WHAT IS THE EARLY START DENVER MODEL (ESDM)?
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy helps young children with autism learn, make friends, and enjoy their world. It’s a complete program that helps kids with talking, playing, moving, and doing things on their own. ESDM focuses on all parts of a child’s growth—like talking and making friends—and helps them get better at everything. It’s like a plan that watches how kids are doing, teaches them new things, and helps them change and improve. ESDM follows how kids usually grow up, but it gives extra help in the areas that are harder for kids with autism.
WHO IS THE EARLY START DENVER MODEL (ESDM) FOR?
Children aged 2-5 years benefit from ESDM, a play-based approach focusing on communication, social skills, imitation, and play. Each skill is taught through fun activities using natural rewards.
ESDM is structured into four levels that align with children’s developmental stages: Level 1 (12-18 months), Level 2 (18-24 months), Level 3 (24-36 months), and Level 4 (36-48 months). Children typically work on goals spread across one or two levels. Despite its playful nature, ESDM involves intensive teaching. Sessions are designed to engage children actively, teaching new skills every 20-30 seconds to maximise learning and development.
WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED IN THE EARLY START DENVER MODEL (ESDM)?
The ESDM integrates findings from autism research into a cohesive approach using effective techniques. It frames each learning opportunity by the child’s choice of activity or toy, ensuring engagement from the start. Positive interactions keep the child focused on the play partner, fostering deeper social connections beyond mere toy interaction. Play forms the foundation for every activity, making learning enjoyable and natural. It teaches at a rapid pace to maximise learning efficiency, ensuring continuous progress. It employs positive behaviour strategies to effectively address and improve challenging behaviours. Families play a pivotal role in selecting goals tailored to their child’s specific needs and strengths. Furthermore, it empowers parents to apply ESDM principles at home, further enhancing their child’s developmental journey. ESDM is also implemented in daycare and preschool settings to enhance learning intensity, thereby ensuring that children apply new skills across various environments seamlessly.
WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE BEHIND THE ESDM THERAPY?
The following links give an idea of the research base to the Early Start Denver Model:
- The original study that showed significant changes in all developmental areas
- One hour a week of ESDM leads to improvement in children with ASD
- Parent model of ESDM found to be effective in very young children at risk of ASD
- ESDM improves long-term outcomes for children with autism
- This approach to addressing unwanted behaviour shows significant improvements in behaviour
- ESDM intervention found to normalise brain activity in children as young as 18 months
- Starting the ESDm at a younger age leads to better outcomes
- The initial cost of ESDM is offset by savings down the track
For more information about the research supporting the ESDM, this article about ESDM at Autism Queensland is excellent.
HOW DO WE ASSESS?
Assessment in the Early Start Denver Model plays a crucial role in tailoring each child’s program. We employ the ESDM curriculum checklist to evaluate the child’s current abilities across various developmental areas. Certified ESDM Therapists meticulously observe the child and consider input from parents or caregivers to identify strengths and areas needing growth. This assessment forms the foundation of the child’s personalised program for the next 10 weeks. Therapists use this information to build on existing skills and introduce new ones, ensuring targeted progress and development.
The Early Start Denver Model curriculum checklist has 480 curriculum items across four levels. They cover the following developmental areas:
- receptive language
- expressive language
- imitation
- play
- joint attention
- social skills
- cognition
- fine motor skills
- gross motor skills
- behaviour
- personal independence
For more detailed information about how we assess in the ESDM, read this blog we have also posted.
HOW DO WE CHOOSE ESDM GOALS?
In the Early Start Denver Model, therapists craft the child’s initial goals based on their developmental needs in various areas. Goals may begin at Level 1, 2, or 3, depending on where the child requires additional skills. Each goal is accompanied by specific teaching steps, allowing therapists to track progress closely. This approach enables parents to witness their child’s advancements after each session. In the ESDM, a goal is achieved when the child consistently uses that skill in 80% of instances and demonstrates it across multiple settings on three consecutive occasions.
HOW DO WE REVIEW ESDM GOALS?
