speech therapy program | Autism PDD

Has anyone heard of the Hannen Program for speech therapy? If so, have you tried it and had any results? We have been doing the program and I just want to know other people's opinions.

Also, does it annoy anyone else when your child is compared to a child without autism or developmental delays?

Haven't tried the Hannen system yet, though I've heard good things about it.

Yes, it's annoying when people say "But all little kids do that!" as if whomever diagnosed your child is a complete buffoon, doesn't know his stuff, and we, the parents, haven't agonized over the diagnosis and wish it weren't so. :/ I just chalk it up to their ignorance and try to change the subject when that happens. :)

Kellie
I have not done the program but have the book:

More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Fern Sussman

I found it to be a great resource. I borrowed it from my ST. Your local library may have it too.

"I have not done the program but have the book:

More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Fern Sussman

I found it to be a great resource. I borrowed it from my ST. Your local library may have it too."

Would it be helpful for kids who are non-verbal, or does it focus on speech?

I have More than Words. It was absolutely the most read book in my house for about 2 years. Callie was essentially nonverbal and the book helped me to understand how to communicate with her. I would recommend this book for everyone with small children - autistic or just speech delayed. It was a wonderful resource during a time when I felt very lost. I highly recommend the Hanen program - I have had nothing but positive experiences with it. Hope this helps - good luck to you.

I agree. When I first read the book, DS was non-verbal. It breaks things down by skill level: reguester, early communicater and gives helpful tools depending on the level your child is on.

It's based on the Hannen program.
Thank you to everyone for your feedback, we have found that the Hannen program helps in other areas as well, such as socialising eg. turn taking. We will keep going with it as it is a positive program. Will try and find the book. Thanks again.

To Gabu,

The Hannen program can be used for non-verbal children, it is more of communication learning rather than speech focussed. The alternative they use to speech is signing or pictures, sometimes in conjunction with words. It helps eliminate children's frustration at being unable to communicate with words. I have found so far that it is easy to continue strategies at home in every situation. My 3 year old son was non-verbal at first and now is starting to say more words and sometimes even put two words together. He did not like the signing but that is just him. We found out about it through the government funded health system here in Australia so I am not sure how others in your country get access to this system. Hope this helps :)