More Than Words® — The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties

About

The More Than Words Program was designed for parents of children on the autism spectrum and with other social communication difficulties. Addressing the unique needs of these children, the program provides parents with the tools, strategies and support they need to help their children reach their full communication potential.

More Than Words does this by empowering parents to help your child reach the following three goals:
1. Improved social communication and back-and-forth interactions
2. Improved play skills
3. Improved imitation skills

As a parent and/or caregiver, here are some of the valuable things that are learned when attending the More Than Words Program:
-What motivates your child to communicate
-How to use your knowledge about your child to set appropriate and realistic goals
-How to make interactions with your child last longer
-Tips for using pictures and print to help your child’s understanding
-Strategies for how to talk so that your child understands you
-Strategies for developing your child’s play skills
-Ways to help your child make friends

Details

  • 0 to 3
  • 3 to 8
Help with
  • Caregiver Training
  • Communication
  • Daily Routine
  • Language
  • Preschool
  • Social Skills
Provider

Breakthrough Speech & Language Therapy

Available Spaces

8 (The same families participate in the entire program)

Who is Eligible

Caregivers of children who engage in at least 6 turns in conversation (3 turns each) would be better suited for Hanen’s Talkability Program. More Than Words is designed for children of up to 8 years of age who do not engage in lengthy conversations with others.

3-8 years of age are eligible (if child does not yet engage in multiple turns in conversation with others).

Duration

8 x 2.5 hours of workshop (once per week) and 4 individual consultations (program rotates between a few workshop sessions and an individual consultation session)

Session dates

Winter 2024 – Fridays from 9:30-12:00pm – starting January 5th, 2024