What is Play-Based Therapy for Children with Autism? Play-based therapy is a fun and effective way to help children with autism learn and grow. This approach uses play as the main tool for teaching important skills, making learning enjoyable and natural for kids. In this blog, we’ll explore what play-based therapy is, why it’s so beneficial, and how it supports children with autism, including how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) takes play-based therapy to the next level. What is Play-Based Therapy? Play-based therapy is a child-centered approach where play is used to teach and develop skills such as communication,…
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) places a significant emphasis on imitation development. It is a core component of the ESDM intervention strategy for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Imitation is a fundamental social learning skill, critical for cognitive and social development. It involves many things. This includes the ability to observe and replicate the actions, behaviours, and expressions of others. It serves as a foundation for more complex social interactions and communication skills. Importance of Imitation in ESDM Imitation is particularly crucial for children with ASD. This is because they often struggle with social communication and observational…
Using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in the Community The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a wonderful way to help young children with autism. It uses fun, play-based activities to teach important skills. While ESDM often starts at home, it can also be very effective in the community. Let’s explore how you can use ESDM in different community settings to help children learn and grow. Fun at the Playground Slide and Swing: The playground is a great place to practice ESDM. When your child is on the slide, you can encourage them to say “ready, set, go!” before…
The Importance of Exercise for Children with Autism: How Occupational Therapy Can Help Exercise is essential for everyone, but it’s particularly beneficial for children with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects communication, behaviour, and social interactions. Regular exercise can greatly improve many areas of life for children with autism, including physical health, emotional well-being, and social skills. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot specialise in helping children with autism develop physical and social abilities through engaging and structured activities. Let’s explore why exercise is so important and how Occupational Therapy can play a vital…
Learning to take turns is an essential skill for children. It helps them interact positively with others and is a fundamental part of social development. Taking turns involves waiting patiently and understanding that everyone gets a chance to participate. Taking turns is challenging for many children with social communication issues. Here are some key points about why taking turns is important and how to help children learn this skill. Why Taking Turns is Important Social Skills: Taking turns is a basic social skill that helps children interact with others. It teaches them to be considerate and respectful. When children take…
Understanding Neurodivergent Approaches for Children with Autism A neurodivergent approach recognises that people have different kinds of brains and thinking patterns. This means understanding that autism is a natural variation in the human brain and not something that needs to be fixed. Instead of trying to make children with autism fit into a typical mold, a neurodivergent approach supports their unique ways of thinking and learning. Let’s explore what a neurodivergent approach is and how it can help children with autism. What Does Neurodivergent Mean? The term “neurodivergent” includes people whose brains work differently than what is considered typical. This…
Joint attention is when two people focus on the same thing and are aware that they are both paying attention to it. This could be looking at a toy, a book, or an event happening around them. Joint attention is an important part of communication and social development, especially for young children. Why Joint Attention Matters Language Development: When children and adults focus on the same object or event, it creates opportunities for conversation. Adults can label objects, describe actions, and ask questions. This helps children learn new words and understand how to use language. Social Skills: Joint attention helps…
How ESDM Builds Social Skills in Children with Autism The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a proven method for helping children with autism improve their social skills. Social skills are essential for building relationships and interacting with others. ESDM uses a play-based approach to teach these skills during the early years, when brain development is at its peak. By focusing on these critical years, ESDM helps children with autism learn social behaviours that become part of their everyday life. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we use ESDM at our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot to help children develop these…
Discover the Benefits of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for Children with Autism The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) stands out as an effective, evidence-based intervention designed for young children with autism. This innovative approach combines principles from applied behaviour analysis (ABA) with developmental and relationship-based strategies, creating an engaging and holistic therapeutic experience. Let’s explore the numerous benefits of ESDM and why it can be the ideal choice for early intervention. 1. ESDM Uses Play-Based Learning Children learn best when they engage in fun activities. ESDM leverages this by integrating learning opportunities into play. This method keeps children…
As Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Certified ESDM Therapists, we know how important the early signs of autism are. It is essential that parents, teachers, and caregivers, recognise early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschoolers. Early identification allows for timely intervention, paving the way for better outcomes in social skills, communication, and behaviour. This blog aims to empower you with knowledge about the signs of autism in preschoolers and how to provide effective support. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and perceive the world…
For parents interested in understanding the research behind our Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy, you’ll be pleased to know that ESDM is backed by extensive scientific studies. ESDM is an evidence-based intervention designed for young children with autism, combining behavioural, relationship and developmental principles to promote language, social, and cognitive skills. Research has shown that children receiving ESDM therapy often make significant gains in IQ, language, and adaptive behaviour, compared to those receiving standard community interventions. The therapy’s effectiveness is supported by rigorous clinical trials and longitudinal studies, underscoring its role in early autism intervention. Below is a comprehensive…
Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children with Autism through the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Early intervention is crucial for helping children with autism reach their full potential. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an intervention designed for young children with autism, delivered by our certified ESDM therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Pathologists. At our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is proud to offer this early intervention to all our families. Let’s explore how the ESDM develops fine motor skills in children with autism. What Are Fine Motor Skills in…