More Than Words program for autistic children

What is the More Than Words program?

More Than Words is a family-centred, group-based, parent training program. It trains parents to help autistic children develop communication skills through everyday routines.

More Than Words is one of the programs developed by the Hanen Centre in Canada. It’s sometimes called the Hanen More Than Words program.

Who is the More Than Words program for?

The More Than Words program is for parents of autistic children aged under 6 years who have communication delays or children in this age group with early signs of autism.

What is the More Than Words program used for?

The More Than Words program aims to promote communication skills in autistic children by educating parents. Parents learn techniques to encourage their child to communicate and interact as part of daily life at home.

The program also gives parents opportunities to connect with other families with similar experiences.

Where does the More Than Words program come from?

The More Than Words program was developed by the Hanen Centre in Canada. Founded in 1977, the Hanen Centre offers a range of programs that promote the development of children’s language and communication skills by supporting parents, carers and professionals.

The More Than Words program was adapted from another Hanen program called It Takes Two to Talk, an early intervention program for preschoolers with language delay.

What is the idea behind the More Than Words program?

All the Hanen programs, including More Than Words, are based on the theory that language develops through a child’s natural, everyday interactions with others, especially their caregivers. According to this theory, if parents can understand and encourage their child’s developing communication, they can help their child learn communication skills as part of everyday activities.

The More Than Words program emphasises the importance of activities that involve a child’s strengths and interests, like playing and sharing books. It includes these activities in family routines.

What does the More Than Words program involve?

Hanen-certified speech pathologists usually run More than Words programs at clinics or early intervention centres. They might also run the program via telehealth.

The More Than Words program has 3 main parts.

1. Initial assessment

This is used to understand the child’s current skills and development and set goals for the child’s program. The program starts after assessment.

2. Group program

Groups of 8 families attend 8-10 weekly sessions (2½ hours each) in person or online. Families learn strategies to support their child’s communication development.

Once parents have learned strategies, they do most of the program’s activities in their child’s natural environments, like at home or in the community.

3. Individual coaching sessions

Each family has 3 individual sessions. Parents are video-recorded at home interacting with their child and using the skills they’ve learned in the program. The program therapist provides feedback on the videoed interaction.

Does the More Than Words program help autistic children?

The program is based on well-established theories about how children learn to communicate through interaction and play. These theories are well supported by research.

Some research also shows positive effects from the program itself. For example, research has shown improvements in children’s social communication skills, vocabulary and engagement. Research has also shown that parents learn communication strategies through the program, including how to respond to and understand their child.

More research is needed.

Which professionals offer the More Than Words program?

Only Hanen-certified speech pathologists who’ve had specialised training at the Hanen Centre can run the More Than Words program.

Only speech pathologists are eligible to complete Hanen training.

Where can you find a More Than Words therapist?

You can find a qualified More Than Words therapist by going to:

If you’re interested in the More Than Words program, it’s a good idea to talk about it with your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. You could also talk about it with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.

How are parents involved in the More Than Words program?

As a parent, you’re central to this approach. You need to attend the initial assessment and the group program. You’ll also be part of the video-recorded interactions and feedback sessions. You get a guidebook that takes you through the content of the group program.

The program also gives you the opportunity to meet other parents with similar experiences.

How much does the More Than Words program cost?

The cost of the More Than Words program varies depending on the therapist who’s providing it. You also need a parent guidebook, which you can either borrow or buy from the program providers.

You might be able to include the cost of using More Than Words in your child’s NDIS plan. You can contact the NDIS to find out.

Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.