Our specialist The Hanen Program® certified speech pathologists, deliver family-focused programs More Than Words® and TalkAbility™.
These programs are designed for parents and carers of Autistic children who may benefit from social communication support.
The Hanen Program® uses a combination of group training sessions and individual consultations with each child and their family. This provides a comprehensive and personalised learning experience for each family participating in the program.
More Than Words® Program
This program is designed specifically for parents of children aged 6 and under on the Autism spectrum.
More than Words® promotes communication skills for speaking and non-speaking children. It will provide you with practical tools and strategies to help your child build their communication and social skills during everyday routines and play.
TalkAbility™
This program is designed for parents of children with Autism aged 4-7 years who speak in sentences and have conversations.
Talkability™ is designed to support social communication including understanding perspective, having longer conversations, and expanding social skills and friendships.
What’s involved?
Face-to-face training sessions in small groups are available, together with the online telepractice option.
- 5 group online parent training sessions (3 hours each)
- 2 hours in person direct coaching including your child with the speech pathologist
- 2 hours planning
- Parent guidebook included
Up to 2 participants per family may attend. (participants must have a significant, ongoing role in caring for the child with Autism).
There is also the option to participate in these sessions online however sessions are not recorded due to privacy, so attendance at all workshops is important.
Upcoming program details:
The next program will commence in April during Term 2, 2025.
Expressions of Interest are now open for both More Than Words and Talkability programs, to start during the first week of Term 2, 2025 (week commencing 28th April).
To express your interest, please email firststepstraining@autism.org.au with your name, phone number, child’s name and child’s age. Our team will then contact you to discuss your availability and to find the best day and time for the sessions.
Find out more about the research regarding The Hanen Program® here:
The Hanen Centre – Research – More Than Words®
The Hanen Centre – Research Talkability™