In the Early Start Denver Model, the program is structured into quarters, similar to school terms in Sydney, with each quarter spanning three months. Throughout the term, Certified ESDM Therapists continuously assess progress after each session, promptly updating goals as children achieve milestones. This proactive approach avoids waiting until the end of the term to adjust goals, utilizing session data to inform decisions about each child’s progress.
Some children advance rapidly in their ESDM journey, necessitating more frequent reviews and updates of their goals. At the end of each term, Certified and senior ESDM therapists collaborate to meticulously review and refine goals for every child, ensuring a personalised program that addresses each child’s unique strengths and areas for growth.
WHAT DOES AN ESDM SESSION LOOK LIKE?
During an ESDM session, the child and the ESDM therapist actively engage in playful interactions that promote communication and social skills. These activities, tailored to the child’s age and developmental stage, encourage both participants to contribute ideas, take turns, and guide the play together.
Before each session, the ESDM therapist carefully selects activities that:
- Motivate the child
- Are appropriate for the child’s developmental stage
- Align with the child’s individual goals
Certified ESDM Therapists invest significant time and effort in preparing session materials to ensure they are both engaging and beneficial for the child’s development.
ESDM sessions take place in various settings such as clinics, homes, daycares, or grandparents’ houses. Caregivers and adults involved in the child’s daily life, like daycare workers or parents, can learn and implement ESDM strategies during everyday activities, fostering continuous growth and development.
WHO DOES THE ESDM THERAPY?
A certified ESDM Therapist brings the ESDM intervention to life with expertise and dedication. Achieving fidelity in the ESDM requires rigorous training lasting 6-12 months. These therapists also hold qualifications in allied health fields such as Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, or Psychology. This ensures they possess comprehensive knowledge to understand each child’s needs and create tailored programs that address all aspects of development effectively.
HOW DO I FIND CERTIFIED ESDM THERAPISTS?
You can find a list of certified ESDM therapists on the MIND website. If a therapist is not listed there, it means they are not yet certified in the ESDM, although they may be in the process of certification. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, all therapists are either certified or actively pursuing ESDM certification.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PARENTS IN THE ESDM?
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s autism intervention. Upon completing the Parent-ESDM program, parents gain the ability to support their child’s learning and communication throughout the day. This training method, supported by current research, encourages a reflective approach. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we prioritize Parent-ESDM because we believe in the unique insight parents have into their child’s needs and the importance of family in their development.
Spanning 12 weeks, the Parent-ESDM program involves parents, their child, and a therapist in hour-long work and play sessions. We use the parent ESDM manual, ‘An Early Start For Your Child With Autism’, to guide these sessions. Throughout the program, we collaborate with parents to help them understand and apply the principles of the Early Start Denver Model. By incorporating these principles into daily routines, parents significantly enhance their child’s learning capabilities. Moreover, Parent-ESDM ensures that children can apply their newly acquired skills in various settings beyond the therapy sessions.
WHO IS ON THE ESDM TEAM?
Our ESDM team consists of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists. The Senior ESDM Therapist oversees the ESDM program in the clinic. She reviews every child’s program weekly and meets with the parents at the end of each quarter. The ESDM therapists are highly skilled in delivering the program on a daily basis. The Speech Pathologist provides input and support to each child’s speech, language, social and communication goals. The Occupational Therapist gives input and support to the child’s gross motor, fine motor and sensory areas. The ESDM team meet regularly to ensure that each child progresses in all areas of the program.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ESDM THERAPY?
OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is located in Bondi Junction and Mascot in Sydney. We are the largest ESDM clinic in New South Wales. Our team of therapists are certified and trained to the highest levels of fidelity so we can improve children’s lives.
We’re here to support you
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Our clinics are not just a space for therapy – it’s a place where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we’re proud to offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach out for support
Discover how ESDM can empower your child’s development with OneOnOne Children’s Therapy. We’re here to support your journey and provide the guidance you need.
Call us on (02) 80657837 or email. You can book a free 30 minute phone call with us to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.
We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Our clinics are tailored to provide exceptional intervention for children with autism, developmental delays, disabilities, and learning difficulties, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.
