Hanen More Than Words®

Empowering Parents of Children with Autism and Social Communication Challenges

At Eat Speak Play, we are proud to offer the Hanen More Than Words® group. This group is an evidence-based parent training program designed specifically for parents of young children (0–5 years) with autism spectrum disorder or social communication differences.

This program supports you as a parent to become your child’s most important communication partner. Through practical strategies and hands-on coaching, you’ll learn how to build your child’s interaction, communication, and play skills during everyday routines and activities like mealtime, bath time, and playtime.

Who is the program for?

The More Than Words® program is ideal for parents of children who:

  • Have a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of autism

  • Use limited or no words to communicate

  • Have difficulty engaging in play or interacting with others

  • May show reduced joint attention, or turn-taking

  • Prefer playing alone or in repetitive ways

What you’ll learn?

Over the course of the program, you’ll learn how to:

  • Recognise and respond to your child’s unique communication style

  • Create opportunities for your child to communicate naturally

  • Build your child’s social interaction skills in everyday routines

  • Support your child’s play and understanding of social rules

  • Use video feedback and real-life examples to strengthen your learning

Program Structure

  • Orientation Session (parents only)

  • Pre-program consultation with parent and child

  • 8 x 2.5 hour weekly small group sessions with other parents

  • 3 x individual 60-minute video feedback sessions with your therapist

  • Led by a certified Hanen-trained speech pathologist

You will also receive a comprehensive workbook and materials to support you throughout the program.

Register your interest

Please complete our expression of interest form to let us know a little more about your child and family. If your child is not currently a client of Eat Speak Play, we will contact you to arrange a brief consultation to ensure the program is the right fit.