What is the Early Start Denver Model?

Early Start Denver Model: What It Is, Who It’s For, and How It Works

Quick answer: The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an early intervention approach for young children with autism that blends developmental, relationship-based teaching with principles from applied behavior analysis (ABA). It is play-based, highly interactive, and designed to build skills in communication, social engagement, and learning—especially in the toddler and preschool years.

Note: This article is educational, not medical advice. Your child’s care team can help determine which approach fits your child’s needs and goals.

Why parents hear about ESDM so often

When a child is diagnosed (or suspected) early, families want something that feels both:

  • Evidence-informed (measurable progress, real skill-building)
  • Child-centered (play-based, warm, not robotic)

ESDM is often discussed because it aims to deliver both—using playful, relationship-driven sessions while still being structured and goal-oriented.

Who ESDM is for

ESDM is typically used with very young children, often toddlers and preschoolers. It’s most associated with early developmental stages, when brain development and learning pathways are highly responsive to intervention.

Important: “Best” depends on the child. Some children thrive with an ESDM-style approach; others need more intensive or different formats. Many programs blend elements across approaches.

What ESDM targets (skills and goals)

ESDM generally focuses on functional, developmentally meaningful areas such as:

  • Social engagement: shared attention, joint play, turn-taking
  • Communication: gestures, words, requesting, back-and-forth interaction
  • Imitation and learning readiness: copying actions, responding to cues
  • Cognitive and play skills: flexible play, problem solving, early learning foundations
  • Adaptive skills: routines, participation, independence basics

What an ESDM session looks like

ESDM sessions are often described as “structured play.” You may see:

  • Therapist (or caregiver) following the child’s interests and motivation
  • Intentional teaching moments embedded in play
  • Lots of interaction: shared attention, smiles, turns, “social fun”
  • Short, repeated learning opportunities for the same skill
  • Use of reinforcement that feels natural (access to toys, attention, play, praise)

Rather than sitting at a table doing drills, ESDM often teaches skills in ways that resemble everyday play and routines.

How ESDM relates to ABA

Parents sometimes ask: “Is ESDM ABA?” A careful way to answer is:

  • ESDM uses ABA principles (teaching, reinforcement, goal tracking).
  • ESDM is also strongly developmental and relationship-based in how it structures learning.

In real-world practice, many quality early intervention programs borrow effective elements from multiple models.

ESDM vs. speech therapy and OT

ESDM often overlaps with what families are trying to achieve through speech therapy and occupational therapy, but the goals and methods can differ:

  • Speech therapy often focuses more specifically on language and communication systems (including AAC).
  • OT often focuses on sensory processing, motor skills, and functional daily living participation.
  • ESDM aims to build early learning through social engagement and communication within play.

Many children benefit from a coordinated plan that includes more than one service.

What to ask when choosing ESDM (or any early intervention)

  • How will progress be measured? (data, milestones, skill probes)
  • What goals are we targeting? (communication, behavior, daily living, school readiness)
  • How are caregivers involved? (coaching, home practice, routines)
  • How many hours are recommended and why?
  • What happens if progress stalls? (plan updates, reassessment)

Common mistakes (and better approaches)

  • Mistake: Choosing an approach based only on what “sounds nicest.”
    Better: Balance warmth with measurement: you want caring delivery and objective progress tracking.
  • Mistake: Expecting one model to cover everything.
    Better: Build a coordinated plan that targets your child’s specific needs, including speech, OT, and behavioral support when appropriate.
  • Mistake: Underestimating caregiver involvement.
    Better: Parent coaching and home routines often multiply progress.

FAQ

Is ESDM evidence-based?

ESDM is commonly described as evidence-informed and has been studied in early intervention settings. If you’re comparing programs, ask providers what outcomes they track and what research they rely on for their specific service model.

How many hours per week is ESDM?

Dosage varies by program and child need. Ask your provider how they determine recommended hours and what progress measures they use to adjust intensity.

Can parents do ESDM at home?

Many ESDM-style strategies are designed to be used in natural routines—especially when parents receive coaching. The key is consistency and embedding learning into everyday play and transitions.

Key takeaway

ESDM is a play-based early intervention approach that blends developmental teaching with ABA principles. For many young children, it can be a practical way to build communication and social learning through structured, engaging play—especially when caregivers are actively involved and progress is tracked over time.