Hanen Program

advantages of hanen program
advantages of hanen program

Hanen Programs emphasize the education, training, and empowerment of parents, tailored to the individual needs, communication stages, and styles of their children. These programs enable parents to engage with their children in more naturalistic manners during daily life interactions. In contrast, conventional speech therapy primarily concentrates on the child alone, often neglecting the involvement of the entire family. While some guidance is offered to parents, the therapy itself is predominantly delivered by the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). 

Traditional speech therapy is typically conducted within a clinical environment. Significant additional efforts are necessary to establish settings that promote generalization and maintenance of skills. Conversely, Hanen Programs employ strategies and activities that are integrated into everyday routines, such as cooking or bedtime, to enhance the natural communication that arises from these events. Traditional Speech Therapy typically involves a flexible schedule regarding session frequency and duration. Generally, children see their Speech therapists once or twice a week, with sessions lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour. In contrast, Hanen approaches empower parents to integrate strategies into everyday activities in enjoyable ways, utilizing games, toys, music, books, and more. Tailoring these methods to your child's specific needs can significantly enhance their development.

More Family Less Therapists

At Rose's Speech Therapy, we integrate Hanen approaches with various other methods such as Sensory Integration, Alternative and Augmentative Communication, and Oral Placement Therapy. One of the remarkable aspects of Hanen is its compatibility with traditional speech therapy, which can significantly enhance overall progress. By combining these approaches, families can optimize their development and practice at home. We empower parents to help their children express themselves, whether through speech or AAC, enabling them to share their thoughts, follow instructions, and understand both verbal and non-verbal cues during interactions. This communication is woven into the fabric of daily family life, rather than being confined to specific “speech therapy sessions.”