For more detailed information please see our cookie policy. We did the activities of the parents would do we watch the videos they would watch. Toronto: The Hanen Centre. #TipThursday Hanen's Four Stages of Early Communication The Discoverer, the Communicator, the First Word user and the Combiner - each child goes through these stages while learning to communicate. As he gets better and better at communicating with you, he may even make up his own gestures. Because he can anticipate whats to come, the Discoverer also enjoys games like Peekaboo and Tickle. As you read the descriptions of the four stages below, think about which one best describes how your child is currently communicating. Sign language,egBritish Sign Language (BSL), Makaton, Sign Supported English, or as part of a total communication approach (where a combination of methods is used,ega person might receive information via speech and signs but express themselves using signs and symbols). Helping Your Child to Develop Communication Skills. (2005). Try again. Some autistic children are delayed in their use of language,and some autistic adultsdon'tuse speech. A Closer Look at Social Communication Difficulties of Children - Hanen In L. Justice (Ed. He learns to change his word combinations into questions by changing the tone of his voice. And that waiting piece was just huge. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 17, 126141. Journal of Early Intervention, 18, 155167. More Than Words presents a step-by-step guide for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in an extensive, practical, and user-friendly format. I thought it was high time I shared the program with you that has changed me the most. It's basically their textbook for the program it's available on their website, in ebook form or paperback. He does not yet know how to communicate deliberately (with a specific purpose in mind). The program includes: During the program, youll use the More Than Words guidebook. For a detailed research summary, click on the link below: One of the greatest benefits of the More Than Words Program is the opportunity it provides to connect with other parents. An autistic persons ability to understand or use spoken language can vary depending on their anxiety or stress levels. Ingersoll, B., Dvortcsak, A., Whalen, C., & Sikora, D. (2005). Being level with them will allow them to see the variety of facial expressions thatare usedin communication. This way, you play a part in the game and the child includes you in what they are doing. (1989). After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. First, the childs hearing should be evaluated to rule out any hearing loss. Once you have identified your childs stage, look for that information in every chapter of the book - so you can build on your childs communication development and have fun together at the same time!