“More Than Words”
Hanen Program for parents of
children with Autism
If you have an autistic child or a child who struggles to talk and play with others, you might be looking for ways to make life less frustrating and more fun for them.
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The goal is to help you and your child understand each other better so you can enjoy your time together.
How it works
The "More Than Words" program teaches parents how to help their children during normal, everyday activities. Instead of extra "work," you learn to use your daily routines to:
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Understand how your child communicates right now.
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Identify what your child actually likes and finds interesting.
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Connect by using those interests to keep conversations or playtime going longer.
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What is the "More Than Words" Program?
Research shows that parents can have a huge impact on their child’s development just by using everyday moments. In this program, you will learn how to:
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Understand your child better by identifying what they are trying to tell you.
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Identify their interests to figure out what truly motivates them to talk or play.
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Turn daily routines (like snack time or bath time) into natural learning opportunities.
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Set realistic goals based on your child’s unique strengths.
Work with a Hanen Certified speech-language pathologist to get personalized feedback for your child.
Expert Guidance
Connect with other families who share similar experiences and understand your journey.
Parent Support
Learn through group discussions and video examples so you feel confident using these skills at home
Interactive Learning
The Hanen Centre has been a leader in helping parents support their children’s language since 1975.
Proven Results
Program Components
You and your child meet with the Hanen SLP
01
Pre-Program Consultation
You learn about the More Than Words Program and what to expect.
02
Orientation
Session
You attend eight interactive small group sessions, led by the Hanen SLP. In these sessions, you learn about social communication development, as well as how to use the program strategies with your child.
03
A series of Parent-only Group Sessions
You participate in three personalised sessions with the SLP, that include a video-recording of you and your child interacting together, followed by discussion and feedback from the SLP.