Congratulations to Sarah Bartlett on her published paper from her Graduate Certificate that set the stage for her PhD research
Bartlett, S., & McLeod, S. (2025). Caregivers’ insights into supporting their late talkers using a Hanen® parent program. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2024.2438103
Here is the abstract
Purpose
To explore caregivers’ experiences and engagement during the 16-week Target Word™ Hanen® program for parents designed to support late talkers.
Method
Qualitative interpretative description methodology was used to understand the experience of five caregivers who had completed Target Word™ to support their children (aged 18-36 months). Caregivers attended a focus group to share their perspectives. Transcripts of these focus groups were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Result
Two themes were identified regarding caregiver engagement during Target Word™ intervention. Firstly, caregivers described explicit support roles for speech-language pathologists: (a) Beginning phase (clarify expectations), (b) middle phase (enable caregiver to link changes in their behaviour to positive child outcomes), and (c) final phase (empowered caregivers). Secondly, caregiver engagement is influenced by: (a) Individual needs and expectations, (b) active engagement during key learning moments, and (c) influence of the broader environment.
Conclusion
Each caregiver participating in Target Word™ experienced unique engagement journeys over the course of the program. Speech-language pathologists can explicitly facilitate engagement at each phase of Target Word™ to promote active engagement for learning and ultimately caregiver empowerment to support their children’s language growth.
