Certified ESDM Therapists in Melbourne

A LEADING CERTIFIED EARLY START DENVER MODEL (ESDM) EARLY INTERVENTION PROVIDER IN MELBOURNE.

What is ESDM Therapy?

ESDM therapy(Early Start Denver Modelis an intensive, comprehensive, play-based and evidence-based early intervention designed specifically for toddlers and young children diagnosed with or at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays. It combines principles of developmental science and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to foster development across various domains, including social, communication, cognitive, fine and gross motor, play, imitation and joint attention skills, self-care skills, and adaptive behaviours.

ESDM intervention is adaptable to various environments, including home, community, and educational settings, where trained ESDM therapists and parents collaborate during natural play and daily routines. The primary goal of ESDM therapy is to enhance developmental progress across all domains in children with ASD, while simultaneously mitigating autism symptoms that hinder their ability to learn from everyday experiences and interactions.

ESDM therapy addresses developmental areas where children with autism may lag, focusing on enhancing social-emotional, cognitive, and language abilities. Grounded in research on early childhood learning and development, as well as applied behaviour analysis,ESDM therapy practices are data-based to ensure effective child learning and progress for early childhood intervention

Recognising the profound influence of relationships between children and adults on infant-toddler learning, ESDM therapy integrates sensitive and responsive strategies into everyday learning opportunities facilitated by parents, family members, and others. This approach combines developmental, play-based, and relationship-based methodologies with principles of applied behaviour analysis. The result is an integrated, individualised, and manualised naturalistic, developmental-behavioural intervention (NDBI). This allows for nuanced adjustments in teaching methods, tailored to an individual child's learning profile, ensuring maximum progress on learning objectives through a stepwise adaptation process.


Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Principles

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is a highly effective approach grounded in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). It is designed to support young children with autism by focusing on building essential skills in communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviours. EIBI utilises ABA techniques, which are evidence-based methods that involve breaking down complex behaviours into smaller, manageable tasks. These tasks are taught systematically using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours. The goal of EIBI is to provide intensive, structured interventions during the early developmental years, maximising the child's potential for growth and learning. 

At Solongo Early Intervention, our certified ESDM therapists incorporate EIBI and ABA principles to create personalised, play-based therapy plans that address each child's unique needs, ensuring they develop the foundational skills necessary for long-term success.

Why Choose ESDM Therapy?

ESDM therapy stands out among various early intervention approaches due to its comprehensive, play-based model that embeds learning within engaging and interactive activities. What distinguishes ESDM therapy is its emphasis on individualised intervention plans, tailored to each child's unique strengths and developmental needs. It's structured yet flexible, allowing ESDM Certified Therapists  to adapt strategies based on the child's progress and interests.

Unlike some other early interventions, ESDM therapy does not merely focus on isolated skills or behaviours but aims for holistic development. By prioritising social communication, joint attention, imitation, play, and language development, ESDM therapy equips children with foundational skills crucial for their overall growth and future success.

Benefits of ESDM Therapy for Children's Development

Children undergoing ESDM therapy experience a multitude of benefits:

Enhanced Social Skills: ESDM therapyfosters social engagement, joint attention, and interaction, helping children build stronger connections with peers and caregivers.

Improved Communication: Through targeted interventions, children develop language and communication skills, enabling them to express themselves effectively and understand others better.

Cognitive Advancements: ESDM activities stimulate cognitive development, enhancing problem-solving abilities, attention span, and critical thinking skills.

Positive Development Trajectory: By addressing key developmental areas, ESDM therapy lays the groundwork for a more positive developmental trajectory, supporting children in reaching their full potential.

Improved Fine and Gross Motor Skills: ESDM therapy provides structured and individualised interventions that target both fine and gross motor abilities, helping children improve their coordination and control of small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists, enabling precise movements and manipulation of objects. Gross motor skills involve the coordination and control of larger muscle groups in the body, facilitating movements such as walking, running, jumping, climbing, throwing, and kicking. These skills are essential for activities that require strength, balance, and coordination.

