Early Days Autism Center

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

ESDM is a naturalistic and routine-based program that integrates a relationship-focused developmental model with teaching practices and strategies of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA/not DTT). It is the first comprehensive behavioral education empirically validated and considered Evidence-Based-Practice for toddlers with autism (ages 12-36 months and continuing until ages 48-60 months). ESDM is grounded in current empirical knowledge of infant learning, developmental psychology and education.

In practice, ESDM uses daily routines and play-based activities to facilitate developmental trajectories in young infants who are at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder similar to their peers with typical development, reducing the severity of autism symptoms, and accelerating children’s developmental rates in all domains, and in particular on cognitive, and social-emotional skills, communication, fine and gross motor development.

For more information about ESDM please visit the UC Davis site or use link: UC Davis Mind Institute

The Group-Based Early Start Denver Model (GESDM ) is an approach developed at La Trobe university for delivering ESDM in group based programs. By implementing the GESDM children can receive education within existing community group programs; the group environment provides them with opportunities to participate in cooperative play activities with peers (both with ASD and without) and to initiate communication with peers. Furthermore it allows for targeting educational goals in the social domains.

The GESDM Manual (available here) was published at 2017 as part of the cooperation between La Trobe university and Prof. Rogers own team, Dr. Giacomo Vivanti and Dr. Cynthia Zierhut Ursu who joined the Australian program to lead the research and implementation of a group based ESDM program, the outcomes of this program have been reported in a number of scientific publications.

• What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

  ESDM is a naturalistic, routine-based program that integrates a relationship-focused developmental model with the teaching practices and strategies of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), not Discrete Trial Training (DTT). It is the first comprehensive behavioral educational approach to be empirically validated and recognized as an evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism between 12 and 36 months of age, with intervention often continuing through 48 to 60 months.

  Grounded in developmental psychology, education, and infant learning research, ESDM uses play-based activities and everyday routines to encourage developmental progress across communication, cognitive, social-emotional, fine motor, and gross motor skills while reducing the severity of autism symptoms.

  To learn more, visit the UC Davis MIND Institute.

• What is the Group Early Start Denver Model (GESDM)?

  The Group-Based Early Start Denver Model (GESDM) was developed at La Trobe University as a way to deliver ESDM within group learning environments. By implementing GESDM, children participate in community-based preschool programs where they engage in cooperative play, build communication skills, and develop meaningful peer relationships with both children with and without autism.

  The GESDM Manual, published in 2017 through a collaboration between La Trobe University, Dr. Sally Rogers' team, Dr. Giacomo Vivanti, and Dr. Cynthia Zierhut Ursu, documents the research and implementation of this innovative group-based model. The program's outcomes have since been reported in numerous scientific publications.

  View the GESDM Manual

• About Early Days Autism Center (EDAC)

  EDAC began in 2015 as a community-based program providing Early Start Denver Model services in home settings throughout the Sacramento area. In 2016, the organization transitioned to implementing the Group Early Start Denver Model within community-based preschool and inclusive educational settings.

  In 2018, EDAC founded its nonprofit partner, Every Child, to further its mission of researching, training, and implementing GESDM in early childhood education. By 2020 and 2021, the organization expanded into the San Francisco Bay Area and Orange County, opening additional centers.

  Today, EDAC partners with schools around the world, has trained more than 60 early educators, and continues to advance GESDM through its demonstration programs and consultation services.

• Programs & Services

  • One-on-One Therapy: Intensive ESDM intervention for our youngest clients who are not yet ready for group programming.
  • Parent Coaching: A 12-session "ESDM for Parents" coaching program developed at the UC Davis MIND Institute and delivered by certified coaches.
  • Play Groups: Parent coaching combined with peer play experiences that promote communication and social interaction.
  • Group Programs: Specialized GESDM groups supporting communication, play, and social skill development.
  • Inclusion Programs: Consultation and supervision for preschool inclusion programs utilizing the GESDM approach.
  • Consulting: Professional coaching, supervision, and consultation for clinicians and educators.

• Who We Serve

  We provide consultation and professional support in ESDM and GESDM for:

  • Parents
  • Clinical Professionals
  • Educators

• Meet Our Founder

  Dr. Cynthia Zierhut Ursu, Ph.D., is a developmental and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. She spent twelve years at the UC Davis MIND Institute as a clinical supervisor and project manager under the mentorship of Dr. Sally J. Rogers while also serving as a lead trainer for the ESDM Training Program.

  Dr. Zierhut Ursu also helped lead the collaborative Group-ESDM project in Melbourne, Australia, alongside Dr. Cheryl Dissanayake and Dr. Giacomo Vivanti. Her mission is to expand access to high-quality ESDM training and intervention so more children and families can benefit from early, evidence-based autism services.

• Our Team

  EDAC is a team of certified therapists, instructional assistants, and consultants providing services in English.

  We currently work with providers including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, MHN, Magellan, Tricare, and United Healthcare.

  *Verification of benefits is required to determine eligibility.