Supporting Your Child with the More Than Words Book

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the More Than Words Philosophy
3. Identifying Your Child’s Stage of Communication
4. The Power of the O.W.L. Strategy
5. Following Your Child's Lead
6. Turning Everyday Routines into Learning Opportunities
7. Integrating Speech Blubs: Smart Screen Time
8. Using Pictures and Print to Build Understanding
9. Addressing Behavior and Making Friends
10. The Scientific Methodology Behind Our Success
11. Realistic Expectations and the Power of Process
12. Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that approximately one in four children will face some form of speech or language challenge during their early development? For parents of children on the autism spectrum or those with social communication difficulties, the journey toward that first "hello" or the first meaningful interaction can feel like navigating a complex maze without a map. At Speech Blubs, we believe that every child deserves the chance to speak their minds and hearts, and we are dedicated to providing the tools that make that journey joyful and effective.

The purpose of this guide is to dive deep into one of the most respected resources in the field: the more than words speech therapy book by Fern Sussman. This book, developed for The Hanen Program®, has become a cornerstone for families looking to bridge the communication gap at home. We will explore the core philosophies of the book, break down its practical strategies, and show you how to integrate these evidence-based techniques with modern, "smart screen time" solutions like our app.

Our main message is simple: you are your child’s best teacher. By combining the structured, empathetic approach found in the More Than Words guidebook with the engaging, peer-led video modeling found in Speech Blubs, you can create a powerful environment for your child to thrive. Whether your child is currently non-verbal or starting to use their first words, there is a path forward filled with connection and progress.

Understanding the More Than Words Philosophy

The More Than Words speech therapy book is more than just a manual; it is a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing solely on getting a child to speak, it focuses on the foundations of social communication. Developed by The Hanen Centre, a world leader in speech-language resources, this book is designed specifically for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or social communication difficulties.

The core philosophy revolves around the idea that communication happens in every interaction, not just through spoken words. It encourages parents to look at the "how" and "why" behind their child's behavior. We at Speech Blubs share this vision. Our founders, who grew up with speech problems themselves, created our app because they knew that the right tools—delivered with joy and play—could change a child's life.

The book outlines four primary goals for every child:

1. Improved two-way interaction: Helping the child move from being "in their own world" to sharing moments with others.
2. More mature communication: Moving from pulling a hand or screaming to using gestures, signs, or words.
3. Social purposes: Using communication to greet others, share interests, and make friends, rather than just asking for things.
4. Better understanding of language: Helping the child make sense of the words and world around them.

Identifying Your Child’s Stage of Communication

One of the most valuable aspects of the More Than Words speech therapy book is its color-coded system for identifying where your child currently stands. Understanding these stages allows you to set realistic expectations and choose the right activities.

The Discoverer Stage

At this stage, a child communicates through their reactions. They might cry when they are hungry or smile when they are happy, but they don't yet realize that their actions can influence you. If your child is a "Discoverer," your goal is to help them realize that their sounds and movements can make things happen.

For a parent whose "Discoverer" child loves the feeling of water, bath time becomes a classroom. By waiting for a splash before pouring water from a cup, you are teaching that early "serve and return" interaction. To supplement this, you might Download Speech Blubs on the App Store to explore our "Early Sounds" section, where peer-led videos encourage simple vocalizations that match these early sensory experiences.

The Communicator Stage

Children at this stage have realized that they can send a message. They might pull your hand toward a cookie jar or point to a toy they want. They are communicating with a specific purpose, but they aren't using many words yet. The More Than Words book suggests focusing on expanding these gestures and adding simple sounds.

The First Words User Stage

This child has started using single words or perhaps signs to get what they need. They might say "juice" or "up." The challenge here is moving from "needs-based" communication to "social" communication—using words just to share a thought or a moment with you.

The Partner Stage

The "Partner" is more effective at using language but might struggle with the nuances of conversation. They might talk at you rather than with you, or they might have trouble staying on a topic. The goal here is to help them understand the "social rules" of communication and build lasting friendships.

The Power of the O.W.L. Strategy

If there is one acronym to remember from the More Than Words speech therapy book, it is O.W.L. This strategy is designed to help parents slow down and create space for their child to communicate.

• Observe: Watch your child’s body language, where they are looking, and what they are touching. What are they interested in right now?
• Wait: This is the hardest part. Stop talking and wait for at least five to ten seconds. Give your child the time they need to process information and formulate a response.
• Listen: Pay attention to every sound, even if it’s not a clear word. Any attempt at sound is a building block for future speech.

