What is the Early Start Denver Model?
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive, evidence-based, play-based therapy that helps autistic children develop social communication skills, play skills, relationships and language through everyday activities.
ESDM therapy combines behavioural teaching approaches with developmental approaches.
Other common names for this therapy include the Denver Model.
Who is ESDM therapy for?
ESDM therapy is designed for autistic toddlers and preschoolers or children in this age group with early signs of autism.
What is ESDM therapy used for?
ESDM is used to teach social, communication, learning, physical and daily living skills through social activities based on play. It’s often described as a comprehensive program because of the number of skills it targets.
Where does ESDM therapy come from?
The Early Start Denver Model was developed in the United States in 1981. It was initially called the ‘play school model’, because its key activities happened as part of children’s play activities.
What is the idea behind ESDM therapy?
The idea behind ESDM therapy is that autistic children with developmental differences might need extra support and opportunities to learn through everyday social interactions and communication. ESDM therapy aims to increase these learning opportunities by helping children spend more time in enjoyable, back-and-forth, play-based interactions.
ESDM therapy also emphasises natural or everyday learning opportunities. The idea is that when children learn skills in one everyday setting or situation, they’re able to transfer those skills to other everyday settings.
What does ESDM therapy involve?
ESDM therapy involves parents working with professionals to develop an ESDM therapy program and use it with their child.
First, a tailored ESDM therapy program is created for the child. This includes objectives, goals and activities that target skill development.
The child then does sessions that focus on their interests. The sessions use play, songs, routines and everyday activities to create opportunities for shared attention, turn-taking and communication.
Therapists also help parents learn how to use the program whenever they’re with their children.
Children can do their ESDM therapy program in various ways. These include one-to-one therapy sessions in a clinic or at home and group sessions at child care or in preschool settings.
Professionals regularly review the child’s progress.
The program was originally developed as an intensive support, involving 15-25 hours per week of therapy. More recent research shows that the program can still be effective when children do only a few hours per week of therapy.
Does ESDM therapy help autistic children?
High-quality research shows that ESDM therapy has positive effects on children’s language development and social communication skills. It might also improve thinking and daily living skills. Its effectiveness might depend on how individual children do their tailored programs.
More research is needed to understand who ESDM therapy might work best for and whether improvements last long term.
Which professionals offer ESDM therapy?
Often, a team made up of parents and professionals develop an ESDM therapy program together. Professional team members might be early childhood educators, occupational therapists, psychologists or speech pathologists with training in this therapy.
Where can you find an ESDM therapist?
To find a trained therapist in Australia, see the Early Start Denver Model list of certified therapists.
If you’re interested in ESDM therapy, it’s a good idea to speak about it with your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. You could also talk about it with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.
How are parents involved in ESDM therapy?
If your child is doing ESDM therapy, you work with professionals to develop your child’s program. Your therapist will also train you to use ESDM strategies at home. Once you’re trained, you’ll do the program at home and regularly meet with the team to review your child’s progress.
How much does ESDM therapy cost?
The cost of ESDM therapy varies, depending on the professionals in the therapy team and the number of hours each week that children spend doing their program.
For children attending several sessions a week, the costs can be high. For children doing the therapy in a specialised child care or preschool setting, the costs might be lower. You can also do the therapy at home to help with costs.
You might be able to include the cost of ESDM therapy in your child’s NDIS plan. You can contact the NDIS to find out.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.