Create More Opportunities for Your Child to Interact by Playing People Games
October 21, 2024
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The sensations your child craves or avoids are called “sensory preferences”. When you recognize and work with your child’s sensory preferences, you can create situations that make it easier (and more fun!) for them to interact with you. A great way you can do this is with something called “people games”.

What Do Families Think About the Online More Than Words® Program?
July 16, 2024
Article

While the More Than Words® Program for parents of autistic children used to be offered in person only, many Hanen Certified SLPs now also offer it online. But what do parents think of the virtual version of the program? The Hanen Centre partnered with researchers at Western University to find out.

Are Certain Toys Better Than Others for Autistic Children?
April 22, 2024
Article

Parents sometimes wonder what the best toys are for helping their young autistic child interact and communicate. The research might surprise you!

Imitate to Connect! Sparking Interactions with Young Autistic Children
April 16, 2024
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Imitating your child can be one of the most powerful ways to get an interaction going with your child. Here are some tips for using the Imitate strategy from the Hanen More Than Words® Program that can help you spark an interaction between you and your child. 

Child-Led Play Opens the Door to Connection and Interaction with Young Autistic Children
April 10, 2024
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Fun interactions are a wonderful context for connecting with your child and supporting their social communication skills. One of the best ways to get an interaction going with your child – and to keep it going for longer – is to make sure your play is child-led.

Bring On the Books! 10 Tips for Reading with Autistic Children
November 14, 2023
Article

Reading with your autistic child helps to build both their early literacy skills and communication skills. But did you know that the way you read with your child can make a big difference? Use these fun, simple tips to make the most of book reading to encourage your child to interact and learn.

Imitate to Connect! Sparking Interactions with Young Autistic Children
June 15, 2023
Article

When you have back-and-forth interactions with your child, you have many opportunities to support their social communication skills. However, you may not always be sure how to join in what your child is doing to get an interaction started. Try this fun and easy way to join in your child's play.

Include Your Child's Interests: Building Communication with Autistic Children
April 10, 2023
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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. Here’s a strategy from the Hanen More Than Words® Program to help you start back-and-forth interactions with your child.

Include Your Child’s Interests: Building Interaction with Autistic Children
March 31, 2023
Article

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. Here’s a Hanen strategy to help you start the kinds back-and-forth interactions that encourage social communication learning.