Early Start Denver Model

A study released in November 2010 shows that early intervention in toddlers with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) showed significant results.

The Early Start Denver Model brings together the teaching of behavioral analysis with approaches based on developmental relationships, such as parent-child and teacher-pupil.

The model is new because it blends the discipline of behavior analysis with play-based routines as a way to build a relationship with the child with autism. The approach can start with children as young as 12 months old.

A small US study involving toddlers diagnosed with autism, some as as young as 18 months old, showed that intensive early intervention delivered by trained specialists and parents was very effective and improved IQ, social interaction and language ability.  Read more »

Local Resources

Emerging Minds — Our approach is formed by naturalistic behavioural, developmental, and social/relationship-based therapies.  We draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches and from a range of therapy disciplines (including psychology, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour analysis, and education). This therapy is based in the child's natural environment.  Emerging Minds also offers the Early Start Denver Model Therapy (ABA based) for very young children.