“It Takes Two to Talk” is an evidence-based program developed for parents of children with expressive and receptive language delays.  The program’s philosophy is ‘that because parents are the most important people in a child’s life, they are the best people to help the child learn to communicate.’  This program is recommended for toddlers and preschool-age children demonstrating difficulty acquiring early language skills.  Children may be nonverbal, using gestures, or perhaps only using two-to-three words together. 
 
A Hanen certified Speech-Language Pathologist directs “It Takes Two to Talk."  It is an eight-week (16 hours) training course composed of a group of parents working together to learn about their child’s language development.  It includes a pre-program assessment of child-parent interaction and three individual video feedback sessions for each child.  “It Takes Two to Talk” is designed to educate parents on how to promote language development in everyday situations.  Parents learn strategies including:

• Observing, waiting, and listening to the child’s communication
• Following the child’s lead
• Balancing comments and questions
• Using routines to help the child take turns
• Expanding on what the child says
• Using toys, books, and music as communication opportunities

In a 1996 study, 32 children with severe expressive language delays were enrolled in “It Takes Two to Talk."  During this study, parents were taught to use ten target words in a variety of routines.  In the pre-assessment, the children averaged 37.5 words.  After completion of the program, the children averaged 187.7 words. Results also reported increased vocabularies and variety of words, greater use of spontaneous words, and increased use of sentences and combining words. This study, and many others, supports the claim that this specialized program helps children develop a foundation for language development.
 
“It Takes Two to Talk” is composed of three objectives: parent education, early language intervention, and social support.  During the program, parents will learn how and why their child communicates, their child’s stage of communication, the development of language, the different types of language skills, and the importance of active participation.  Parents will also learn the importance of early intervention as indicated in previous study results. They will learn how to apply their skills to a variety of situations to use on a daily basis in their child’s natural environment.  Parents will receive social support from a Hanen certified Speech-Language Pathologist and from other parents of language-delayed children in their group.  “It Takes Two to Talk” is a great tool for developing communication skills through parent and child interactions.
 
For more information on “It Takes Two to Talk” and other Hanen programs, please visit:  www.hanen.org