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Why Choose a Hanen Speech-Language Pathologist?

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When inquiring about a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for your child, you might ask a number of questions to make sure you find the right fit for your family. One of these essential questions is:

"How will I be involved in my child’s therapy?"

Why is it important to be involved?

Research shows that parents can have a significant impact on their child’s communication when they are active participants in their child’s intervention. This is because: 

  • The best learning happens during enjoyable, everyday moments – Your child learns to communicate best during everyday activities and interactions that are fun and meaningful to them. 
  • You are the most important adult in your child’s life – Your close relationship with your child means that they are most comfortable communicating with you, and that you know them best. You’re familiar with their interests and preferences, and you can use these as opportunities to encourage fun and motivating interactions.  
  • You spend far more time with your child than an SLP can – The more your child interacts with you every day, the more opportunities you have to support their communication.

Studies show that when parents learn to use research-based interaction and language strategies during everyday interactions with their child, their child’s communication improves. But how do you learn these strategies and how do you know if you’re applying them effectively? The key is finding the right SLP to help. 

What sets Hanen Certified SLPs apart?

Hanen Certified SLPs have specialized training from The Hanen Centre™ in the most effective ways to support you to build your child’s communication during everyday activities and interactions. 

When you choose a Hanen Certified SLP, you are choosing someone who:

  • Works  together with you as the key partner in your child’s learning – A Hanen SLP respects you as the person who knows your child best and who can have the greatest impact on your child’s communication. The Hanen SLP takes the time to understand you and your child, collaborates with you to set goals for your child and supports you to learn research-based techniques that build your child’s communication. 
  • Supports the whole family – A Hanen SLP sees the whole family as the “client”, and helps you learn strategies that foster more joy in interactions for everyone. 
  • Helps you better understand and connect with your child – A Hanen SLP takes the time to help you understand your child’s communication better, and to have enjoyable interactions that help you connect with your child in new and often life-changing ways. 
  • Knows how to support your needs as an adult learner – Hanen SLPs have learned about the specific ways adults learn best and they know the most effective ways to coach you to learn and use Hanen strategies with your child.

How a Hanen SLP can support you

Hanen SLPs can support you in two main ways:

 


Hanen Programs – Hanen SLPs are certified to lead one or more Hanen Programs, which are programs for a small group of parents that run over a number of weeks and include a combination of group parent-only sessions and individual sessions for you and your child.





Individual coaching sessions with you and your child – The SLP coaches you to learn and use strategies from Hanen Programs during therapy sessions with your child.

What makes Hanen Programs effective?

When you attend a Hanen Program led by a Hanen Certified SLP, you can trust that you’re receiving evidence-based support. Hanen Programs have been shown to make a significant and positive difference in the way parents interact with their child and in children's communication skills.

Attending a Hanen Program means that you: 

  1. Are guaranteed the highest quality learning experience – What you learn during a Hanen Program is just as important as your child’s learning. Hanen Programs are based on research showing what helps adults learn best. This includes opportunities to practice, discuss, and watch real-life video examples of parents using the strategies with children. 
  2. Have the chance to learn and connect with other parents – You attend the group sessions with other parents and learn strategies in a way that makes learning practical and enjoyable. You also get to hear other parents’ experiences and talk and connect with them. 
  3. Receive personalized support from the SLP – At specific intervals between group sessions, you and your child meet with the SLP. During this session, you receive personalized coaching and practice opportunities, and you have the chance to discuss your child’s progress and goals, as well as plan how you’ll help them achieve those goals.  
  4. Will know how to build your child’s learning into everyday life – You’ll learn how to maximize your child’s learning by using the strategies whenever you are together, making learning a natural, enjoyable part of your everyday life with your child.

Finding a Hanen Certified SLP

Hanen Certified SLPs are currently supporting families in 
over 80 countries around the world.

To find a Hanen SLP, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

You may also ask your healthcare professional, local speech-language services agency, family support centre or school or if they are able to connect you with an SLP who is Hanen Certified. 

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