Play is more than just a way to keep children entertained—it’s their primary vehicle for learning and development. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a therapy approach specifically designed for young children identified as autistic that leverages the power of play to promote social, cognitive, and communication skills. This model is deeply rooted in the principles of play-based learning, which makes it particularly effective for early childhood development.
What is the Early Start Denver Model?
The ESDM is an evidence-based, comprehensive early intervention approach that blends behaviour techniques with a developmental, play-based approach. It is designed for children between 12 and 48 months and is effective for fostering essential skills in social interaction, language, cognition, and play through fun, meaningful activities tailored to each child’s interests and developmental level. At its core, ESDM emphasizes building strong relationships between the child and caregiver, therapist, or parent, using play as the bridge. The model focuses on engaging the child in positive social exchanges and then gradually increasing the complexity of these interactions as the child’s skills improve.
Why is Play So Effective in the ESDM Approach?
Encourages Natural Learning Children are naturally inclined to explore, imitate, and learn through play. ESDM harnesses this natural curiosity, making learning feel like a game rather than a chore. By tapping into the child’s natural interests, play-based learning creates a more engaging and effective therapy experience, increasing the chances of meaningful skill acquisition.
Supports Social and Communication Skills One of the core challenges for children with ASD is social communication, which can make traditional learning methods less effective. ESDM sessions focus on reciprocal play, where turn-taking, joint attention, and nonverbal cues like eye contact are central. Through play, children learn foundational social skills in a relaxed environment, helping to ease the anxiety they might feel in more structured settings.
Promotes Emotional and Cognitive Development In play-based ESDM sessions, children are encouraged to problem-solve, make choices, and navigate challenges in a supportive setting. This helps them build not only cognitive skills but also emotional resilience. Engaging in activities that involve pretend play, for example, helps children better understand emotions, both in themselves and others, which is crucial for developing empathy and social awareness.
Enhances Motivation and Focus When children are engaged in play, they’re typically more motivated and able to focus for longer periods. The ESDM approach tailors activities to the child’s individual interests, which increases their willingness to participate. Whether it’s a game with blocks or a song with gestures, using the child’s unique preferences keeps them focused and attentive, which accelerates learning.
Builds Confidence and Independence Play allows children to practice new skills in a safe, low-pressure environment. In ESDM, activities are structured to help children gradually master new abilities. Successes in these play sessions build their self-confidence, and with practice, they begin to apply these skills independently in their everyday lives, improving their sense of autonomy.
ESDM therapists observe each child’s play style and use it as a foundation for tailored interactions. During a session, the therapist engages in activities that are carefully planned to incorporate the child’s goals but unfold in a natural, playful manner. Some examples of play-based learning activities include:
Pretend Play: Encouraging the child to pretend (e.g., pretending a block is a car) helps improve cognitive flexibility, creativity, and social skills. It also supports symbolic thinking, which is foundational for language development.
Imitation Games: ESDM includes activities where the child can imitate the therapist or parent, such as clapping hands or making animal sounds. This improves joint attention, a skill often challenging for autistic children, and helps develop social connections.
Turn-Taking Games: Simple games, like rolling a ball back and forth or building a block tower together, introduce the concept of turn-taking, essential for successful social interactions.
Sensory Play: ESDM therapists often incorporate sensory activities—like playing with sand or water—that provide soothing experiences, helping children who may experience sensory sensitivities.
Young autistic children benefit immensely from approaches that respect their developmental stage and are grounded in natural, engaging experiences. The ESDM model recognizes that young children aren’t just “miniature adults” who can sit down for a traditional lesson—they learn by doing, experiencing, and interacting. Play-based learning acknowledges this developmental reality, making it both respectful of the child’s perspective and extraordinarily effective. Through the ESDM’s play-centered approach, children learn in a way that feels natural, enjoyable, and profoundly meaningful. This not only accelerates their development but also builds a foundation for a lifetime of learning.
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