Rachel Cortese, MS Ed, MS CCC-SLP, is a licensed Speech-language pathologist who has completed specialized training and certification from The Hanen Centre, an internationally recognized  leader in speech and language intervention techniques.

More Than Words® — The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder®, is an evidence-based, twelve-week, program for parents and caregivers of young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In a family-centered, small group setting, parents and caregivers learn skills to enhance back-and-forth interactions with their children, help improve their children’s social skills and their understanding of language. Additionally, parents and caregivers learn techniques that facilitate speech, language and communication development, which address the unique needs of children with ASD.

The strategies you will learn will become a natural part of the way you interact with your child. During the 8 group sessions you'll learn step-by-step, how to:

• Recognize your child’s stage and style of communication so that you know which steps to take next
• Identify what motivates your child to interact with you
• Adjust everyday routines to help your child take turns and keep interactions going
• Follow your child’s lead to encourage him to take turns in an interaction and communicate
• Implement strategies in your everyday interactions to help your child understand language
• Tweak the way you play and read books with your child to help him learn language.
• Learn to foster longer, more meaningful interactions and improved social skills

During the individual meetings, you will advance your use of the strategies learned via on the spot feedback and coaching from direct observation and videotape of your interaction with your child.

Age Groups	Children Adults
Community Services	Family & Support Services Family Support
Health Services	Intellectual and Developmental Needs Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Special Needs
Payment Options	Low Cost / Donation Self Pay Sliding Scale / Payment Plans

Last Updated: 04/23/24