More Than Words®

For parents of young children with social communication challenges

More Than Words® is a Hanen parent coaching program designed for families of young children who find it tricky to connect and communicate.

The program teaches you practical, everyday strategies to support your child’s communication during real-life moments – like playtime, mealtime, bath time or getting dressed.

Delivered by our Hanen Certified Speech Pathologist, Tasman Day, the program helps you build communication in ways that feel low-pressure, meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.

Linking connection and communication

More Than Words® is designed for kids in their childcare to early primary school years who:

Have few or no words
Find back-and-forth interaction difficult
Have difficulty using gestures like pointing or showing
Find it hard to share attention or interests
Prefer to play alone most of the time
Use language in repetitive or scripted ways
Have difficulty consistently responding to others
Talk, but find social interaction tricky

More Than Words® supports children showing early signs of social communication differences and children on the autism spectrum. You don’t need a diagnosis to participate.

Family-centred

Designed for parents of autistic children and younger children needing support with social communication.

Evidence-based

Developed by The Hanen Centre and delivered by a certified More Than Words® Speech Pathologist.

Naturalistic approach

Therapy becomes a natural part of everyday activities you can do with your child. No specialised toys or materials needed.

NDIS-funded

Available for eligible participants under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.

What’s involved?

The program includes:

A pre-program consultation to understand your child’s stage of communication and strengths
8 interactive parent group sessions
3 individual video feedback sessions with you and your child
Guided reflection and home practice between sessions
A More Than Words® parent guidebook to keep

The small group format allows parents to connect with others who truly understand. Many families say this shared experience becomes one of the most supportive parts of the program.