Navigating Early Intervention: Intensive ESDM for Children with Autism
When children are diagnosed with autism, the first thing parents want to know is how to help their child. They want to understand what therapy to choose and how many hours of intervention are necessary. This can be a complex question, so let’s dive into it and explore how to access intensive Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
The Importance of Early Intervention
There is no doubt that evidence shows higher levels of early intervention lead to better outcomes for children with autism. Early identification and diagnosis play a crucial role in these outcomes. The clear message here is that children should be identified and diagnosed as early as possible, and appropriate intervention should start as soon as possible.
Choosing the Right Intervention
The choice of intervention is highly individual. Research supports early intensive behavioural intervention as the most effective approach. Additionally, naturalistic interventions, which incorporate developmental principles, lead to better generalisation of skills. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we recommend the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for young children with autism. ESDM is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention (NDBI), combining the strengths of naturalistic, developmental, and behavioural approaches.
Determining the Number of Hours of Intervention
Deciding on the number of intervention hours depends on several factors:
- Access to the Program: Can the family access the chosen intervention program?
- Budget: What funding options are available, and how quickly can the family access these funds?
- Time: Does the family have the time to commit to the intervention program?
If the family can access the program, has the budget to fund it, and can get the child to the sessions, we recommend 10 hours of face-to-face intervention per week. Initially, the child starts with one-on-one intervention to establish a solid developmental foundation. After that, we recommend transitioning to our group intensive program.
Structure of Our Intensive ESDM Therapy
In our group intensive program, the child attends ESDM therapy for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week. To complete the recommended 10 hours, we include 1 hour of parent training per week. This combination provides the necessary intensity for the best improvements:
- 9 Hours of Direct Intervention: The group model has a 1:2 therapist-to-child ratio, which is more cost-effective and allows the therapist to target social skills with other children in the group.
- 1 Hour of Parent Training: Parents learn how to deliver intervention at home, integrating it into everyday activities. Research shows that parents can be trained to fidelity, effectively continuing the intervention at home.
Accessing Our Intensive ESDM Therapy
Our intensive ESDM program runs during each school term for a 10-week period at our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics. If you are interested in enrolling your child, please contact our clinic directly or email us. We look forward to discussing the program and answering any questions you may have.
Learn More About the ESDM
To learn more about the benefits and structure of ESDM, explore our resources:
- ESDM in preschool
- Why choose the ESDM?
- In the ESDM – a puzzle is never just a puzzle
- ESDM – having fun while learning
- Lisa’s journey with the ESDM
- Social Skills in the ESDM
We’re Here to Support You
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Our clinics are more than just therapy spaces—they are places where children can discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
By combining innovative therapy techniques with a stimulating and supportive environment, we offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy and early intervention that addresses the unique needs of each child we support.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or want to learn more about how the ESDM can help your child, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help. Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics at (02) 80657837 or email us. You can also book a free 30-minute phone call with one of our Certified ESDM Therapists to discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.
Together, we can help your child develop the skills they need to thrive in all areas of their life.
If you would like to learn more about the funding options for autism therapy, this blog looks at Medicare rebates, NDIS and Inclusion Support Funding. If you would to understand more about how many hours of intervention your child should do, read this post!
