Early Intervention

Research has shown that Early Intervention using relationship based interactions in natural play & caregiving activities, increases children’s rate of learning and development (in young children showing early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder). OKP therapists are trained in a range of these evidence based programs that can fit the individual needs of your child and family.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

Early Start Denver Model or ESDM is a relationship- based intervention that engages children in play situations and every day routines through exploration of their interests to gain attention and motivation for learning. Skills are taught through a naturalistic, play based model across a variety of developmental domains including communication, social interaction, peer engagement, play, fine and gross motor, critical thinking, self-help, and school readiness skills.

You and your child will have the opportunity to participate in parent coaching and/or child direct sessions to strengthen your child’s global development. All activities will be specifically designed for your child based on the goals you set together with the therapist. The therapist will work together with you throughout the program to help meet your child’s needs.

Playing Together

Playing Together is a social communication and play skills intervention that focuses on your child’s motivation and interests to build language, social and play skills through fun, play based activities. The program is informed by several evidence based strategies rooted in applied behaviour analysis. A strong focus on collaboration between the play partner and your child will help them feel empowered to take turns, share materials, initiate, develop and guide play activities.

Following a thorough play based assessment, 2-4 goals in the areas of social communication and play will be developed in collaboration with your family.

For more information on this program or to register, please contact a Service Facilitator.

Research has shown the Early Start Denver Model to increase children’s rate of learning and development with a particular emphasis on communication and social-emotional connectedness.

Resources

Help Your Child Develop Social Communication Skills – Help is in Your Hands handout

Communication is a social act. It involves sending messages in balanced, back and forth interactions with others using sounds, gestures, and/or words to express feelings, ask for things, refuse, greet people, make comments, ask questions, etc. 

Help is in Your Hands – Online Course

A Product of the C-ESDM Project Developed by Sally Rogers and Aubyn Stahmer