Early Intervention for Autistic
LITTLE SOMETHING
EARLY START DENVER MODEL
and
Project ImPACT
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
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At Kindred Kids, we are proud to deliver cutting-edge care tailored to each child’s developmental needs. Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is at the heart of our approach, offering a comprehensive, play-based intervention model specifically designed for young Autistic children, aged 12-48 months. This model is unique in its focus on integrating developmental, behavioural, and relationship-based principles into naturalistic and child-led intervention, ensuring that each child receives personalised support to strengthen core skills in communication, social interaction, and play.
Grounded in over a decade of research, ESDM has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes in young children, improving not only developmental milestones but also family satisfaction and engagement. Each session involves fun, interactive activities that are carefully chosen to align with developmental objectives, making learning a joyful and engaging experience for the child. ESDM’s focus on joint attention and shared positive experiences allows children to form meaningful connections with their practitioners, enhancing learning outcomes and fostering a love for social interaction.
Our practitioners are extensively trained in ESDM, following evidence-based methods to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and motivated. Through this approach, children at Kindred Kids gain essential skills that prepare them for social, academic, and personal success, empowering them to thrive beyond the therapeutic setting.
Project ImPACT (Parent Training)
For parents and families seeking an active role in their child’s developmental progress, Project ImPACT offers a powerful, research-supported parent training pathway. Project ImPACT stands for 'Improving Parents As Communication Teachers' and is a parent-delivered intervention approach that equips parents with essential tools and strategies to build their child’s social, communication, and imitation skills within natural daily routines. Recognising that parents are their child’s first and most consistent teachers, Project ImPACT transforms everyday moments—such as playtime, mealtimes, and family activities—into enriching learning opportunities.
This program is built on decades of evidence in early intervention and parent training, proving to be highly effective in strengthening communication and social skills in Autistic children. Through our structured yet flexible sessions, parents learn practical strategies to engage their child, reinforce positive behaviour, and foster communication skills in a way that feels natural and empowering. The program’s focus on responsive teaching methods and positive reinforcement enables parents to gain confidence as active participants in their child’s progress, helping them build deeper bonds and shared understanding.
Our skilled practitioners provide step-by-step guidance and support, tailoring each session to address specific goals and needs of each family. By working together, parents and practitioners create a supportive environment that enables the child to make meaningful strides toward greater independence and engagement in their world. Project ImPACT not only supports children in reaching developmental milestones but also enriches family life by strengthening the parent-child relationship, making each achievement a shared celebration.
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How Early Intervention is provided
Early Intervention services are currently provided from our specialist Early Intervention clinic in Sippy Downs. With some limited Early Intervention services being integrated into Meadow Lane Early Learning centre during 2025 and beyond.
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Intervention occurs in 10 or 11 week cycles. Generally, children engaged in the Early Intervention program access the following regular intervention opportunities weekly:
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Individual therapy 1:1 with the ESDM Practitioner
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Group therapy 3:5 with trained ESDM Practitioners and an Early Childhood Supports Therapy Assistant
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Parent Training Sessions (optional but highly recommended).
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Community-based Therapy Assistant sessions (optional but highly recommended)
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At the end of each cycle, children are re-assessed using the robust ESDM method and Parents are provided with a clear and detailed report of their child's progress towards their goals.
Clinical Research References
Interested in looking into the formal peer-reviewed clinical research evidence? Check out the evidence-base for our approaches by downloading our Research Evidence Fact-Sheets below.
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