What Does the Early Start Denver Model Focus On?
If you’re a parent of a young child with autism, you may have heard about the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). It’s an evidence-based, play-based therapy that helps children with autism learn and develop through engaging activities. The Early Start Denver Model focuses on teaching skills across a wide range of developmental areas while being fun, child-led, and interactive.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Sydney, our Certified ESDM Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot are dedicated to helping children reach their potential. This blog will explore the key areas the ESDM focuses on, providing insight into how this approach can help your child grow and thrive.
What is the Early Start Denver Model?
The Early Start Denver Model is a play-based, developmental therapy designed for children with autism aged 12 to 48 months. What makes ESDM unique is that it’s child-led. The therapist follows the child’s interests during play and introduces learning opportunities based on the child’s engagement. Instead of teaching in a rigid, structured way, the therapy is fun, flexible, and tailored to each child’s needs.
ESDM focuses on developing essential skills in various domains, including communication, motor skills, and social interaction. Some children may also benefit from additional Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy to complement their ESDM sessions.
Key Areas of Focus in the Early Start Denver Model
The ESDM curriculum is broad, focusing on several developmental areas that are crucial for young children with autism. Below, we’ll explore each of these developmental domains and explain how ESDM targets them to help children make meaningful progress.
1. Communication Skills
Communication is one of the core areas of focus in the Early Start Denver Model. Many children with autism struggle with communication, whether it’s understanding language, speaking clearly, or using gestures. It includes receptive communication skills and expressive communication skills. The ESDM helps children develop both verbal and non-verbal communication skills in a natural way.
Therapists use play and everyday routines to teach language, helping children learn new words, follow instructions, and express their needs. Because ESDM is child-led, the therapist follows the child’s interests, using toys or games they enjoy to introduce new language skills. This keeps the child engaged and motivated to learn. Some children may also need extra support from a Speech Pathologist, especially if they have significant language delays.
2. Social Skills
Social interaction is another major focus of ESDM. Children with autism often find it difficult to engage with others, share, or take turns. The Early Start Denver Model encourages children to develop these social skills through play-based activities that are fun and interactive.
For example, the therapist might work on the very early social skills or engaging with people. They could also use role-playing games to help a child learn how to take turns or play cooperatively with others. As the child plays, they learn how to engage in social exchanges, respond to social cues, and build relationships with others. Over time, these skills help the child feel more confident in social situations, whether it’s playing with peers at nursery or interacting with family members.
3. Imitation
Imitation is a vital developmental skill that children use to learn from others. In typical development, children often imitate actions, sounds, and behaviours as part of their learning process. Children with autism may struggle with imitation, which can impact their ability to learn new skills. The ESDM addresses this by encouraging children to imitate both the therapist and their peers in a fun, playful way.
For example, the therapist might play a simple game of copying clapping or making funny faces, helping the child to imitate actions and sounds. As imitation improves, children can better pick up on language, social cues, and motor skills by watching and copying others around them.
4. Joint Attention
Joint attention refers to the ability to share a focus with another person on the same object or activity. This skill is critical for social development and communication. In ESDM, therapists work on improving joint attention by encouraging children to engage in activities that require shared attention.
For instance, if a child shows interest in a toy car, the therapist might join in, playing alongside the child while also drawing their attention to the therapist’s actions. This helps the child understand that they can share experiences and focus with others, which is key for building relationships and understanding communication.
5. Play Skills
Play is at the heart of the Early Start Denver Model. Through play, children learn about the world, develop social skills, and practice new movements. ESDM uses play as the primary method for teaching, ensuring that children are learning while having fun.
Therapists follow the child’s lead, using toys and activities the child is naturally interested in. As they play, therapists introduce opportunities for the child to learn new concepts, whether it’s problem-solving, turn-taking, or learning new words. Play-based learning keeps the child engaged and makes learning feel effortless.
6. Cognitive Skills
Cognitive development involves thinking, problem-solving, and understanding the world around us. In ESDM, therapists help children build these skills through activities that require thinking, remembering, and figuring things out.
For example, therapists may introduce puzzle-solving games or cause-and-effect toys to help children understand how things work. These cognitive skills are essential for academic readiness and help children prepare for future learning experiences in school.
7. Motor Skills
Motor skills are divided into two categories: fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills involve using the small muscles in the hands, such as when picking up small objects or holding a pencil. Gross motor skills involve larger movements, like running, jumping, or balancing. ESDM integrates motor development into play, helping children improve their coordination, strength, and movement control.
Children who struggle significantly with motor skills may also benefit from additional Occupational Therapy. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Sydney, our Occupational Therapists work alongside ESDM Therapists to create a holistic plan that addresses each child’s unique motor needs.
8. Personal Independence
Another key focus of ESDM is helping children become more independent in their daily lives. This includes teaching them how to dress themselves, use the toilet, and manage other personal care tasks. Through play and daily routines, therapists help children learn these life skills in a way that feels natural and supportive.
9. Emotional Understanding and Regulation
Emotional regulation is another important focus of ESDM. Children with autism often have difficulty understanding their emotions or managing emotional responses. Therapists work on helping children recognise different emotions, express how they’re feeling, and manage their reactions in a healthy way.
By developing emotional regulation, children can better cope with frustration, manage transitions, and respond appropriately in different social situations.
Why Choose the Early Start Denver Model?
The Early Start Denver Model is unique because it’s child-led, play-based, and tailored to each child’s needs. It focuses on every area of development, from communication to motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive growth. By following the child’s interests, ESDM makes learning fun and engaging. Additionally, the flexible, naturalistic approach ensures that skills learned in therapy are applied in real-life settings.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we have a multidisciplinary team of Certified ESDM Therapists, Speech Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists ready to support your child’s development. Some children may benefit from additional therapies, such as Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy, to complement their ESDM program.
Take the Next Step with ESDM
If you’re looking for a holistic, effective therapy for your child with autism, the Early Start Denver Model offers a well-rounded approach to early intervention. Our clinics in Sydney, Bondi Junction, and Mascot provide a supportive environment where your child can grow, learn, and thrive.
Contact OneOnOne Children’s Therapy today to learn more about how ESDM can benefit your child. Schedule a consultation or book a meeting to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey. Together, we can help your child reach their full potential.
