Welcome

Help for Parents of Late Talkers

Now Available Online: Target Word -- The Hanen Program for Parents of Children who are Late Talkers

About

About Target Word

Target Word: The Hanen Program for Parents of Children who are Late Talkers is a family-focused program for parents of children who are late talkers. It is designed to teach parents how to help their children use more words during everyday routines and activities.

This program was developed by The Hanen Centre to help parents meet the unique needs of children who are late talkers. Research shows that how parents play and talk with their children can create opportunities for children to learn new words.

About Melissa Haylock

Melissa Haylock, M.S., CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist in the Los Angeles area. She has 20 years of experience working with children with a variety of communication challenges. She has extensive experience working with toddlers with expressive language delay (also known as "Late Talkers"). During this time of COVID-19 precautions, Melissa has shifted her practice to focus on online training for parents, showing them how to stimulate their children's language during everyday activities at home.

Who is Target Word for?

This program is for parents of young children with delayed expressive language. A child is considered a Late Talker if he or she:

Has an expressive vocabulary of fewer than 24 words and is between 18 and 20 months; or

Has an expressive vocabulary of fewer than 40 words and is between 21 and 24 months; or

Has an expressive vocabulary of fewer than 100 words and is between 24 and 30 months; or

Has limited word combinations by 24 months; and

Has relatively good understanding, play, social, motor, and cognitive skills; and

Has some risk factors (e.g, limited use of gestures, family history of language delay, does not copy words)

Melissa Haylock, M.S., CCC-SLP is able to offer Target Word to families living in the state of California. However, there are Hanen-certified speech-language pathologists all over the world. To find a speech-language pathologist who can offer Target Word near you, visit The Hanen Centre's website at www.hanen.org

What can I expect?

Parents who participate in Target Word can expect individualized coaching in using evidence-based strategies to encourage their child's language development. The program includes:

A Pre-program Consultation, during which your child's communication will be assessed and goals will be set.

A Parent Handbook, which you will use to document your child's progress. You will also use the handbook to plan ways to use the Target Word strategies with your child.

Nine interactive Target Word sessions (approximately 1 hour in length, once a week) in which you will learn strategies to encourage your child's language development. Each session includes ample time for discussion of ways to individualize the strategies for your child.

Two Video Feedback appointments (after Target Word sessions 3 and 7). You will have the chance to practice what you have learned in a videotaped activity with your child, and receive coaching from the speech-language pathologist.

A Follow-Up Appointment 6-12 weeks after completing the program. At this time, the speech-language pathologist will reassess your child's communication, and recommend next steps, if necessary.

What are the technical requirements?

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Melissa Haylock is currently offering Target Word through telepractice. In order to participate, you need the following:

A computer, iPad or a tablet (smartphones and cell phones do not have a large enough screen)

Webcam and microphone (the camera and microphone in your computer or tablet will suffice)

High speed internet

Email access

Adobe reader (free download)

How can I learn more?

If you are in the state of California, you can learn more about enrolling in Target Word with Melissa Haylock, M.S., CCC-SLP, by sending an email to: info@melissahaylock.com.

If you are outside of the state of California, or would like to know more about Target Word and other Hanen programs, visit The Hanen Centre at www.hanen.org

Melissa Haylock, M.S., CCC-SLP is licensed as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the state of California (License #SP 12338)