Weaving play with measurable results, Ascendigo Autism Services recently expanded to include the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), an early-intervention program. Specifically designed for children 0 to 5 years old, ESDM is an evidence-based program that has been implemented in schools, clinical settings and homes around the country.
“We are so thrilled to launch this in the Valley,” Ascendigo President and CEO Amy Grogan said. “We can connect with families as quickly and as early as possible, and with a model that we know has a proven track record.”
The model couples Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with developmental science to support children with autism or developmental disabilities as they build key foundational skills. Likened to a playbook, the ESDM provides therapists and caregivers tailored plans around each child’s strengths, interests and goals.
“It matches up those two [practices] perfectly so you’re working on all the right skills at the right time,” Ascendigo Clinical Supervisor Sarah McGough said. “It’s … structured so it gives you a pathway as a therapist or a parent on what the child is supposed to be doing right now.”
Young learners are incredibly moldable and undergo significant brain development. With early intervention, children have more opportunities to practice and strengthen skills, such as communication, social interactions and routines that can help them thrive.
“How do you enter a conversation? How do you play well? All of these things may come easy for some families, and be really hard for others,” McGough said. “[The ESDM is] also very individualized, so whatever that foundational skill is we’re going to focus on.”
Through the ESDM, the family unit plays an essential role. While most therapeutic approaches see the parents and caregivers as the experts on their child, the program takes it a step further by encouraging the families to be active participants from start to finish. Ideally the families feel confident enough to integrate the plan into their home life.
“Families help shape the goals of what we’re trying to work on,” Grogan said. “[The] ESDM has such a proven track record of successful outcomes, because the parents are a critical component of everything that is happening.”
In addition to her credentials, McGough and her team of qualified professionals have undergone ESDM-specific training.
“I have a really fantastic team working with me,” McGough said. “They’re just really fun, empathetic and charismatic people. We’re very lucky.”
The best part? ESDM really is all fun and games.
“It’s not like sitting in a chair and doing work,” McGough said. “I’m crawling all over that clinic or preschool with trucks and Barbies … It’s very fun to implement. We’ve heard feedback from parents that their kids respond to it very well because it’s fun.”
Funding comes from the New and Innovative Grant created by the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. The grant was awarded to programs focused on improving the quality of life and increasing independence for Coloradans with disabilities. Currently, Ascendigo can support four to six families as they continue to thoughtfully grow during this initial year.
“In tandem with ESDM and the growth for the littles, 0 to 5, we are also making lovely movements on our waitlist for school-age kiddos, too,” Grogan said.
Families can use private insurance or Medicaid to access services. As the program rolls out, Grogan said that they will continue to evaluate and implement ways to support families.
“I’m grateful we were able to launch and expand our services in what I hope is really impactful,” Grogan concluded. “With the support of the grant and the capable and talented team we have in house, we were able to press go.”
Visit ascendigo.org/early-start-denver-model to learn more.