How Young Children Develop Social Skills with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy
Social skills are like the building blocks of a child’s world. They help kids connect with others, make friends, and feel confident in different situations. These skills don’t just appear overnight—they grow over time, shaped by the experiences and people around them. Let’s learn more about how social skills develop.
Here’s how young children develop social skills and how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy can make a big difference in their lives.
Early Beginnings Social Skills: Infancy (0-1 Year)
Bonding with Caregivers: The first step in a baby’s social journey is bonding with their caregivers. Simple actions like making eye contact, smiling, and cooing are early signs that your baby is starting to connect with the world around them. This bond builds a strong foundation of trust and security.
Responding to Emotions: Babies quickly start to notice and respond to the emotions of those around them. They might smile back when you smile or cry when they hear another baby cry. This is the beginning of empathy, even at this very young age.
Attachment: A secure attachment with caregivers gives babies the confidence to explore their surroundings. Knowing that someone will always be there to meet their needs helps them feel safe and loved.
Toddler Years Social Skills: (1-3 Years)
Parallel Play: Around one year old, toddlers start playing alongside other kids, but not directly with them. This “parallel play” is an important step in learning how to interact with others.
Imitation: Toddlers are little copycats! They love to mimic the actions and words of people around them. This is how they learn the basics of social behavior and start to understand the world.
Expressing Emotions: As they grow, toddlers begin to express their emotions more clearly. They might throw a tantrum when frustrated or give a hug when they’re happy. Learning to manage these emotions is a key part of social development.
Beginning of Sharing: Sharing can be tough for toddlers, but it’s an essential skill they start to learn during these years. With some guidance, they begin to understand the concept of taking turns.
Preschool Years Social Skills: (3-5 Years)
Interactive Play: By preschool age, children move from playing side by side to playing together. They start to engage in games that require cooperation and communication with others.
Role-Playing: Preschoolers love pretending to be someone else, whether it’s playing house, doctor, or superheroes. Role-playing helps them understand different perspectives and develop empathy.
Language Skills: As their language skills grow, children can better express their thoughts and feelings. This makes it easier for them to resolve conflicts with words instead of actions.
Understanding Rules: Preschoolers begin to grasp simple rules in games and social situations. They learn about fairness and start to develop a sense of justice.
Empathy Development: Kids in this age group become more aware of others’ feelings. They might comfort a sad friend or help someone who is hurt. This growing empathy is key to building strong, meaningful relationships.
Early School Years Social Skills: (5-7 Years)
Teamwork and Cooperation: In the early school years, children start to participate in more structured group activities. They learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation, which helps them get along with others.
Problem-Solving: As they get older, kids develop problem-solving skills. They learn how to negotiate, compromise, and resolve conflicts, which are essential for maintaining friendships.
Friendship Formation: Friendships become more stable and meaningful during these years. Children begin to choose friends based on shared interests and mutual respect.
Understanding Social Roles: Kids start to understand different social roles and what is expected of them in various settings, like at home, school, or on the playground.
Handling Peer Pressure: As they become more socially aware, children start experiencing peer pressure. They learn how to balance fitting in with being true to themselves and their values.
Supporting Social Skill Development with ESDM
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed especially for young children with autism. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we use ESDM to help kids build essential social skills through fun and natural play-based activities. Here’s how ESDM can help children develop social skills:
- Positive Role Models: Children learn a lot by watching adults and older kids. By modeling good communication, kindness, and empathy, we set a positive example for them to follow.
- Encouraging Play: Play is a natural way for kids to develop social skills. ESDM incorporates different types of play, including free play, structured games, and group activities.
- Teaching Emotions: ESDM helps children understand their emotions and teaches them how to express and manage their feelings appropriately.
- Promoting Empathy: Through ESDM, kids learn to think about how others feel and how their actions can affect those around them.
- Providing Social Interaction Opportunities: ESDM includes playdates, group activities, and social events, giving kids the chance to practice their social skills in different settings.
- Guiding Problem-Solving: When conflicts arise, ESDM guides children in finding solutions. They learn to express their feelings, listen to others, and work towards a solution together.
- Praising Positive Behaviour: Positive reinforcement is key in ESDM. We praise and encourage children when they show kindness, share, or take turns.
- Setting Clear Expectations: ESDM sets clear and consistent rules, helping children understand what behaviors are acceptable and what are not.
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Our clinics are not just places for therapy—they’re spaces where children discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s social skills or want to learn more about how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here for you.
Call us at (02) 80657837 or email us to book a free 30-minute phone call. Let’s talk about how we can support your child’s unique journey and help them build the social skills they need to succeed.
We are a team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Certified ESDM Therapists who work closely together to bring high quality intervention that is individualised for every child!
