Understanding Autism Therapy in Sydney: The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
When parents receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for their child, navigating the world of early intervention therapies can feel overwhelming. Among the many available options, The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) stands out as one of the most effective and research-backed autism therapies. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we proudly offer ESDM therapy, a play-based autism intervention proven to help young children with autism thrive. Let’s dive into why ESDM is considered a top therapy option for children with autism in Sydney.
Choosing the Right Autism Therapy for Your Child
When seeking autism therapy in Sydney, parents often face various choices. It’s crucial to understand which interventions are backed by scientific evidence and which may lack proper research. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has undergone extensive studies and offers significant benefits for children with autism.
Key criteria for choosing an effective early intervention therapy include:
- Starting therapy soon after diagnosis.
- Having an individualised plan that addresses your child’s specific strengths and challenges.
- A multidisciplinary team of professionals, such as Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists, overseeing the intervention.
- Focusing on areas like communication, social skills, and play.
- Tracking data to measure progress.
- Adjusting teaching strategies when progress slows.
- Intensive weekly intervention, ensuring active engagement in every activity.
- Involving parents in the therapy process to reinforce learning at home.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our certified ESDM therapists meet these criteria, ensuring we provide a best-practice approach for children with autism in Bondi Junction and Mascot.
Why Choose ESDM Therapy?
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is designed specifically for young children, often starting as early as 6 months old. Backed by over 30 years of research, ESDM focuses on improving communication, social interaction, and cognitive skills in children with autism. The program is developmentally based, following typical child development but targeting the specific areas where children with autism may struggle.
Key Features of ESDM Therapy:
- Child-Led: Sessions follow the child’s interests, ensuring they stay engaged and motivated.
- Play-Based: Learning happens through fun, interactive play, which helps develop essential life skills.
- Customised Plans: Each child’s therapy is tailored to their unique abilities, with goals set based on the ESDM checklist.
- Multidisciplinary Team: Our certified ESDM therapists include Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists who work together to create a holistic plan for your child’s development.
- Family Involvement: We actively involve parents, empowering them to use ESDM strategies at home for continuity and generalisation of skills.
How ESDM Therapy Works at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Sydney
At our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot, we provide a personalised approach to ESDM therapy. Here’s what you can expect:
1. ESDM Checklist
We begin by using the ESDM curriculum checklist, which includes 480 skills and behaviours across areas like communication, social interaction, and motor skills. This checklist helps us assess your child’s strengths and challenges, forming the foundation for their individualised therapy plan.
2. Goal Setting
Once we complete the assessment, we set specific, measurable goals that target your child’s developmental needs. These goals are reviewed regularly to ensure progress, and parents are involved in the goal-setting process to ensure alignment with family priorities.
3. Regular Progress Reviews
Every 10 weeks, we revisit the ESDM checklist to track your child’s development and adjust the therapy plan as necessary. This ensures we are always focused on the areas that need the most attention and can celebrate the progress your child has made.
4. Ongoing Support
Ongoing support is critical to the success of ESDM therapy. Parents are given tools and strategies to reinforce the skills learned in therapy at home, ensuring their child continues to develop between sessions. We also provide ongoing guidance to help parents navigate their child’s journey.
Play-Based Activities in ESDM Therapy
ESDM sessions are fun and engaging, using play-based autism therapy to promote learning. Activities might include:
- Pretend play with dolls, toy cars, or stuffed animals.
- Sensory activities like finger painting, playdough, and water play.
- Social games such as peek-a-boo, tickling, and chase.
- Role-playing scenarios like playing doctor or restaurant.
- Storytime with picture books.
- Outdoor play involving physical activities like running and playing catch.
These activities not only help develop communication and social skills but also improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and cognitive development.
Why OneOnOne Children’s Therapy Chooses ESDM
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we choose ESDM therapy because it aligns with best practices in early intervention. Recognised as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs by TIME Magazine, the Early Start Denver Model provides a comprehensive approach that helps children develop in all areas of life.
Benefits of ESDM Therapy:
- Early Intervention: Starting therapy early maximises the developmental progress a child can make.
- Family-Centred: Parents are an integral part of the therapy process, ensuring learning happens in all aspects of the child’s life.
- Flexible and Play-Based: Learning through play makes therapy enjoyable for children while promoting rapid development.
- Data-Driven: We track your child’s progress meticulously, ensuring goals are met and therapy stays on track.
Contact Us for ESDM Therapy in Sydney, Bondi Junction, and Mascot
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for children with autism. Our certified ESDM therapists in Sydney, Bondi Junction, and Mascot are here to help your child thrive through play-based autism therapy. If you’re looking for a proven and effective early intervention, consider the Early Start Denver Model at our clinics.
Contact us today at (02) 8065 7837 or email us to schedule a consultation and discuss how ESDM therapy can support your child’s development.
