The program "More than Words" from Hanen is a parent coaching program that includes many strategies for developing children’s language and social communication. Two strategies that I try and implement in all therapy sessions and share with parents are: OWL and ROCK.

Buy the Hanen More than Words book on amazon.ca or amazon.com. — Buy the Hanen More than Words book on amazon.ca or amazon.com.

OWL stands for "Observe", "Wait" and "Listen" and is a strategy that helps develop a child's first words. This strategy encourages child initiated interactions. For example, the parent will observe what the child is doing and is interested in, they will wait and they will listen to what their child is doing and saying instead of asking a lot of questions. Therefore, they can follow their child's lead in play which helps build a positive parent-child relationship and develops rapport. Moreover, when parents follow their child's lead in play it can increase a child's intrinsic motivation which aids in more effective and efficient learning.

ROCK aids in establishing routines for engaging in people games or sensory social routines. ROCK stands for "repeat what is said and done", "offer opportunities to take a turn", "cue to take a turn", and "keep it fun, keep it going." These are all skills parents can include when engaging with their children whether it be playing, reading or talking, to encourage ongoing development of people games.

-S

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References

Sussman, F. (2012). More than words: A guide to building interaction and language skills for children with autism spectrum disorder or social communication difficulties. Toronto: Hanen Centre.