How ESDM Therapy Supports Communication and Social Skills Development
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Therapy is an evidence-based intervention designed for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It integrates applied behaviour analysis (ABA) principles with developmental and relationship-based approaches to foster a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth. One of the primary goals of ESDM Therapy is to enhance communication and social skills, which are often areas of difficulty for children with autism. This article delves into how ESDM Therapy supports these critical developmental areas. What is ESDM Therapy? ESDM Therapy is a comprehensive early intervention program for children with ASD, typically implemented between the ages of 12 and 48 months. Developed by Dr. Sally Rogers and Dr. Geraldine Dawson, ESDM combines play-based activities with structured teaching techniques. The therapy is designed to be flexible, allowing therapists and parents to tailor activities to a child’s interests and developmental level. The Importance of...