Hanen Program

More Than Words® — The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder®, is an evidence-based program for parents and caregivers of young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Over the course of twelve weeks, parents and caregivers are part of a family-centered, small group setting, to learn skills that enhance back-and-forth interactions with their children, as well as increase their children’s social skills and their understanding of language. By the end of the program,  parents and caregivers learn new strategies and techniques that facilitate speech, language and communication development that pertain to the unique needs of their children with ASD.

The program is structured to include a free orientation session, group sessions, and individual feedback sessions. 

During the group sessions you'll learn step-by-step, how to:

• Recognize your child’s stage/ style of communication
• Set communication goals that are personal to your child
• Identify what motivates your child to interact with you
• Adjust everyday routines to facilitate more interaction with your child
• Follow your child’s lead to encourage him to take turns in an interaction and communicate
• Implement strategies in your everyday interactions to help your child understand language
• Tweak the way you play and read books with your child to help him learn language.
• Learn to foster longer, more meaningful interactions and improved social skills

During the individual meetings, you will receive feedback and coaching on the spot in regards to using the learned techniques and strategies via direct observation and/or video of your interaction with your child.