Improved Personal Independence Skills: ESDM therapy fosters personal independence by focusing on teaching essential self-care skills and encouraging self-help behaviours. Through consistent practice and reinforcement, children learn to complete everyday tasks, such as dressing themselves, feeding, grooming, etc., leading to increased confidence and autonomy.

ESDM therapy ensures a comprehensive and personalised approach that nurtures a child's growth across various domains, providing a solid foundation for their future achievements and wellbeing.

At Solongo Early Intervention, a Certified ESDM Therapy Provider in Melbourne, we understand the importance of a holistic approach to supporting children with autism. Our child centred play therapy focuses on engaging children in meaningful and enjoyable activities that promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Additionally, our autism spectrum disorder counselling provides tailored support and guidance for both children and their families, helping them navigate the challenges associated with autism and fostering a positive developmental environment. Together, these services ensure that each child receives comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs and enhances their overall wellbeing.

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) has gained recognition and support through research studies highlighting its effectiveness as an intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Here is an overview of some key studies and evidence supporting the use Early Start Denver Model for young children with Autism:

1. Randomized, Controlled Trial of an Intervention for Toddlers With Autism: The Early Start Denver Model (Dawson et al., 2010):

  • This seminal study, led by Sally J. Rogers and Geraldine Dawson, examined the effects of ESDM on a group of toddlers diagnosed with ASD. The results demonstrated significant improvements in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism diagnosis severity after two years of ESDM intervention when compared with the control group.

2. Early behavioral intervention is associated with normalized brain activity in young children with autism (Dawson et al., 2012):

  • Another study by Dawson and colleagues focused on a randomized controlled trial of ESDM on a group of children diagnosed with ASD. Results suggested that receiving ESDM was associated with normalized patterns of brain activity, which is associated with improvements in social behavior, in young children with autism spectrum disorder.

3. Long-Term Outcomes of Early Intervention in 6-Year-Old Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Rogers et al., 2019):

  • This study, led by Sally J. Rogers, assessed the long-term outcomes of children who received the ESDM intervention. The results demonstrated sustained gains in cognitive and adaptive behaviour, highlighting the potential for lasting positive effects from early ESDM intervention.

4. Parent-Mediated Intervention Versus No Intervention for Infants at High Risk of Autism: A Parallel, Single-Blind, Randomised Trial (Green et al., 2015):

  • This study compared a parent-mediated intervention, including elements of the ESDM, with no intervention in infants at high risk of autism The findings indicated that infants who received the parent-mediated intervention showed improvements in social communication skills.

5. The Early Start Denver Model: A Case Study of an Innovative Practice (Rogers, 2011):

  • In this case study, Sally J. Rogers provides an in-depth overview of the ESDM and its application in early intervention for children with ASD. The study discusses the theoretical framework, components, and outcomes of the ESDM.

These studies collectively support the effectiveness of the Early Start Denver Model in promoting positive outcomes for children with Autism, emphasizing its impact on cognitive, adaptive behaviour, and social communication skills. It’s important to note that ongoing research and clinical evaluations contribute to the evolving understanding of ESDM’s benefits for children with Autism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Certified ESDM Therapy Providers undergo rigorous training and certification processes to ensure they can deliver high-quality, evidence-based ESDM therapy. They are experts in applying the principles of the Early Start Denver Model to support children’s development. 

ESDM therapy differs from other early interventions by providing a comprehensive, play-based model that focuses on holistic development. It tailors interventions to each child’s unique needs and integrates learning into engaging, everyday activities.

An autism spectrum assessment conducted by our team of experts will provide a detailed understanding of your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. This assessment forms the basis for developing a personalised intervention plan using ESDM therapy and other tailored supports.

ESDM Therapy Registration

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with you and your child. Our Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapy is designed to provide individualized support, fostering your child’s development and enhancing their social and communication skills.

To get started, please fill out the registration form below. Your input will help us tailor our approach to meet your child’s unique needs effectively. We look forward to partnering with you on this transformative path towards growth and progress.

Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your child's developmental journey!