Evidence Base Analysis of the Effectiveness of Early Intervention Models the DIRFloortime Model and the ESDM Model. Part 2. ESDM Model

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objectives</strong>. Describing empirically proven algorithms of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a relevant task to compare variants of the model practically presented in the correctional space and the empirically proven variant. The basic empirical studies of the effectiveness of the ESDM model are analyzed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods</strong>. The review considers 9 English-language sources, 5 articles in Russian, and a textbook on the Denver Early Intervention Model, which describe evaluations mainly in the format of randomized and controlled trials of the effectiveness of the ESDM model.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results.&nbsp;</strong>The results of the analysis of the cited studies indicate a significantly greater effectiveness of the ESDM approach for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to standard available care options on such parameters as: receptive and expressive speech, socialization, daily living skills, communication, motor skills, reduction of the main symptoms of autism, and reduction of parental stress.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusions</strong>. The basic evidence-based applications of the ESDM model are described, which include: writing an individualized care plan, intensive sessions with the child for approximately 15 hours per week, regular parent training, independent interaction with children for approximately 2&mdash;3 hours per day, and age of onset of care between 18 and 30 months. The conclusion has been made that the Early Start Denver Model (EDSM) is appropriate for working with early age children showing signs of ASD.</p>