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Empowering Practitioners: Insights from the Hanen More Than Words Program for Autism

Empowering Practitioners: Insights from the Hanen More Than Words Program for Autism

The study "Empowering Hong Kong Chinese families with autism: A preliminary study of the online Hanen More Than Words Program" provides compelling insights for practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology. This blog post will delve into the key findings and practical applications of this research, aimed at improving outcomes for children with autism through data-driven, evidence-based interventions.

Key Findings

The Hanen More Than Words (HMTW) program, a parent-implemented language intervention, was evaluated for its effectiveness when delivered online to Chinese families in Hong Kong. The study used a randomized controlled trial design involving 22 families. The results indicated significant improvements in parent-child attention synchrony, although the effect on children's spontaneous communication was not statistically significant.

Parental Involvement and Outcomes

Parental self-efficacy was found to be a critical factor influencing treatment outcomes. Parents with higher initial levels of self-efficacy showed better engagement and implementation of the intervention strategies. This underscores the importance of empowering parents with the skills and confidence needed to support their child's communication development.

Telepractice: A Viable Option

The study supports the feasibility of delivering the HMTW program via telepractice, especially in regions with limited access to in-person services. Telepractice offers the flexibility of remote sessions, making it a viable option for families facing long waiting times for traditional therapy.

Practical Applications for Practitioners

Encouraging Further Research

While the preliminary findings are promising, the study highlights the need for further research involving larger samples and longer follow-up periods. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of evidence by conducting their own studies and sharing outcomes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this Empowering Hong Kong Chinese families with autism: A preliminary study of the online Hanen More Than Words Program.


Citation: Qi, X., Zhao, Q., & To, C. K. S. (2024). Empowering Hong Kong Chinese families with autism: A preliminary study of the online Hanen More Than Words Program. Autism & Developmental Language Impairments. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415241245096
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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