At Speech Blubs, we build this "wait time" into our methodology. When a child watches a video of another child making a sound, we provide a pause and a "mirror" feature that encourages them to try it themselves. Our scientific methodology is rooted in video modeling, which activates "mirror neurons" in the brain. By observing a peer and then having the space to imitate, children learn in a way that feels like play, not therapy.

Following Your Child's Lead

The More Than Words book emphasizes that children learn best when they are interested in what is happening. Instead of trying to force a child to play with a specific toy, we "Follow the Lead."

For example, if your 3-year-old "late talker" is obsessed with the spinning wheels of a toy truck, don't try to make them build a tower with blocks. Instead, get down on the floor, watch the wheels spin, and say "Spin, spin, spin!" By joining their world, you become a partner in their play.

This is exactly how we approach our app content. If your child is fascinated by animals, our "Animal Kingdom" section offers a fun, motivating way to practice "moo" and "baa" sounds. If they love vehicles, we have a section for that too. We provide "smart screen time" that acts as a bridge to real-world interaction, not a replacement for it. To see how these activities have helped other families, you can read our parent testimonials.

Turning Everyday Routines into Learning Opportunities

You don't need a therapy room to help your child. The More Than Words speech therapy book teaches you how to turn breakfast, bath time, and grocery shopping into communication sessions.

The R.O.C.K. Strategy

To make a routine a learning moment, use the R.O.C.K. strategy:

• Repeat what you say and do: Use the same words every time you do the activity.
• Offer opportunities for your child to take a turn: Don't do everything yourself.
• Cue your child to take a turn: Use a look or a gesture to show it’s their time to participate.
• Keep it fun! If it’s not fun, the learning stops.

Imagine you are getting your child dressed. Instead of rushing, you hold up two shirts. You repeat the word "shirt." You offer them a choice. You cue them by leaning in and waiting. You keep it fun by putting the shirt on your head first to make them laugh.

This type of interaction reduces frustration and builds confidence. If you're looking for more ways to assess your child's progress during these routines, you can take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It involves 9 simple questions and provides an assessment and a next-steps plan.

Integrating Speech Blubs: Smart Screen Time

Many parents are told to avoid screens entirely, but at Speech Blubs, we believe in a different approach. There is a world of difference between a child passively watching a loud, fast-paced cartoon and "smart screen time" designed by experts. Our app is a screen-free alternative to passive viewing because it requires active participation.

Our mission is to empower children to "speak their minds and hearts." We do this by utilizing peer-led video modeling. When a child sees another child—not an adult or a cartoon character—performing a task or saying a word, they are much more likely to imitate it. This is the heart of our unique approach.

A Practical Scenario: The "Yummy Time" Section

For a parent whose child struggles with mealtime vocabulary, the "Yummy Time" section of Speech Blubs is a perfect supplement to the strategies in the More Than Words book.

1. Preparation: Watch the "Apple" video in the app together.
2. Imitation: The child sees a peer eating an apple and saying "A-pple."
3. Real-World Link: During snack time, bring out a real apple. Apply the O.W.L. strategy: Observe their interest, Wait for them to look at the apple, and Listen for any sound they make.
4. Reinforcement: If they make a sound, celebrate it! This "joyful solution" is what we strive for every day.

Using Pictures and Print to Build Understanding

The More Than Words speech therapy book is famous for its focus on visual aids. Many children with autism are visual learners. Using pictures, schedules, and print can help them understand what is happening next, which significantly reduces anxiety and behavioral outbursts.

The book explains how to use "choice boards" and "visual schedules." For instance, a picture of a toothbrush followed by a picture of a bed tells the child exactly what the expectation is for the evening.

We’ve integrated this visual-first philosophy into our ecosystem. For families who choose our Yearly Plan, we include the Reading Blubs app. This app is specifically designed to help children bridge the gap between spoken words and printed text, fostering early literacy skills alongside communication.

Addressing Behavior and Making Friends

One of the most challenging chapters in the More Than Words book deals with behavior. It reminds us that "behavior is communication." When a child has a meltdown, they are often trying to tell us that they are overwhelmed, frustrated, or unable to express a specific need.

By using the strategies in the book—like identifying sensory preferences—parents can often prevent these behaviors before they start. For example, if you know your child is sensitive to loud noises, you can provide headphones before going to a busy store.

As communication improves, the focus shifts to social skills and making friends. The book provides beautiful, illustrated examples of how to help your child engage in simple "people games" like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek, which are the building blocks of social play.

