January 5, 2026
At Playability Behavior & Learning, we’re excited to introduce the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) as part of our early intervention services in 2026! The ESDM is an evidence-based, play-based developmental therapy designed especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It blends natural play, family involvement, developmental goals, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) to help your child grow in meaningful ways.
ESDM stands for Early Start Denver Model, a therapeutic approach created for young children (typically ages 12–48 months) that uses everyday interactions and play to teach important life skills. It integrates developmental science and naturalistic ABA strategies to support communication, social engagement, and learning right where your child feels most comfortable , at home and in real-life routines.
✨ Boosts Communication & Social Skills - Through joyful, shared activities, children learn to communicate with confidence, respond to social cues, and connect with others.
✨ Supports Cognitive Growth - ESDM encourages problem-solving, imitation, and learning through play — all essential building blocks for lifelong learning.
✨ Involves Parents as Partners - Parents don’t watch from the side; they learn helpful strategies during therapy that they can use throughout their child’s day to reinforce learning.
✨ Play-Based & Fun - Therapy happens through games, songs, shared exploration, and toys your child already loves , not worksheets or boring drills.
Research shows that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes ,especially for very young learners. ESDM takes advantage of the brain’s early neuroplasticity (its ability to grow and change rapidly in early life), guiding each child’s development across communication, cognitive, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior areas.
If you live in Lehi, Highland, Alpine, or anywhere in Utah County and are seeking a play-based developmental therapy grounded in science and joy, ESDM could be a powerful option for your child. Stay tuned , we’ll be offering this approach soon and would love to talk with you about how it can support your family’s goals.