Hanen Approach

The Hanen Approach is a family-centred, evidence-based intervention designed to support children’s communication, language, and social interaction skills through everyday interactions and play. The approach empowers parents, caregivers, and professionals with practical strategies to help children develop communication naturally within daily routines.

Rather than focusing only on direct teaching, the Hanen Approach helps adults recognise and respond to a child’s communication attempts, interests, and motivations. By creating meaningful opportunities for interaction, children are encouraged to develop language, confidence, attention, and social connection in a supportive and responsive environment.

Our Hanen-informed support focuses on building strong communication foundations through play, shared attention, and positive interaction experiences.

Support may include:

* Parent coaching and guidance
* Early language development strategies
* Supporting attention and engagement
* Encouraging interaction and turn-taking
* Expanding vocabulary and understanding
* Supporting social communication skills
* Communication during everyday routines
* Building confidence in communication

We work collaboratively with families to help embed strategies naturally into home life, play, mealtimes, community activities, and everyday interactions.

The Hanen Approach May Support Children Who:

* Have delayed language development
* Experience social communication difficulties
* Have Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
* Struggle with interaction and engagement
* Are late talkers
* Need support developing attention and listening skills
* Benefit from parent-led communication strategies

Our Approach

We focus on creating enjoyable, meaningful interactions where communication develops naturally through connection, responsiveness, and shared experiences. Families are supported to feel confident understanding their child’s communication style and promoting communication growth throughout daily life.