It Takes Two To Talk (ITTT)

Hello! My name is Vicki Walmsley and I’m one of the speech and language therapists at Talking Toolbox.

I have a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy and have been supporting children and families in the NHS for three years. I have a special interest in helping children with speech sound difficulties and in supporting early language development.

I’m also a Hanen-certified therapist and I deliver the ‘It Takes Two to Talk®’ programme, which means I work closely with parents to help them feel confident in supporting their child’s communication during everyday routines and play.

Outside of work, I love reading, embroidery, and (when I’m feeling particularly brave) baking the occasional cake!

HANEN – It Takes Two to Talk® Info

About the It Takes Two to Talk® Programme

It Takes Two to Talk® is a programme for parents of young children who have language delays.

It Takes Two to Talk® recognises:

the importance of involving parents in their child’s early language intervention
the need to help children and families as early as possible in a child’s life

This evidence-based programme, which was developed by The Hanen Centre, is well known around the world. Studies on the It Takes Two to Talk® Programme have shown that it is effective and that, when parents learn to use the programme’s strategies, their children’s communication skills improve.

Why Parents are Involved in the It Takes Two to Talk® Programme

Parents are the most important people in their child’s life. One of the greatest gifts parents can give their child is the help they need to communicate and connect with the world. In the It Takes Two to Talk® Programme, you learn practical and powerful strategies to help your child communicate and interact during everyday routines and activities. It is within these familiar, real-life interactions with you that your child’s communication skills will grow.

What Parents Learn in the It Takes Two to Talk® Programme

how your child communicates right now and the next steps to take
what motivates your child to communicate
how to engage your child in back-and-forth conversations
how to turn everyday activities into opportunities for your child to learn language
how to fine-tune what you say so your child can understand you and learn new words and ideas
Using the strategy “Follow your child’s lead” to build your child’s confidence and encourage them to communicate with you.
Talk to your child in ways that help them understand language and then use it when they’re ready.

Which Children Will Benefit?

The It Takes Two to Talk® Programme is for young children with receptive and/or expressive language delays/disorders who are not autistic. It’s appropriate for children who range from not yet using words to combining 2-3 words together when communicating. We can help you determine if It Takes Two to Talk® may be helpful for your child.

The It Takes Two to Talk® Programme was developed by the Hanen Centre. For more information, please visit www.hanen.org.