How does LENA count turns?

• A child vocalizes and an adult responds, or
• An adult speaks and a child responds.

LENA counts a conversational turn when this back‑and‑forth exchange happens within five seconds.

LENA counts sounds and vocalizations, not specific words. This means it works for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers — from coos and babbles to words.

LENA software does not listen to or understand what is said. It only identifies patterns of interaction. This makes conversational turns a simple and reliable way to measure how often children experience interactive talk.