Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

At the heart of the ESDM is the empirical knowledge base of infant-toddler learning and development principles and the impairing effects of early autism on early development.  ESDM intervention can be provided in the home or other care, community, and educational settings by trained interventionists and parents during natural play and daily routines. ESDM aims to increase the rates of development in all domains for children with ASD and to decrease the symptoms of autism that impair children’s ability to learn from everyday experiences and interactions.   A book written for parents:  An Early Start for your Child with Autism is a guide to using everyday activities to help kids connect, communicate, and learn. Two additional published texts are also available for therapists and others who want more detail about the teaching approaches and are referenced below.

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