More Than Words®
The Hanen Program® for Parents of Autistic Children or Children Who May Benefit from Social Communication Support
Who it’s for
– Parents of young autistic children
– Parents of children who may benefit from social communication support
Available Formats
– In-person
– Online
About
Do you have an autistic child or a child you feel may benefit from social communication support? You may be wondering what you can do to make communication easier for them, or how you can help them connect more easily with others, find more joy in interaction, or experience less frustration.
Research shows that parents can have a big impact on their child’s social communication development by making the most of the everyday routines and interactions they already have with their child. At a More Than Words Program, you start by learning how to understand your child’s communication better and how to identify the things that interest them. You then learn how to use that knowledge during everyday moments with your child to encourage longer interactions, support your child’s understanding and social communication, and help both you and your child have more fun together.
Highlights
More Than Words was developed by experienced speech-language pathologists and is grounded in extensive research. Studies have been published on the program showing that it improves the communication skills of autistic children. You can read more about the research here. The program is periodically reviewed to ensure that is based on the most current research.
A naturalistic approach
The strategies you learn in More Than Words are child-centered, meaning they make the most of your child’s unique interests, strengths and preferences, as well as their everyday routines and interactions. In this way, your child expands their social communication skills in the natural context of the things, people and topics that matter to them, making the learning meaningful, ongoing and fun.
The chance to connect with other families
You receive invaluable support and insight from other families who share similar experiences.
High-quality learning experience
You learn the strategies during interactive sessions with other parents, where you view video examples, have group discussions, ask questions and plan how you will apply what you learn with your child.
Individualized support
We work with you and your child to identify their social communication goals based on your child’s current strengths and abilities, and provide you with personalized guidance and feedback.
Developed by a trusted leader in parent-implemented early language intervention
Since 1975, The Hanen Centre has been at the forefront of developing evidence-based programs to involve parents in their child’s early intervention.
What You’ll Learn
At a More Than Words Program, you’ll learn:
- What motivates your child to communicate.
- How to use your knowledge about your child’s strengths to set appropriate and realistic goals.
- How to make interactions with your child last longer.
- Strategies for how to talk so that your child understands you.
Program Components
You and your child meet with us.
You learn about the More Than Words Program and what to expect.
You attend a number of interactive sessions, led by us. In these sessions, you learn about social communication development, as well as how to use the program strategies with your child
Individual visits with you and your child
You participate in three personalised sessions with the SLP, that include a video-recording of you and your child interacting together, followed by discussion with and feedback from the SLP.
Program Resources
Throughout the program, you’ll refer to the More Than Words guidebook to support your learning. This easy-to-read guide includes clear explanations and illustrated examples of strategies to support your child’s social communication during everyday interactions and routines.
You’ll also receive Home Plans, which you’ll fill out together with the Hanen SLP, to help you plan how you’ll use the strategies with your child.
Which Children Will Benefit?
The More Than Words Program is for autistic children and children who may benefit from social communication support. We can help you determine if More Than Words may be helpful for your child.
Watch the Orientation Session
