The More Than Words Program and Its Associated Benefits: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Research centered around the More Than Words program and its associated benefits has indicated improved quality of life for autistic individuals and those with social communication disorders and their families. This is being demonstrated through evidence-based, specific parent-implemented strategies to increase joint interactions and communication skills by using visual supports, joint action routines in play, and following the child’s lead (child-directed play). Understanding the benefits of this approach will help parents, caregivers, speech language pathologists, and other professionals make an informed decision in choosing the most suitable intervention for the child under their care. Selecting the most suitable approach is necessary to meet the child’s individual needs. More Than Words is a program developed by The Hanen Centre designed to support and train parents of young autistic children and children with social communication disorders. It is a family-focused, social pragmatic intervention program. According to the Hanen Centre, the More Than Words program focuses on the parents natural, day-to-day life with their child. During this program, the parents discover how to take everyday activities such as mealtime, story time, and bath time, and use them to help their child improve communication and social skills. Utilizing parent-implemented intervention, the child’s opportunities to develop social communication skills in everyday settings will be maximized. The overall goal of More Than Words is to empower parents to become the primary facilitator of their child’s social communication development (Sussman et al., 2012). More Than Words is used internationally and can be presented in person or through telehealth. Telehealth has increasingly become an alternative mode of delivering healthcare services to patients. A study by Dr. Robyn Garnett; PH. D showed that parents were satisfied with the delivery of the More Than Words Program through tele practice. Evidence has shown parents can be successfully trained to implement intervention strategies with their children through tele practice (Garnett et al., 2022). In conclusion, synthesizing existing knowledge and reviewing the evidence in the literature of More Than Words supports the benefits of the program and will create increased awareness and promote improved outcomes for those it serves.