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Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Principles of ESDM

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have core difficulties that make it harder for them to learn from everyday social situations.

The fact that individuals are most ready to learn a skill that is just beyond what they can already do.

ASD Specific deficits impede social learning

What are ASD-specific deficits?

• Limited eye contact

• Reduced joint attention (not pointing, not following gaze)

• Difficulty understanding facial expressions & emotions

• Limited imitation skills

• Reduced interest in people

Why does this impede social learning?

Many individuals learn naturally by:

• Watching others

• Copying actions

• Responding to social cues

But in ASD:

• The individual may not notice these cues

• May not respond meaningfully

• So learning that usually happens automatically has to be actively taught

At ESDM

In ESDM, we don’t wait for social learning to happen — we design it, scaffold it, and deliver it through relationships.

• Therapist adjusts goals moment-to-moment

• Builds small success steps

• Reinforces attempts, not just perfection

• Creates structured, playful social learning opportunities

• Works at the individual's just-right level

• Uses a team approach with parents at the center