The Early Start Denver Model is an evidence-based early intervention program for children with autism aged 12 to 48 months. Developed by Sally Rogers and Geraldine Dawson, ESDM combines applied behavior analysis teaching techniques with developmental and relationship-based approaches. Therapists and parents use play-based activities to target goals across all developmental domains — communication, social skills, cognition, motor skills, adaptive behavior, and play. A landmark 2012 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry showed that children receiving ESDM demonstrated improvements in IQ, language, adaptive behavior, and brain responses to social stimuli compared to community-based intervention.
ESDM is classified as an NDBI and can be billed as ABA in states that recognize it. Families with young children should ask whether their ABA provider is ESDM-trained. Early intervention maximizes outcomes.