Early Start Denver Model

Developed by the MIND Institute in California, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based, behavioural early intervention program for children aged one to four with autism or similar developmental needs.

The program was developed by psychologists Sally Rogers, PhD, and Geraldine Dawson, PhD, and combines the best practices of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) with a routine based, play and relationship focused approach that makes therapy both fun and effective.

Parents and therapists use play and shared activities to build each child’s social-emotional, cognitive and language abilities.

ESDM is:

• for children aged one to four;
• based on our understanding of typical toddler learning and development; and
• focused on building positive relationships and sharing fun activities to develop social communication.

ESDM therapy can be provided at home, in a clinic or in child-care or school and can be provided by a trained and certified:

• Speech and Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Psychologist
• Behaviour Specialist
• Early Childhood Educator

ESDM is available across select clinics and the service available at each clinic varies.

Brighton, Frankston, Geelong, Preston and Sandringham, Vic: intensive centre based and home and community-based programs, parent coaching, infant ESDM, individual sessions (clinic, home, kinder), remote ESDM and telehealth. Certified trans-disciplinary team including Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Educators.

Stirling, WA: group program. Certified Occupational Therapist and ESDM Trainee Speech Pathologists.

Ashmore and Coomera, Qld: individual and intensive ESDM. Trainee Occupational Therapist

Durack, NT: individual ESDM sessions. Trainee Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist.

Murarrie, Qld: individual ESDM sessions. Trainee Occupational Therapist.

Westbourne Park, SA: individual and intensive programs.

And coming soon…interim service and waitlist supports available at Upper Mt Gravatt, Qld.

Please contact the clinic directly to find out more.