language skills. This learning environment provides support and input to parents, both from me and/or from peers in the group who understand each other’s challenges and learn from each others’ experiences.
If your child is. . .
A ‘late talker’ when compared to similar-aged peers or as determined by your pediatrician/developmental specialist as having a ‘language delay’ (when most other developmental milestones are on track like listening comprehension or social/play skills)
Frustrated when attempting communication or interactions or simply doesn’t try to communicate
‘Shuts down’ in communication attempts
Then It Takes Two to Talk might be the curriculum for you!
If your child . . .
struggles to make eye contact/joint attention
struggles with engaging/interacting/playing with others
lacks communication skills (verbal or nonverbal) to communicate basic wants/needs, demonstrates frustration with any communication attempts
Then More Than Words might be the curriculum for you!
Why Hanen?
As a very new Speech Pathologist in graduate school, while being constantly inundated with research and evidence-based therapy techniques, I came across the Hanen organization when researching resources for a 4-year old boy I was working with who was minimally verbal. Prior to providing this information to the family of this little boy, I asked around in the field to get feedback from experienced SLPs to find out what they thought of the Hanen methodology and immediately discovered that those who were trained in and used these strategies were forever changed as a therapist. Fast forward some years later to when I became a trained Hanen speech pathologist and I couldn’t agree more. Once you’ve taught and helped implement Hanen strategies with parents/caregivers AND implemented them into your own therapeutic process, you so clearly see the amazing growth and progress in children’s communication. Even more importantly, you help to empower PARENTS on this journey and THAT is where the magic happens. It’s changed my outlook and approach as a therapist. Check out my blog to learn a bit more about my personal experience with Hanen and why I feel so strongly about the effectiveness of parent-implemented therapy techniques.
Program/Therapy Components
Program content is offered in 2 ways:
Individually in one-on-one parent coaching
I use the Hanen curriculum and strategies extensively in the early stages of therapy with a child and parent. Hanen informs the way that I approach therapy with my very young clients so while I work with a child, I’m also coaching parents and educating them on these effective language support strategies they can be using throughout their day. All content is covered and duration of program is dependent on needs of child/family.
or
In a small group format, with a minimum of 4 families
The program is currently being offered via telepractice (entire program is offered online via live, interactive sessions for both group and individual sessions)
Program is offered through a videoconferencing application/Zoom
Program requires participants to have a webcam/microphone, high speed internet, computer and/or ipad/tablet, Adobe Reader for documents (free download) and email access
Program consists of weekly meetings over 13 weeks, in a combination of small group sessions and individual video feedback sessions, along with an individual pre-program consultation.
Total Program hours for group format = 28-30 hours of direct therapist contact via group trainings and individual video feedback sessions or consultations. The group format is geared toward 4-8 families. This small group size allows parents to get to know each other and build a support network while also having individual time with myself (certified Speech Pathologist) to develop specific goals for their child and monitor progress along the way.
What You’ll Learn
Understanding of your child’s ‘stage’ and ‘style’ of communication (and why that’s important to know!)
What motivates your child to interact with you
How to get your child to START interactions and KEEP THEM GOING through interaction turn-taking
How to use these interaction strategies to increase your child’s 1. understanding and 2. use/expression of language (both nonverbal and verbal expression)
How to up your game and confidence during all interactions (daily routines, play, book reading) to increase your child’s communication
Commitment and Pricing
Parents in group format must commit to entire 13 week program and attend all live sessions. Because this class is run as an interactive small group, families build peer connections and do so much to support one another. I don’t want you to miss out on all of these benefits! Group sessions are 2.5 hours (8 total) and individual sessions will typically run for approximately 1-1.5 hours. You will meet WEEKLY in either a group session OR an individual session. Group sessions will likely be held in the evening to accommodate parent work schedules. Individual sessions will be determined/scheduled with each family.
GROUP Program Cost: $885, paid in 3 monthly installments of $295 (this is a complete program cost which includes group sessions, individual video feedback sessions and the It Takes Two to Talk Guidebook)
INDIVIDUAL Program cost: standard hourly therapy rate applies with 1-2hour/week commitment, call for details
Sample Schedule of Program/curriculum
Read Inspiring Stories from parents who have committed to It Takes Two to Talk!
Group program start dates will be determined based on enrollment. Individual one-on-coaching and child therapy available now and scheduled with family.
If you have additional questions, please contact me directly at:
(734) 531-8551