What is ESDM?
The Early Start Denver Model is a comprehensive family-centred support for young children aged 12-60 months old. ESDM was developed in the United States in 1981. It was initially called the ‘play school model’, because its key fundamentals are integrated in your child’s everyday play activities. The Early Start Denver Model is an evidence-based, comprehensive, play-based therapy that supports autistic children and children with developmental delay progress in communication skills, play skills, relationships and language through everyday activities. It focuses on helping children learn skills that are important to them and their families.
The Early Start Denver Model combines Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) approaches with developmental techniques.
How is it delivered?
At the core of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) lies a deep understanding of how young children learn and grow. The goal of ESDM is to nurture development across all areas of development while also building skills.
ESDM can be delivered in various environments such as clinical settings, childcare, and home, where trained professionals and parents can engage with children during natural play and daily routines.
While ESDM takes an holistic approach, it places particular emphasis on supporting social-emotional skills, cognitive, and language skills.
The intervention strategies are grounded in solid research on early childhood development and are informed by the principles of applied behaviour analysis.
What’s the evidence?
ESDM is evidence based and scientifically proven to support autistic children and children with developmental delays. There are numerous peer reviewed studies that families can access to understand the right intervention for your child. Please see a further link from raising children’s network for further information. https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/therapies-guide/early-start-denver-model or https://www.esdm.co/.
Research and the progression of ESDM is paramount and has shown the effectiveness of children that engage in ESDM. For example, one research study revealed by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics shows how 48 children (aged 18-30 months) were categorised into two groups. One group received the ESDM, the other received something entirely different. At the end of the research, it was observed that the group who received ESDM had an increase in IQ by 17.6 points and also showed a growth rate in their social and practical skills.
Other studies reveal that children who received ESDM therapy at a young age had significant progress with their language and social skills. In addition, this lead to increased brain function resulting in high levels of their communication. These trials demonstrate that ESDM makes a positive impact on autistic children and children that are recommended support.
Who Practices ESDM?
The Early Start Denver Model is delivered by a team made up of parents, early intervention practitioner and a behavioural therapists. Team members need to have a background in a health-related field including, early childhood educators, behaviour analysts, registered behaviour technicians, psychologists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists.
At Amazing Kids our team of behavioural therapists are all from behavioural analytical, Speech therapy, Psychology and education backgrounds. They are then required to complete the intensive ESDM programs that are provided by the UC Davis Mind Institute in California, USA. The program has been promoted and researched further in group ESDM settings in Melbourne. Each Practice that provides ESDM Therapy must have a certified ESDM therapist that has to undergo rigorous supervision and training in order to deliver a program for your child.
Parent Involvement
If your child has recommended to access the Early Start Denver Model, you’ll work with our team to develop your child’s goals. We also highly recommend enrolling in the parent training program. This together with the support of the program will provide you with the tools to continue what has been learnt with our team, so it can be followed through at home and kindergarten.
Where can I get an ESDM Specialist?
Certified ESDM therapists are required to deliver effective ESDM to your child and is something you should ensure is available from any ESDM provider. Check if your practitioners are registered at https://www.esdm.co/.
You can talk to our ESDM specialists at our clinic in Hawthorn or Williamstown. We offer various programs that assist your child with highly-trained professionals that help your child develop vital skills through different developmental approaches and techniques.
Book an appointment for a free 60 minute discussion with us by emailing info@amazingkids.com.au or register on our website here.
