Is the Early Start Denver Model the same as ABA?
Yes. The Early Start Denver Model is a form of ABA, not an alternative to it. It uses the same core principles, delivered through play rather than drills.
Here is what ESDM actually looks like, the ages it was designed for, the fair criticisms of it, and how Colorado families get it in their own home.
The model was developed in Denver, which is why the name confuses parents. It is an early intervention approach, not a Denver-only service.
Is the Early Start Denver Model the same as ABA?
ESDM is a form of ABA. It applies the same behavioural principles inside play and daily routines instead of structured teaching trials, so it looks very different while working the same way underneath.
- So it is not a competing method? No. Choosing ESDM does not mean choosing against ABA. It is one way of delivering it.
- Why does the name confuse people? It was developed in Denver, which makes it sound like a location rather than a method.
- Who developed it? Sally Rogers and Geraldine Dawson. It is one of the more heavily researched early intervention approaches for toddlers.
Budding Futures delivers ESDM as part of our early intervention work, alongside naturalistic teaching and assessments like VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R. More in our guide to ABA therapy for toddlers.
What is the Early Start Denver Model?
It is an early intervention approach that builds learning into play. The therapist follows what the child is already interested in and turns it into a teaching moment.
- What does it target? Communication, social interaction, imitation and play skills, which are the areas that unlock other learning.
- Is it evidence-based? It is among the most researched early intervention approaches for toddlers on the autism spectrum.
- Does it use rewards? It uses natural reinforcement. The activity itself is usually the motivation.
This is how our early sessions run anyway, which is why ESDM fits our model rather than sitting on top of it. See early intervention ABA in Colorado.
What ages is ESDM for?
It was designed for children roughly 12 to 48 months. That is the window the research focused on.
- What if my child is older? The naturalistic principles still apply, but the specific ESDM curriculum was built for toddlers. Older children get an approach matched to their age.
- Is my child too young to start? We start from 18 months. Earlier is generally better for this kind of work.
- What if we are still waiting on a diagnosis? Talk to us anyway. We can explain the sequence and where evaluation fits.
Budding Futures works with children from 18 months through 18 years, so the plan changes as your child does rather than ending at four.
What does an ESDM session actually look like?
Mostly it looks like play. An observer often cannot tell that teaching is happening, which is the point.
- Where does it happen? On the floor, at the table, in the kitchen, wherever your child already plays.
- How is progress tracked? Against specific objectives, reviewed by the supervising BCBA on the data rather than on impressions.
- What if my child refuses? The activity changes. Sessions are assent-based, so refusal is treated as information.
You are welcome to watch any session. More on how we handle refusal in trauma-informed ABA therapy.
What is the difference between ESDM and DIR Floortime?
Both follow the child's lead through play. ESDM sets specific measurable learning objectives and tracks them; Floortime centres on emotional and relational development.
- Is one better? They answer different questions. ESDM is the better fit when you want measurable skill targets alongside the play.
- Can a child have both? Families do combine approaches. Coordination matters more than the labels.
- What about Hanen? Hanen is parent-delivered communication coaching. It complements rather than replaces direct therapy.
We will tell you honestly if what you are describing is not something we are the right provider for.
What are the criticisms of the Early Start Denver Model?
The two fair ones are intensity and availability. Much of the research used more hours per week than most families can practically arrange, and trained providers are thin on the ground.
- Does fewer hours mean it will not work? Not necessarily, but be sceptical of anyone promising research-level outcomes at a fraction of research-level hours.
- Is the evidence overstated? Some early claims were stronger than later replications supported, which is common in intervention research.
- What should I ask a provider? How many hours they are recommending, why that number, and how they will know if it is working.
Our hours come from clinical need set by a BCBA after assessment, not from a fixed package, and they get reviewed on the data.
How do parents take part in ESDM?
Parent coaching is built in rather than bolted on. The approach assumes the people with your child all day are the ones who make skills stick.
- Do I need training? You get coached in the moment, during real routines, not sent away with a manual.
- How much time does it take? It folds into things you already do: meals, dressing, bath, play.
- What about siblings? Siblings can take part. They are often the best practice partners.
Parent coaching is part of every Budding Futures plan. See ABA parent training in Colorado.
How do I find ESDM therapy near me in Colorado?
Ask providers directly whether they deliver it and what their early intervention approach actually is. Many list methods they rarely use.
- What should I ask? Who supervises the plan, how many hours and why, and whether therapy happens at home.
- Does it have to be in a clinic? No. For toddlers, home is usually the better setting because the skills need to work there anyway.
- How do I check a BCBA? Search their name free on the BACB certificant registry.
Budding Futures delivers in-home early intervention statewide, including Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs and Lakewood. See all Colorado locations.
Does Medicaid or insurance cover ESDM in Colorado?
Coverage follows the ABA benefit. Because ESDM is a form of ABA rather than a separate service, it is billed as ABA.
- Are you enrolled with Health First Colorado? Yes, under Provider Types 83 and 84.
- What about commercial insurance? We accept Aetna and other major plans, and we check your benefits free before therapy starts.
- Is there a wait? No. There is no waitlist.
More detail in our guide to Medicaid ABA coverage in Colorado.
Can ESDM be delivered at home?
Yes, and for toddlers that is usually the better setting. The skills have to work at home, so teaching them there removes the transfer problem entirely.
- Do I need special equipment? No. Your child's own toys and routines are the material.
- What about daycare or preschool? We deliver sessions in daycares and preschools too, where the setting allows.
- Does the same therapist come each time? That is the goal. Consistency matters more for toddlers than almost anything else.
Budding Futures is an in-home practice across Colorado. See in-home ABA therapy.
Common questions from Colorado parents
Is ESDM the same as ABA?
Yes. The Early Start Denver Model is a form of ABA delivered through play and daily routines rather than structured teaching trials. It is not an alternative to ABA.
What ages is the Early Start Denver Model for?
It was designed for children roughly 12 to 48 months. Budding Futures works with children from 18 months through 18 years, with the approach matched to age.
Is the Early Start Denver Model only available in Denver?
No. The name comes from where it was developed, not where it is delivered. It is used internationally.
Does insurance cover ESDM in Colorado?
It is billed as ABA, so coverage follows the ABA benefit. We are enrolled with Health First Colorado under Provider Types 83 and 84 and check benefits for free.
How is ESDM different from DIR Floortime?
Both follow the child's lead. ESDM sets specific measurable objectives and tracks them; Floortime focuses on emotional and relational development.
Can ESDM happen in our home?
Yes, and for toddlers it is usually better. Skills learned where they are needed do not have to be transferred later.
Sources
NIH: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions
Peer-reviewed overview of the family of naturalistic approaches that ESDM belongs to.
Seattle Children's: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions
Plain-language explanation of the approach for families.
BACB: Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
The professional ethics code every BCBA works under, covering consent and dignity.
BACB: Verify BACB Certification
Free public registry for checking a behaviour analyst's certification is current.
CDC: Treatment and Intervention for Autism
Federal overview of autism intervention options, including behavioural approaches.
Want to know if this fits your child?
Tell us your child's age and what you are seeing. We will walk you through what early intervention would actually look like in your home.