Supporting Social Skills Development in Preschool with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Parents eagerly watch for their child’s social skills to develop during playdates, at the playground, and in preschool. However, socialising in preschool can be more challenging for some children, particularly those with autism. Learning social skills with a therapist doesn’t always ensure that a child will apply them effectively in a preschool setting. So, how do we support children in their Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) sessions to help them interact with peers and make friends in preschool? This is where ESDM social skills groups play a crucial role in each child’s autism therapy program.
What Is an ESDM Social Skills Group?
ESDM social skills groups serve as a bridge between learning social skills in one-on-one sessions and applying them in larger, less structured settings like preschool. Each child develops social skills in a small, supportive group environment. These groups include up to four children, with Certified ESDM Therapists guiding and supporting each child. In this setting, children use the skills they’ve learned in their individual ESDM therapy sessions and begin to generalise them to peer interactions.
Once a child can effectively generalise their social skills to the small group, we can then focus on helping them transfer these skills into a preschool or daycare setting.
Key Features of ESDM Social Skills Groups:
- Small groups of up to 4 children
- Supported by 2 Certified ESDM Therapists
- Focus on generalising skills from individual therapy to peer interactions
How Do We Track a Child’s Progress?
Monitoring a child’s ability to generalise social skills to other environments is a key component of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This approach helps ensure that the child’s progress is meaningful and transferable to real-life situations, including preschool. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we conduct quarterly reviews of each child’s program during school holiday breaks. During these reviews, we:
- Assess the child’s progress across all targeted skills
- Update their individualised program
- Get feedback from parents on progress at home
- Visit preschools or daycares to observe how the child applies their skills in a natural setting
By closely collaborating with parents and educators, we can ensure the child is using their new skills in various environments, promoting long-term social success.
What Happens After the Social Skills Group?
After progressing through the ESDM social skills group, children may move on to our intensive ESDM program, which runs for 3 hours each morning. This group includes 9 children and 3 therapists, creating a structured environment where children can further develop their social skills. Activities target social interactions in larger group settings, preparing children for successful integration into preschool.
In addition to group therapy, we offer preschool visits to support your child in their educational environment. This ensures that the skills learned during ESDM therapy continue to be practised and reinforced at school.
How Can I Enrol My Child in ESDM Social Skills Groups?
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, located in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our team of Certified ESDM Therapists is dedicated to providing high-quality autism therapy. We have been using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) since 2013 to help children with autism develop essential social and communication skills. We are proud to be one of the largest ESDM clinics in Sydney, offering a comprehensive range of services to support children and their families.
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in our ESDM social skills groups or want to learn more about our autism therapy services in Sydney, contact us at (02) 8065 7837 or email us to discuss how we can support your child’s development.
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and develop strong social skills. Our clinics offer more than just therapy spaces; they provide environments where children can build confidence, make friends, and achieve their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a supportive and engaging atmosphere, we take a holistic approach to autism therapy, addressing each child’s unique needs.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s social skills development or want to learn more about how ESDM and our social skills groups can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to assist. Call us or email to to take the first step towards enhancing your child’s social abilities.
We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, and Psychologists, serving families in Sydney. Our clinics in
and Mascot, located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, provide exceptional intervention for children with autism, developmental delays, disabilities, and learning difficulties. We also offer mobile services in Randwick.
