Explore our articles, tips and resources for supporting young children’s social communication skills.
Like all children, there's so much that young autistic children can learn (and that we can learn from them!) when connecting and enjoying time together. On this page, you'll find lots of information and tips to support the fun back-and-forth interactions that set the stage for learning.
As a parent, you’re in the best possible position to help your child learn new communication skills. You know your child better than anyone else – their special strengths, abilities and interests; their likes, dislikes and sensitivities – and you spend the most time with them in familiar and comfortable settings.
Studies have shown that parents can have a big impact on their child’s social communication development when they:
At Hanen, we support parents to use research-based interaction strategies with their child during enjoyable everyday activities. Not only do these strategies help to build social communication skills – they also help you understand your child better, learn more about each other’s perspectives, and discover more ways to connect and have fun together.
Sometimes you may not be sure how to get an interaction started with your child, especially if they often play alone or have specific or unique interests. Including Your Child’s Interests is a strategy from the Hanen More Than Words® Program that can help you get a back-and-forth interaction going with your child.
Imagine that your child is playing with a toy train set on their own and you’d like to join in and interact with them. Here are three steps to follow:
Hanen’s autism programs are offered by certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) around the world. These programs focus on parent-implemented intervention – where parents are an essential part of their child’s learning. At a Hanen Program, parents learn how to build their child’s social communication skills during natural, everyday situations while connecting and having fun together.
Learn how to build your child’s social communication skills during everyday routines and activities.
For:
Parents of autistic children or children who may benefit from social communication support (1—5 years)
Learn how to build mutual understanding with your child and help them learn the social skills required to have more extended conversations with adult and peers.
For:
Parents of autistic children who are speaking in sentences and having conversations
Are you a professional who supports families of young autistic children? Explore the ways you can maximize your impact with these professional development opportunities.
23.00 PD Hours / 2.30 ASHA CEUs*
Learn how to coach and support parents of autistic children so they gain the skills to support their child’s social communication skills in fun everyday routines and activities.
Eligibility:
Speech-Language Pathologist/Therapist
13.50 PD Hours / 1.35 ASHA CEUs*
Learn a specialized framework for supporting parents of autistic children (ages 4-8) to help their child have more extended conversations and form deeper connections with adults and peers.
Eligibility:
More Than Words® certification and current Hanen membership
16.50 PD Hours / 0.00 ASHA CEUs*
Gain an evidence-based framework for training and engaging educators to create the enriched early learning environments that build children’s language, literacy and social skills.
Eligibility:
Early Intervention Professional
2.00 PD Hours / 0.20 ASHA CEUs*