What Is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?
A gentler, play-based way for young children to learn.
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based approach to autism therapy designed for young children — often toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of sitting your child at a table to drill skills, ESDM weaves learning into the things children already love: play, songs, snacks, and everyday moments with the people they trust.
It blends the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with what we know about how young children naturally develop — so therapy feels less like a program and more like connected, joyful play with a purpose behind every moment.
How children learn through play
Young children learn best when they're happy, engaged, and following their own interests. ESDM meets your child exactly there. If your child loves stacking blocks, that's where we build language, turn-taking, and problem-solving. If they light up at bubbles, that becomes a lesson in communication and social connection.
Because the learning is embedded in play your child already enjoys, they stay motivated — and skills tend to stick, because they were learned in real, meaningful moments rather than in isolation.
Relationships come first
ESDM is built on a simple truth: children learn from people they feel safe and connected with. Before we ask anything of your child, we focus on becoming someone they want to engage with — warm, responsive, and fun. That relationship is the foundation everything else is built on.
Parents are part of the plan
You know your child better than anyone, and ESDM treats you as an essential member of the team. We'll show you how to turn ordinary routines — getting dressed, mealtime, bath time, car rides — into natural learning opportunities, so growth doesn't only happen during sessions. It happens all day, with you.
How PBG brings ESDM into your child's care
- We follow your child's interests and build skills inside play they already love
- We prioritize connection and communication before compliance
- We deliver therapy in your home and community, where your child actually lives and learns
- We coach and partner with you so progress carries into everyday family life
- Our doctoral-level clinical leadership (BCBA-D) tailors every plan to your individual child
Developmental play vs. traditional table-based instruction
Both approaches are rooted in ABA science — but for many young children, a developmental, relationship-first approach is a more natural place to start. Traditional table-based ABA tends to be adult-directed, with skills drilled one at a time and rewards unrelated to the task. Play-based, developmental ESDM follows your child's interests, builds skills inside natural play, and makes the activity itself the reward. We'll always recommend what fits your child.
Wondering if this approach is right for your family? Let's get started — and we'll help you confirm that we accept your insurance.