If your child has been diagnosed with autism or shows early signs of developmental delay, you’ve probably heard about the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). But what exactly are the ESDM therapy benefits, and could this approach help your child?
The research is detailed: ESDM therapy can significantly improve communication, social engagement, learning skills, and emotional regulation in young children; the earlier the start, the better the outcomes. Let’s explore how.
Key Takeaways
- Stronger communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, with improved communication and language development.
- Better social engagement, such as joint attention and meaningful interactions with adults and peers.
- Enhanced learning, cognition, and skill development across all areas.
- Improved emotional regulation and school readiness.
What is ESDM Therapy?
The Early Start Denver Model is an evidence-backed play-based therapyexplicitly designed for children aged 12 months to 5 years with autism or developmental delays. Developed by Dr Sally Rogers and Dr Geraldine Dawson, ESDM combines the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) with a child-led, relationship-focused approach.
Rather than sitting at a table doing drills, children learn through play, daily routines, and joyful interactions with a trained ESDM therapist.
What Are the Benefits of ESDM Therapy?
The ESDM therapy benefits have been proven through rigorous research, including a study that showed that toddlers receiving ESDM improved their IQ scores by an average of 17.6 points compared to just 7 points in children receiving other interventions.
Communication & Language Development
One of the most significant ESDM therapy benefits is improved communication. Children develop stronger expressive and receptive language skills, learning to make requests, share information, and engage in back-and-forth conversations. Even non-verbal children often show progress in gestures, facial expressions, and other communication methods that help them connect with the world around them.
Social Skills & Relationships
ESDM helps children build the social foundation they need for friendships and family connections. Through joint play activities and shared attention, kids learn to read social cues, take turns, imitate others, and truly engage with people rather than simply being near them.
Parents often notice their child improving in joint attention, responding to their name, and showing genuine interest in playing with siblings or peers.
Cognitive Growth & Learning
Children receiving ESDM show improved learning across all developmental areas. They become more curious, better at problem-solving, and more able to generalise skills from one situation to another. This cognitive boost helps with everything from understanding concepts to following multi-step instructions.
Emotional Regulation & Behaviour
Many families notice their child becomes better at managing big feelings and transitions. The ESDM therapy benefits extend to reduced meltdowns, improved frustration tolerance, and more appropriate responses to everyday challenges. Children learn coping strategies naturally through this supportive, positive teaching approach.
Independence & Daily Living Skills
ESDM targets practical skills like self-feeding, dressing, toileting, and personal care. By embedding learning into everyday routines, children develop the independence that matters most for family life and future school participation.
How Does ESDM Work?
ESDM is delivered by certified therapists who’ve completed specialised training to ensure high-quality, evidence-based practice. Sessions take place during play and daily routines, with therapists following your child’s interests to create natural learning moments. Every few seconds, there’s an opportunity to teach, whether that’s language, social skills, or problem-solving.
What makes ESDM particularly effective is the emphasis on ESDM parent training. Parents are learning strategies to support their development throughout the day at home. This consistent approach across all settings helps children apply their new skills in real life, not just in therapy sessions.
The approach is tailored to each child’s current developmental level and adjusted every 12 weeks based on progress. If your child is autistic or is simply showing early developmental concerns, ESDM can be adapted to meet them where they are.
Unsure where your child stands? Start with our child autism assessment, and receive comprehensive support to help them thrive, whatever the situation.
Getting Started with ESDM
If you see the potential benefits of ESDM therapy for your child, the next step is to connect with qualified providers. At Solongo Early Intervention, our certified ESDM therapists work with families across Melbourne, offering clinic-based sessions, home visits and assistance within childcare, kindergarten and school settings. We understand the importance of early childhood intervention and why it matters – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
ESDM can be funded through the NDIS for eligible children, and we’re experienced in working with NDIS Early Childhood Partners to help families access the support they need. The earlier you start, the more time your child has to develop the skills that’ll help them succeed in school and life.
Ready to explore whether ESDM is right for your family? Contact our team to discuss your child’s needs and book a free initial consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you feel confident about the next steps.
