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Comprehensive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment pp 45–62Cite as

Early Start Denver Model

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Abstract

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive developmental and behavioral early intervention approach developed through the collaborative effort of Sally Rogers and Geraldine Dawson, with roots of the methodology going back as early as 1981. ESDM relies on a developmental framework that considers the exploratory nature of infants and young children and Applied Behavio Analysis (ABA) to teach skills to very young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The scientific background, conceptual framework, and reliance on transdisciplinary team efforts in ESDM to promote best outcomes for young children with ASD from birth through 48 months of age are described. Further, discussion of the overlap and inclusion of applied behavior analytic concepts, as well as Pivotal Response Training (PRT) principles, is detailed in relation to treatment methods and aims to improve social awareness and connectedness with social partners. The full model of ESDM is outlined, including assessment, goal selection, intervention delivery, data collection, and review of progress. Also, research on the effectiveness of ESDM is presented with regard to behavioral and neurobiological markers of change.

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Disclosures

I receive royalties for materials I have written and for materials I have created for training. I receive honoraria for talks that I give.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. UC Davis, Mind Institute, Davis, CA, USA

    Sally Rogers Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Sally Rogers Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sally Rogers Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Child Development, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA

    Raymond G. Romanczyk

  2. Autism Partnership, Seal Beach, California, USA

    John McEachin

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Rogers, S. (2016). Early Start Denver Model. In: Romanczyk, R., McEachin, J. (eds) Comprehensive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40904-7_3

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