Hanen TalkAbility | Orientation Session
February 9, 2027 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm AEDT
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This registration is for the orientation session only.
During this session, you’ll learn about the TalkAbility® program, what participation involves, and whether it is the right fit for your child and family. Families who would like to continue can then choose to commit to the full program.
To help you decide whether this program is a good fit for your child and family, we’ve included a suitability chart.
TalkAbility® is an evidence-based program that offers parents and carers practical ways to support their child’s social communication skills. Guided by a Hanen Certified Speech Pathologist, you’ll take part in group discussions, individual consultations, video feedback and practical learning activities. You’ll learn strategies to support your child’s communication during everyday routines, play and family activities.
The program builds on your child’s strengths, interests and everyday experiences to support more enjoyable interactions and stronger connections with the people who matter most in their life.
You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other families and receive personalised support tailored to your child’s strengths and needs.
During the program you will:
- Identifying your child’s communication strengths and next steps
- Understanding how your child learns best
- Engaging your child in meaningful everyday interactions
- Extending interactions to create more learning opportunities
- Speaking in ways that support your child’s understanding
- Supporting play and social skill development
- Encouraging balanced, back-and-forth conversations
- Helping your child understand non-verbal social cues
- Building your child’s understanding of language and conversations
- Supporting storytelling, imaginative play and friendships
Our online sessions are interactive and designed to create a safe, supportive space for everyone. Recordings are not shared.
Program structure
TalkAbility is a 13-week online program that includes:
Who is this program for
Parents and carers of Autistic children aged 4-8 years who are speaking in sentences and beginning to have conversations, and other children aged 4-8 years who would benefit from support to develop their social communication skills.
The group is limited to a maximum of six families, to support participation and personalised feedback.
When
– Orientation session: Tuesday 9 February 2027; 7.30pm to 8.30pm*
* Please note that we operate on NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS time
– The dates below are indicative only and may change depending on participant numbers.
- Pre-program family consultation: likely to take place within two weeks of the orientation session.
- Online group sessions: proposed start date Tuesday 9 March 2027. Sessions will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm (AEST). The program is expected to run until mid-2027.
- Individual video feedback sessions: by appointment with parents (likely to be scheduled on Wednesdays).
Where
Delivered online via Zoom. Families from anywhere in Australia are welcome to join.
Instructions will be emailed to you closer to the event date.
If you need accessibility support, please let us know when you register.
Cost
We are offering Hanen TalkAbility free for families in Australia.
The program is valued at over $3k according to the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
As places are limited, priority may be given to families who do not currently have access to NDIS funding for this type of support.
Resources
Families who are offered a place in the program following the orientation session will need to purchase the TalkAbility® manual in order to participate. The eBook is available on Amazon for approximately $59, or the printed book is available for around $100. Once your place in the program is confirmed, we’ll send you a direct link to make purchasing the book easy.
Your facilitator
Facilitated by our seniour Speech Pathologist Julie Cowmeadown. a Hanen-certified providers (Speech Pathologist) who hold appropriate qualifications and is registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or certified with the relevant allied health professional association.
Additional information
| More about the program | The Hanen Centre – TalkAbility® |
| Contact details | For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Mana, Learning Together Manager, at mana@plumtree.org.au |
| Funding | Plumtree’s free programs are funded through the NSW Department of Education Start Strong Pathways program. |
