Early Start Denver Model for Young Children with Autism, First Edition: Promoting Language, Learning, and Engagement

From leading authorities, this state-of-the-art manual presents the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), the first comprehensive, empirically tested intervention approach specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers with autism. Supported by the principles of developmental psychology and applied behavior analysis, ESDM's intensive teaching interventions are delivered within play-based, relationship-focused routines. The manual provides structured, hands-on strategies for working with very young children in individual and group settings to promote development in such key domains as imitation; communication; social, cognitive, and motor skills; adaptive behavior; and play. Implementing individualized treatment plans for each child requires the use of an assessment tool, the ESDM Curriculum Checklist. A nonreproducible checklist is included in the manual for reference, along with instructions for use; 8A " x 11" copies are sold separately in sets of 15 ready-to-use booklets.

Table of Contents:
1. Current Understanding of Infant Learning and Autism 2. An Overview of the Early Start Denver Model 3. Using the Early Start Denver Model 4. Developing Short-Term Learning Objectives 5. Formulating Daily Teaching Targets and Tracking Progress 6. Developing Plans and Frames for Teaching 7. Developing Imitation and Play 8. Developing Nonverbal Communication 9. Developing Verbal Communication 10. Using the Early Start Denver Model in Group Settings Appendix A. Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist and Item Descriptions Appendix B. Early Start Denver Model Teaching Fidelity Rating System: Administration and Coding

About the Author :
Sally J. Rogers, PhD, M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA, and Geraldine Dawson, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks, Inc., and Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Review :
"This book marks a very significant milestone in the development of appropriate interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorders. The integration of goals and teaching strategies from developmental, behavioral, and context-oriented approaches is unique. The chapters on theory will press even experienced interventionists to think about what they are attempting and why, and the detailed descriptions of activities show exactly how theory meets practice. With multisite research underway to test the encouraging results of early studies, this manual will enable interventionists to think more broadly; choose concrete, measurable, and useful goals for each child; and collaborate across disciplines within a comprehensive intervention framework." - Catherine Lord, Director, University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, USA "A huge achievement. This book will be indispensable to clinicians, educators, and others who care for young children with autism. Two distinguished scientist-practitioners have teamed up to present an innovative, evidence-based, comprehensive intervention that integrates developmental principles with applied behavior-analytic teaching approaches. Written in a clear and engaging style with many helpful case examples, the book takes readers step by step through all aspects of the intervention -- its conceptual framework, initial evaluation of the child with autism, collaboration with the child's family, curriculum design, teaching methods, and systems for monitoring progress." - Tristram Smith, Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, USA "Rogers and Dawson have met an important need for early intervention service providers with this stunningly comprehensive manual. The great strength of the manual is its blend of scientific and practical knowledge that focuses on producing important developmental outcomes for children. It presents an assessment process and instrument (the ESDM Curriculum Checklist) that pinpoint important developmental goals, as well as detailed information about practices and fidelity that will be of great benefit to service providers who want to implement the model. Early Start Denver Model for Young Children with Autism is one of the best examples of translating science into practice; it will serve as the standard against which future treatment manuals in the field are judged." - Samuel L. Odom, Director, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA