
Do you...
Have a child that just received a diagnosis and you don’t know what to do?
Have a child that doesn't know how to use his words to relate to others?
Have a hard time trying to get your child to connect with you?
The program designed specifically for parents of children ages 5 and under on the autism spectrum and with other social communication difficulties.

What valuable role do you play as a parent during Early Language Intervention?
Watch Now
1
Goal & Focus
By the end of this program you will be able to help improve your child's foundational skills needed for meaningful and effective communication.
2
What you will get
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Research-based strategies you can use right away
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Support and guidance from a licensed speech-language pathologist who is Hanen certified
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Insightful, informative and relatable discussions with other parents
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A community of families on a similar journey


3
Improve
Social Skills
Play Skills
Imitation
Language Comprehension
“I’m the expert in my field, but you’re the expert of your child. We'll work together to maximize your child’s full potential.”
The Details
What
Pre-program consultation with me, you and your child
8 informative and intimate group classes for parents
3 individual sessions with me, you and your child as well as recorded video feedback (click here for more info)
When
September 13, 2021 - December 7, 2021
Pre-program consultations starting September 13 (date & time varies and dependent on family & therapist availability)
Group sessions will take place on Tuesdays at 6pm-8:30pm (PST) starting September 14
Where
Virtually, in the convenience of your home
Who
Madonna Lazo-Smith, MA CCC-SLP (Certified Hanen speech-language pathologist)

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the program schedule?
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Week of Sept 13-17: pre-program consultation & orientation session (each family will schedule an individual time this week to virtually meet with me)
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Sept 21 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 1st group session
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Sept 28 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 2nd group session
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Week of Oct 4-8: individual visit with video feedback
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Oct 12 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 3rd group session
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Oct 19 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 4th group session
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Week of Oct 25-29: individual visit with video feedback
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Nov 2 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 5th group session
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Nov 9 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 6th group session
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Nov 16 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 7th group session
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Nov 22-Dec 3: individual visit with video feedback
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Dec 7 @ 6pm-8:30pm: 8th group session
Why are the parents the focus of this program?
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Parents are the most important people in their child’s life, as well as their child’s best teacher. As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the help he or she needs to communicate and connect with the world. In the More Than Words Program, you learn practical and powerful strategies to help your child communicate and interact during everyday routines and activities. It is within these familiar and repetitive interactions that your child’s communication skills will grow.
Copied from MTW Parent Brochure by The Hanen Centre, 2012, by Making Learning Special with permission from The Hanen Centre, 2021. No further reproduction is permitted. For more information on The Hanen Centre and its resources, visit www.hanen.org.
What’s the video feedback sessions?
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This is a part of the individual sessions where you and I discuss communication goals and specific strategies for your child. Portions of your individual sessions will be recorded as you interact with your child during everyday activities. This video is then reviewed and discussed with you, so you can “see” what is helping and what else you can do to help your child learn.
How about if I miss a day of the group session?
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Once the program begins, it cannot be stopped out of respect to the other families. It is highly advised to prioritize your weekly sessions in your scheduling.
Do both parents need to attend?
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No, only one parent is required to attend, but should be fully present. But both parents are welcome to join and participate.
Can other caregivers (e.g., grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.) attend?
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Yes, caregivers who are greatly involved in your child’s life are allowed and encouraged to attend the program.
Can kids be present?
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It is highly advised that kids should not be present during the group sessions to limit distractions so that you can fully concentrate on the education of the program.
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At least one parent needs to be fully engaged and able to participate during the program.
Do we need to purchase any materials?
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The More Than Words Guidebook and DVD is not required but recommended as an additional resource for parents, and to help with content discussed during group sessions. http://www.hanen.org/Guidebooks/Parents/More-Than-Words.aspx
Can my insurance cover this program?
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Some insurance companies may cover the More Than Words program in part or in full. Upon request, I can provide you with a superbill to give to your insurance company for the 3 individual sessions. You will still need to pay for the program out of pocket, but the superbill will allow you to see if your insurance company can cover the three individual sessions once you turn it in to them.
Why is it only offered to Nevada & California families?
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Currently, my speech-language pathology license covers the state of Nevada and California.
TESTIMONIALS
“My son has made incredible strides due to your program. He has surprised a lot of people... What I really love about your course is that we are taught to work with our children... Your course is invaluable and a must-do for parents, relatives and friends. I am forever grateful.”
Debra, mother of a 4-year-old
"More Than Words is a ‘must-have’ reference for parents of children with ASD, and for professionals supporting parents. More Than Words respects the need for parents to be parents and for children to be children – and to learn as children learn, using developmentally appropriate practices. Parents and professionals will love this book and the Hanen approach.”
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Director, Childhood Communication Services – Cranston, Rhode Island Adjunct Professor, Brown University Center for the Study of Human Development
Copied from MTW Parent Brochure by The Hanen Centre, 2012, by Making Learning Special with permission from The Hanen Centre, 2021. No further reproduction is permitted. For more information on The Hanen Centre and its resources, visit www.hanen.org.
“You are your child’s first and best teacher. And given the right tools, information, guidance, support, and practice, you can optimize your child’s overall success and development early on in life.”