Intensive Early Language Programs

GROUPS

Want to try a different therapy approach?

Looking to better communicate with your autistic child?

Join us for Hanen More Than Words

Starting October 2025

This is for you if you:

✅ Want to help your autistic or language-delayed child communicate

✅ Want comprehensive support and to start seeing progress now

✅ Want to better connect with your child

✅ Want to follow an internationally-recognised, evidence-based program that has been completed by 10,000's parents around the world

Next program Feb 2026- Sign up to alerts

How does it compare to 1:1 therapy?

Why choose us for your Hanen More Than Words program:

- We are experienced speech pathologists who have helped 100's of children who are autistic or late talkers

- We have combined 20 years of experience working professionally with families just like yours

- We have been running Hanen programs twice a year since 2023

- We genuinely care about you and your child

- You can attend from your couch while the kids are in bed

Presented by Davine Speech Pathology and Swinnerton Speech Pathology

Who is the program for?

More Than Words is suitable for children aged 0-8 who language-delayed, autistic or non-speaking. Please contact us if you would like a short phone call to check your child's suitability.

What's included?

The Hanen Program takes place once a week over 8 weeks.

The program includes:

A pre-program consultation with the speech therapist which includes an assessment of your child and setting communication goals
8 X 2.25 hour sessions for a small group of parents, led by two Hanen-certified speech pathologists
Three individual video feedback sessions – you and your child are supported while playing and using the strategies. Then you and the speech pathologist discuss what’s working and how you can modify your use of the strategies to better support your child
Resources including a weekly personalised plan for your child, email support, weekly check-ins, reading materials and handouts

When will it run?

The parent sessions will be on Wednesdays 9:30am via Zoom. The 4 1:1 sessions with your child will be at a time during the day that suits you, your child and the speech therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS HANEN? Hanen is designed to help you learn practical, research-based strategies to support your child's communication. You will learn practical strategies that you can implement in everyday routines with your child.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT? Your speech pathologist will provide individualised support to you and your child through 4 X 1:1 sessions and 8 X group sessions. You will also get support from parents who understand what you are going through.

WHO IS SUITABLE? Hanen is suitable for parents/caregivers of children who are autistic or have language delay, aged 0-6. No specific diagnosis is needed. We can chat to you about if your child would benefit.

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM HELD? As the program is on Zoom, families across Australia are able to participate. Clients local to our Hallam, Endeavour Hills or Warragul clinics have the option for 1:1 sessions to be offered in person.

CAN I STILL DO 1:1 THERAPY? Yes. This program can be attended alongside your regular 1:1 speech therapy sessions or while you are on waitlists for local therapy services. Hanen programs compliment individual therapy so you have a greater understanding of: - your child, their goals and their next steps - the best speech therapy strategies for your child - how to follow up on your therapist's recommendations at home

CAN I USE MY CHILD'S NDIS FUNDING? Yes Hanen Programs are speech pathology therapy, so you may use NDIS funding.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? Read about the international Hanen Program on their website www.Hanen.org, as well as, Raising Children Network and Victorian Department of Education websites.

Is Hanen Suitable for My Child?

Does my child have a language delay?

Is my child aged between 0-8 years old?

Does my child need help with their social skills?

Does my child need help with their conversation skills?
Do I want to connect better with my child?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, then the Hanen Program might be for you! Email Alice or Danielle today to set up a free phone call to learn more about Hanen admin@swinnertonspeech.com

I wanted to be able to communicate effectively with my child. Originally we were having meltdowns because he couldn’t communicate what he wanted, when he wanted. There would be a lot of frustration both ways because he couldn’t express himself and communicate.

One of my favourite activities we did, was him jumping on the bed, and he was laughing and giggling and having fun.

It is an unbelievable program.

Sometimes I was tired after work to jump on and it has been really beneficial.

I can’t thank you enough.

It was good having other parents in the program, nice to see I wasn't alone. That other parents are also going through it.

- Hanen Parent, 2024

When we first started, my goal was for him to say words. I didn't know what to do because he got distracted all the time. I didn't have patience, I wanted results immediately. Now I know to follow his lead.

Hanen has given me a foundation & confidence. We can now see growth and a path forward to help him continuously.

- Hanen Parent, 2023

So when I came into this, I thought, 'how on earth is this going to help me?'.

With the Hanen program, its not only just for the child, it also helps the parent. You learn more about yourself and more about your child. You learn there are more than words for communication.

It helps both parent and child, you become closer because you have to engage so much more

I would recommend it to anyone that needs to do it.

- Hanen Parent, 2025

Our child had the ability but she wouldn’t use her words. We have a lot of the skills but having them pointed out and reinforced all the time, and reminding us that this was going to get all the results was really helpful. Coming every week to remind ourselves and to practice was really helpful.

- Hanen Parents, 2025

The best thing I got out of it is the video feedback sessions. So you can see what you are doing is actually helping.