FAQs: Early Start Denver Model
Is Early Start Denver Model the same as ABA?
Yes! The ESDM is based on principles of Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA, so it is one type of ABA-based therapy. This is great news because many insurance companies will cover up to 40 hours per week of ABA therapy. Many times, when people think of ABA, they think of a child sitting at a table doing the same boring task over and over, this is called Discrete Trial Training, or DTT. ESDM uses the same learning principles of DTT, but instead of sitting at a table, we use play and other daily routines to work on improving your child’s language, cognitive, play, and social skills. Children learn best through play and fun interaction with people which is why we choose to use ESDM versus other types of ABA.
What do you teach in ESDM?
ESDM is a comprehensive intervention, which means that we teach skills across nine different domains (receptive communication, expressive communication, social skills, imitation, play skills, cognitive skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and adaptive functioning skills including behavior).
How do you decide what to teach?
Every 12 weeks we will conduct the ESDM Curriculum Checklist. This is a 2-hour assessment where we play and engage with your child and ask you several questions about their skills and behavior. From this assessment, we identify skills that your child has mastered, skills that they are working on developing, and skills that they have yet to develop. From this checklist and from talking with you about your priorities, we’ll develop goals that will be addressed over the next 12 weeks. Also, we take data everyday so that we can closely monitor your child’s progress and move on to new skills as your child learns.
Who delivers the ESDM?
Typically, a team of therapists delivers the therapy, this allows your child to practice their skills with more than one person. A licensed BCBA and ESDM therapist will complete the assessments, write the objectives, provide parent training, and oversee the therapy. Behavior therapists (Registered Behavior Techs or BCaBAs) who have been trained in the ESDM will do most of the daily therapy sessions. An important part of the ESDM is the parent’s involvement. As described above, you’ll be a key part of developing treatment objectives. However, we will also work directly with you to help you implement some of the strategies we use in your daily routines. This helps your child generalize, or apply their skills in new situations.
Where does the therapy take place?
The strategies of ESDM can be implemented anywhere, but generally, sessions take place in your home or in our clinic. This is dependent on your preferences and on your proximity to our clinic.
How long does it take?
Typically, each session lasts 2 hours and we recommend between 10 and 20 hours per week. However, insurance providers can differ on what they cover and families may have specific situations. We are happy to work with you and your insurance provider to do what works best for your family.
What kind of progress can we expect?
The therapists who work with your child will take daily data and your BCBA will complete formal assessments every 12 weeks, so your child’s progress will be well-documented. If your child is not making progress on certain objectives, we’ll make data-driven decisions on how we can change the therapy to better support your child.
How can I learn more about ESDM?
The ESDM is a well-researched and publicly-available treatment approach. If you want to learn more, here are some great resources: Early Start Denver Model Book & Early Start Denver Model Website