The Scientific Methodology Behind Our Success

Why does the combination of the More Than Words book and Speech Blubs work so well? It’s all about how the brain learns. Our app is based on the principle of video modeling, a well-researched technique in speech therapy.

When a child watches another child, their "mirror neurons" fire. These neurons are responsible for understanding the actions of others and learning new skills through observation. Because children in our videos are peers, the "learning gap" feels smaller and more achievable for the user.

Furthermore, we are proud to have a high rating on the MARS (Mobile App Rating Scale), which evaluates the quality of health-related apps. We aren't just making a game; we are providing a powerful tool for family connection. You can start your journey today by signing up on our website.

Realistic Expectations and the Power of Process

At Speech Blubs, we want to be transparent. We don't promise that your child will be giving public speeches in a month. Every child is unique, and progress happens at different speeds. Our goal is to foster a love for communication and reduce the frustration that often comes with speech delays.

We view our app as a powerful supplement to a child’s overall development plan. If you are already working with a professional Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), our app can be a great way to practice the goals your therapist has set. The More Than Words guidebook itself is often recommended by SLPs to provide parents with the "homework" and strategies they need between sessions.

By focusing on the small wins—a new gesture, a longer period of eye contact, or a new sound—you build the foundation for lifelong communication. It’s about creating joyful family learning moments that celebrate your child's unique voice.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family

We want to make our tools as accessible as possible while providing the best value for your child's development. We offer two main subscription paths:

1. The Monthly Plan ($14.99 per month): This plan gives you full access to the Speech Blubs app. It's a great way to try out the activities and see how your child responds to the peer-led videos.
2. The Yearly Plan ($59.99 per year): This is by far our most popular and highest-value option. It breaks down to just $4.99 per month, saving you 66% compared to the monthly plan.

Most importantly, the Yearly Plan includes exclusive features that the Monthly plan does not:

• A 7-day free trial so you can explore everything risk-free.
• The Reading Blubs app, which supports early literacy and reading readiness.
• Early access to new updates and features.
• 24-hour support response time from our dedicated team.

We encourage families to choose the Yearly plan to get the full suite of features and the best possible start. You can Get Speech Blubs on Google Play or the Apple App Store to begin your trial.

Conclusion

The journey of supporting a child with social communication difficulties requires patience, empathy, and the right resources. The more than words speech therapy book provides a world-class framework for understanding your child's needs and turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. By using strategies like O.W.L. and R.O.C.K., you can move from being a frustrated bystander to being your child’s most effective communication partner.

At Speech Blubs, we are honored to be a part of that journey. Our mission to help children "speak their minds and hearts" is reflected in every video and activity we create. We provide a joyful, peer-led experience that turns screen time into "smart time," encouraging imitation and building the confidence your child needs to interact with the world.

Whether you are just starting to notice a delay or are deep into your therapy journey, remember that you are not alone. Small steps lead to big changes. We invite you to join our community of over 4 million parents who have seen the benefits of our joyful, science-based approach.

Ready to take the next step? Start your 7-day free trial today by downloading the app or signing up on our website. For the best value, make sure to select our Yearly plan, which includes the Reading Blubs app and priority support. Let's work together to help your child find their voice!

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FAQ

1. What makes the More Than Words book different from other speech therapy resources?

The More Than Words book is specifically designed for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and social communication difficulties. Unlike general speech books, it focuses heavily on social interaction, sensory preferences, and visual aids. It empowers parents to be the primary facilitators of their child's progress by using everyday routines rather than structured "lessons."

2. Is Speech Blubs suitable for a child who is completely non-verbal?

Yes, absolutely! Many of our activities are designed for the "Discoverer" and "Communicator" stages. Our "Early Sounds" and "Animal Kingdom" sections focus on simple sounds and mouth movements. Because we use peer-led video modeling, even non-verbal children often find the videos highly engaging and are motivated to attempt their first vocalizations.

3. Do I need professional speech therapy if I use this book and the app?

While both the More Than Words book and Speech Blubs are powerful tools, they are designed to supplement professional therapy, not replace it. A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) can provide a formal diagnosis and a tailored plan. Our tools are perfect for "at-home" practice to reinforce what is being learned in professional sessions.

4. What is the benefit of the Reading Blubs app included in the Yearly plan?

Reading Blubs focuses on the next step of the communication journey: literacy. Many children who struggle with speech benefit from seeing the written word alongside the spoken word. The Reading Blubs app helps build phonemic awareness and reading readiness, providing a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond basic speech therapy.