Studies show that the most effective early language intervention involves more than therapy for the child with a speech-language pathologist – it involves helping parents gain the skills to play a key role in their child’s language-learning.

If you have a young child with a language delay, the It Takes Two to Talk Program gives you the skills to build your child’s language learning during your everyday activities. Mealtime, play time, bath time, going to the supermarket – all of these are great opportunities to foster your child’s communication and language skills while having fun together. With the support and guidance of a Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist, you’ll learn to use proven and powerful strategies that motivate your child to interact with you, increasing their opportunities to learn and achieve their communication and language goals. In this way, your child receives ongoing support that makes “therapy” a natural and continuing process.  

At an It Takes Two to Talk Program, you’ll learn how to:

• Recognize your child’s stage and style of communication so that, together with the speech-language pathologist, you can identify next steps and goals.
• Identify what motivates your child to communicate.
• Use the strategy “Follow your child’s lead” to build their confidence and encourage them to communicate with you.
• Adjust everyday routines to help your child take turns back and forth in interactions.
• Talk to your child in ways that help them understand language and then use it when they’re ready.
• Use the strategies when you play and read books with your child to help them interact and learn language.

The It Takes Two to Talk Program is for young children with receptive and/or expressive language delays/disorders who are not autistic. It’s appropriate for children who range from not yet using words to combining 2-3 words together when communicating. A speech-language pathologist can help you determine if It Takes Two to Talk may be helpful for your child.