Parent Training Classes

More Than Words®, A Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Autism

Since 2002, we have offered More Than Words® to families of children with Autism teaching and empowering parents to improve communication of their children.  More Than Words® consists of hands-activities, group discussions, text book learning, instructional videotapes, and home visits.

This class is invaluable to a family navigating therapy methods and programs. Funding is available through the San Diego Regional Center. Call for dates and more information!

What parents are saying about More Than Words®

My husband and I were graduates of More Than Words® three years ago and in that time we have not faded in our enthusiasm for this vitally important program for families faced with children challenged by ASD.  It is by far the most helpful and hopeful experience we have had as a couple and family.  We learned where our son was in the communication spectrum of autism and what we could do at home to help him improve.  Kara Dodds helped guide us through daily planned activities as he goes through preschool and beyond.  Additionally, this program helped us to network with other families dealing with same issues as we were.  We remain friends with many families we met in the More Than Words® program and that truly is a special gift too.

– Todd & Dayna Hoff
Founder of Autism Tree Project Foundation

Todd & Dayna Hoff

via Facebook

Before More Than Words®, I was unaware that I really didn’t know how to effectively communicate with my son.  Since the class, my husband and I have completely changed our approach to communicate with our son and he has responded unbelievably well.  More Than Words® is an invaluable class and I got more out of this class that I had ever expected.  I would definitely recommend it for parents of children with Autism/PDD.

– Joe & Katie Hucknall

Joe & Katie Hucknall

via Facebook

We loved the More Than Words® program.  Kara and Breena are great and they teach the strategies in a way that is fun and easy to implement.  We leaned a lot from them and our daughter has improved so much.  It is such a relief and a joy to see her speech developing so well.  I would recommend this class for everybody who has a child with Autism.

– Martin & Cecilia Gonzalez

Martin & Cecilia Gonzalez

via Facebook

The More Than Words® program proved to be an invaluable experience for our entire family.  Their brilliant approach integrates aspects of “everyday life” that has resulted in huge progress in our child’s ability and willingness to re-connect with us.  Learning this approach allowed us to teach other family members and now, even his sister and grandparents know how to communicate with him.  A tremendous side benefit of course was all the new information on Autism shared between parents in this class.  For us, More Than Words® gave us far more that we expected.

– Rick & Laura Sylvester

Rick & Laura Sylvester

via Facebook

Free Consultation with Kara

Kara Dodds M.S., CCC-SLP offers free teacher in-services and together with her team perform approximately 2,500 free preschool screenings for children throughout San Diego County per year through a grant from the Autism Tree Project Foundation.

Screenings are an invaluable service for the community, preschools, and families as it is the cornerstone to determine if communication development.  If you, or your child’s school would like to participate in the teacher in-services and school wide screenings call us today.

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