Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Play-based early intervention to support communication, social skills, learning, and development in children 0-5 years using ESDM.
If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s development or what to do next, you’re not alone. Early support can make a meaningful difference—and we’re here to guide you through it.
You might be noticing:
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![Icon representing big emotions, emotional regulation difficulties, and frequent meltdowns in young children receiving early intervention support]()
Big emotions or frequent meltdowns
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![Icon representing challenges with play skills, social interaction, and peer engagement in children]()
Difficulty with play or social interaction
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![Icon representing difficulty following instructions, routines, and daily tasks in early childhood development]()
Challenges following instructions
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![Icon representing rigidity, repetitive routines, and difficulty with transitions between activities]()
Rigidity or trouble with transitions
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![Icon representing delayed speech, language development, and communication difficulties in young children]()
Delayed speech or difficulty communicating
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![Icon representing limited eye contact, reduced engagement, and social communication differences]()
Limited eye contact or engagement
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![Icon representing repetitive behaviours, repetitive play styles, and restricted patterns of behaviour]()
Repetitive behaviours or play style
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![Icon representing difficulty connecting, responding, and socially engaging with other people]()
Difficulty connecting or responding to others
Fostering learning through joyful, meaningful interactions for young children with autism & developmental differences.
Book ESDM Therapy in Kogarah
Our Early Intervention Pathway
1. Free 15-Minute Parent Consultation
A free 15-minute phone consultation is often the first step for parents or carers seeking support for a young child aged 0–5 years who may be experiencing developmental, communication, social, play, or behavioural challenges.
This brief consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and share a little about your child’s strengths and current needs. We can explore whether Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) support may be a helpful fit and discuss possible next steps.
This call is designed to offer parents clarity, guidance, and a chance to determine whether further assessment or early intervention support may be beneficial.
2. ESDM Assessment
An Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) assessment is often the next step for families seeking early intervention support for young children with autism or developmental differences. This process includes a 2-hour assessment session, written report, and parent feedback session.
The assessment involves structured, play-based observation of your child, alongside a parent discussion to better understand your child’s strengths, developmental profile, and areas where additional support may be helpful across key areas such as communication, social engagement, play, learning, and everyday functioning.
This process helps inform individualised recommendations and ESDM goal planning to guide future support and your child’s development within everyday routines.
3. Ongoing ESDM Early Intervention Sessions
Ongoing ESDM early intervention sessions run for approximately one hour and are informed by your child’s individual goals and priorities. Sessions are delivered using play-based, relationship-focused strategies consistent with the Early Start Denver Model.
During sessions, your child is supported through engaging activities that promote communication, social interaction, play, and participation in everyday routines. Progress is monitored over time, and strategies are adjusted to meet your child’s changing needs.
Parents and caregivers are supported through practical guidance and discussion, with a focus on strategies that can be used at home and in daily routines. Session fees include parent feedback, planning time, and required documentation.
All about ESDM for Children with Autism and Developmental Differences
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The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a proven, play-based therapy designed for toddlers with autism and young children experiencing developmental delays. It is commonly used as an early intervention approach for children aged 0–5 years.
Key benefits include:
Evidence-based early intervention combining developmental and behavioural techniques.
Focus on improving communication, social, and cognitive skills.
Play-based therapy delivered in a fun, natural environment that encourages learning.
Flexible and tailored to each child’s unique needs and goals.
Helps children achieve progress in communication, social interaction, and overall development.
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The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based early intervention therapy for young children aged approximately 12 months to 6 years who are autistic or experiencing differences in early development. It is well suited to families seeking early childhood therapy or autism early intervention support through a flexible, play-based approach tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Children do not need a formal autism diagnosis to benefit from ESDM. This approach can also support children with differences in speech and language development, social interaction, play, or early learning. ESDM focuses on building communication, social engagement, and cognitive skills within everyday routines, helping children develop in a fun, natural, and meaningful way.
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Yes, we do offer home visits, however space is limited. This can be discussed in your initial phone call.
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The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is supported by a strong and growing body of research. Studies have shown that children who participate in ESDM may demonstrate positive changes in areas such as communication, social engagement, play, and early learning skills.
Research, including randomised controlled trials, has highlighted the benefits of early intervention approaches that combine developmental and behavioural principles. Some studies have also explored how ESDM can support brain development in young autistic children. While outcomes vary for each child, the evidence supports ESDM as a well-established, evidence-based early intervention approach.
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Mind Project supports families who are privately paying, self-managed, or plan-managed through the NDIS. This allows for flexible scheduling, personalised early intervention support, and timely access to ESDM services.
