Help pls & Info re Hanen programme

I'm having an internal argument as to whether to post in the special needs or not. A bit of head in the sand, but also a little "am I just expecting too much and it will happen".

So DS is 18 months. We've been seeing a physio and OT fairly regularly since 12 months. He's been diagnosed with low muscle tone. He's been reviewed by a feeding clinic (MCHN, dietician, speech, OT) probably every second month in that time also.

DS has not crawled, and really doesn't like being put on hands and feet. He's only just started to roll onto his stomach and pull his knees up, but only on his terms. He has been bum shuffling for a few months now. Developmentally he's been slow with everything. He didn't sit until about 14months. He does not like to put weight through his feet - that's our next battle with the physio and OT.

We had a physio and speech session yesterday. DS only has about 3 words (dadada, mum mum very rarely and Ta though that comes out more like da). The speechie has suggested I do a course she is running. It's The Hanen Program - It Takes Two to Talk.

I'm struggling with the notion that there is a problem and I'm not just being overly concerned when there is no need. I guess I wouldn't have been offered this course (given the cost to their service) if they didn't think it was needed but I'm feeling like maybe someone more needing could use it? I'm questioning if I should just wait a few months to see what happens but then I know the sooner things are dealt with, the better. Im not surprised DS is behind in speech. He had constant ear infections from about June to Oct last year. He had grommets in then but infections has come again since Dec.

Sorry this is a ramble, and I'm not even sure what im trying to achieve by posting apart from knowing im struggling with it all today and need some help/advice. DH was pushing for intervention at 12 months when DS was content to always lay on the floor and would resist sitting up. The services and intervention has snowballed from there and I now feel DH is questioning if I'm taking it all to far.

Does anyone have experience with the Hanen programme?

I'm at work & sneaking on via my phone, so sorry if this is a bit messy.

I am not familiar with the Hanen program, but after reading your post I guess my question would be 'what harm is there in going?'. Whatever the reason is for your DS's delayed speech, be it his ears or something else, perhaps you'll learn something at the course which will assist you to assist your DS or which will help you to better understand his speech development? As you said, the speechie obviously thinks there would be some benefit for you and your DS in you attending and I can't see how it would cause any harm. Like I said, I haven't heard of Hanen before, so forgive me if I'm way off track!

It must be really difficult for you and your DH to have differing views of your DS's development and the most appropriate intervention at this point. :hug:

:hug: hon. I have no experience on this but you know you have my support whatever happens. I do tend to agree with nickle though - what harm is there in giving it a crack?

Let me know how you go. And give your wee boy a squishy hug from me :)

I've done the Hanen program and it was useful especially In terms of early intervention. I'm so glad I accessed support for my DD. If your little one does have language delays it will be beneficial. If not, it can't hurt anyway.

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I am not familiar with the Hanen program, but after reading your post I guess my question would be 'what harm is there in going?'. Whatever the reason is for your DS's delayed speech, be it his ears or something else, perhaps you'll learn something at the course which will assist you to assist your DS or which will help you to better understand his speech development? As you said, the speechie obviously thinks there would be some benefit for you and your DS in you attending and I can't see how it would cause any harm. Like I said, I haven't heard of Hanen before, so forgive me if I'm way off track!

It must be really difficult for you and your DH to have differing views of your DS's development and the most appropriate intervention at this point. :hug:

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I agree with Nickle... it can't hurt...
and you've kind of answered your own question.... early intervention is MUCH MUCH better, than waiting to see, and finding out you 'should have'...

good luck!!

Thanks everyone. I've just returned from the first session. At times I felt like "what am I doing here" when I heard others had 3yo's not talking or autism to deal with, but then I'd remind myself that if I wasn't looking into this, who's to know I wouldn't be in the same boat as those with the 3yo.

I was really frustrated going in because DH had called me at 5:30 to say he was leaving work and at 6:25 I rang to find out where he was because the session started in 5 mins. He was still at work. I was not impressed.

Anyway, it was good. A small group of 6 people. It seems very easy to follow and commonsence so far.

I left the session thinking that if DS's speech develops sooner rather than later I'll still have skills I've learnt (or had those I'm already using confirmed as good practice) to build on and help us communicate in a more productive way.

I guess a lot of it this morning was wondering if we were worthy of this publically funded course when I hear of others with older children really struggling & needing these services. I guess if the speechie offered it she feels it's warranted though.

it's nice that you are thinking of others.... but sometimes, some things, are only offered for certain ages/groups/areas/time frames as well... and no one is going to advocate for DS except you... so... it's okay to 'be a little selfish' with this one!

ps.... I'm glad you went, and think you can use the skills learnt whether he develops language soon by himself or not. :hug:

absolutely hon! And try not to compare yourself to the others there. Everyone has different circumstances.

I'm so disappointed in your DH. I'm sorry he got his priorities mixed again.

All my love Gorgeous Girl. And sending you a bucket load of strength.

xo

Hi Cindy,

I think you're absolutely doing the right thing hun. It certainly does not hurt to give it a go, it won't hurt hun. I can understand you asking yourself if you should be posting in this thread, because I felt the same when I had a question about my DS. As you know, I've had concerns very early on about DS, he has been quite late with everythting. He's now 22 months (going on 23) and his vocab is no better than it was months ago. He does say a whole lot more geebrish, today he ran around saying doy doy doy all day long. I think he likes the sound of that! lol. I have an assessment booked in for him in 2 months, can't wait to get it over and done with for my piece of mind (DF still thinks I'm crazy). I don't care what he thinks, I am a firm believer in early intervention and getting the best possible help for my child if there are issues to deal with. Glad you've gone to the session :hug: Give that handsome man of yours a big cuddle from me!

B xoxox

Glad things are going well! Just on the cost side, it's probably loads cheaper to get good early intervention than to wait til more problems potentially develop and they need more expensive intervention. Just a thought. Quite economical of the speechie really :)

We use the book "More Than Words" from the Hanen program and I think it's awesome. I think you're lucky to have access to something from the Hanen program- it seems like a really good approach to me. Regardless of how severe your need I'm sure you'll find it of benefit :D