Abstract
A variety of parent-mediated communication intervention programs are available to families of young children with autism spectrum disorder including Hanen's More Than Words (MTW). Although the program is widely used, researchers understand little about parents' grasp of the information presented. Through a multiple case study, the unique learning experiences of 4 families who participated in MTW were examined and 6 themes emerged. Caregivers viewed MTW as a good starting point but expressed a need for explicit child and parent program expectations and that the program be sensitive to the emotional and information needs of families of newly diagnosed children including working parents. Furthermore, suggestions regarding the delivery of the program including a desire for more individualized one-on-one modeling and parent-to-parent contact to navigate the overwhelming content also emerged.