At this time, services are not available for NDIA-managed participants. Fees are set in line with the NDIS Price Guide 2025–2026, supporting transparency and consistency across all early childhood intervention services.
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At Mind Project in Kogarah, Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) early intervention combines evidence-based practice with play, warmth, and strong family connection. Sessions are tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and developmental needs, with a focus on communication, social engagement, play, and everyday learning.
Sessions use natural, play-based activities to build new skills while supporting parents to confidently use ESDM strategies at home and in daily routines. Our approach supports children aged approximately 18 months to 5 years to grow, connect, and participate meaningfully in family and community life.
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At Mind Project, parents and caregivers are an important part of the ESDM process. Your child takes part in engaging, play-based sessions using toys and activities that support learning and connection. Parent involvement may look different for each family—some parents join sessions, while others prefer support and guidance outside the session.
Strategies are shared in ways that fit your family, with practical ideas that can be used at home and in everyday routines such as mealtimes, play, or time with siblings. Progress is monitored regularly so families can see their child’s growth over time and celebrate meaningful steps forward. By working in partnership with families, skills learned in sessions are supported to carry over into daily life.
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Yes, we are currently accepting new clients. Appointments are currently available on Thursday mornings, with limited places.
“Patience, compassion, and personalised support is essential to help children reach their full potential.”
- Jessica Laundy - Early Childhood Development Therapist
The Research behind ESDM
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is supported by a strong body of research, including multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs are widely recognised as the gold standard in research because they reduce bias and allow reliable comparisons between intervention approaches.
Research has shown that children who participate in ESDM-based early intervention can make meaningful gains across areas such as communication, social engagement, play skills, and cognitive development. These findings have contributed to ESDM being widely recognised and used as an evidence-based early intervention approach for young children with autism.
ESDM continues to be evaluated in peer-reviewed research, supporting its use as a developmentally informed, play-based model grounded in current scientific evidence.
Supported by rigorous scientific research, ESDM is a well-established, evidence-based early intervention approach.
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![Abstract brain icon representing evidence-based autism intervention research and developmental outcomes in the Early Start Denver Model]()
Randomised control trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism
This study showed that ESDM led to significant improvements in IQ, language, and adaptive behaviour in toddlers with autism compared to a control group receiving standard interventions.
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![Line art icon of therapist and child playing together during an Early Start Denver Model therapy session for autistic children]()
RCT of a mixed ESDM for toddlers and preschoolers with autism
A RCT comparing ESDM and the popular Discrete Trial Training (DTT), found that children who undertook ESDM had better outcomes in developmental abilities in gross motor, personal-social skills and language for preschoolers with mild/moderate ASD compared to those who undertook DTT.
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![Line art icon of child reading books representing learning, language development, and early intervention outcomes in ESDM research]()
Effectiveness and feasibility of the early start denver model implemented in a group-based community childcare setting
This study found that children who undertook ESDM in a preschool setting over the course of a year showed significantly higher gains in developmental rate and receptive language compared to a control group.
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![Minimal line art book icon representing published journal articles and evidence-based research supporting the Early Start Denver Model]()
Reducing maladaptive behaviors in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder using the ESDM
This study found that the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) significantly reduced maladaptive behaviours in preschool-aged children with ASD, with most showing improvements within 12 weeks, supporting ESDM's effectiveness in both developmental growth and behaviour management.
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![Line art icon of therapist and young child engaging in play-based early intervention therapy within a preschool community setting]()
Clinical outcomes of an early intervention program for preschool children with ASD in a community group setting
This study found that group-based ESDM intervention in a childcare setting significantly improved language, intellectual functioning, and motor skills in preschool-aged children with ASD, highlighting its effectiveness even in community settings where one-to-one therapy may not be feasible.
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![Line art icon of parent and child hugging, representing connection, attachment, and family-centred support in ESDM therapy for autistic children]()
Integrating ESDM in ASD Preschools in Israel
A pilot study in Israel found that children receiving the Group Early Start Denver Model showed better developmental and adaptive outcomes compared to those receiving usual care.
Why play-based therapy matters.
“Play isn’t just fun—it’s the most powerful way young children learn new skills, build relationships, and discover their world.”
Jessica Laundy - Early Childhood Development Therapist
Free Resources
Supporting a child’s development doesn’t stop between sessions. Explore our free ESDM resources and articles, developed to help parents build confidence, understand their child’s learning style, and apply evidence-based strategies in everyday routines.
Meet Your Therapist
Jess has been working with children since 2014. She supports children with behaviour, emotional regulation, and everyday challenges.
Jess takes a practical, down-to-earth approach—working closely with parents to understand what’s really going on and providing clear strategies that feel manageable in everyday life.
