Comparison of the effectiveness of the Hanen Parent Programme and traditional clinic therapy.

Background: Both direct (clinician to child) and indirect (clinician to carer) approaches are currently used in the management of children with language delay, but there is as yet little evidence about their relative effects or resource implications.

Aims: This research project compared the Hanen Parent Programme (HPP) in terms of its effectiveness and consequent suitability for an inner-city UK population with clinic-based, direct intervention.

Methods & Procedures: Thirty-seven children aged 2;06-3;06 years with a diagnosis of language impairment and their parents took part in the research project. The children were allocated on a geographical basis to receive therapy either as part of an HPP or in a clinic. Nineteen children and their families took part in one of the five Hanen groups that ran successively over 16 months; 18 children and their families received clinic-based intervention. The children's language was assessed using the PLS-3 (UK version) and from an analysis of audio-taped parent and child interaction at three assessment points, one pretherapy and two post-therapy over 12 months. Two parent language measures were also analysed.

Outcomes & Results: Significant gains in language scores were shown by 71% of the children over 12 months. There were no statistically significant differences in child language scores between the two therapy groups at any assessment point. However, the HPP was twice as intensive (in terms of therapist time) as clinic therapy based on average group size, which has resource implications. CONCLUSIONS. Results suggest that there are parent and child factors that need consideration when choosing an appropriate intervention programme for a child with language impairment. Parental expectations, existing interaction style and the level of child language may be important influencing factors.