What is ESDM?The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is an evidence-based early intervention approach designed to support young children with autism and developmental differences. It is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention that combines developmental teaching strategies with principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).ESDM therapy takes place through play, shared activities and everyday routines. Rather than relying only on structured table-based learning, therapists follow the child’s interests and create enjoyable opportunities for learning within meaningful interactions. This helps children remain engaged, motivated and connected with the people around them.ESDM can support development across a wide range of areas, including:Communication and languageSocial interaction and engagementPlay and imitation skillsAttention and participationEmotional regulationCognitive and early learning skillsFine and gross motor developmentIndependence and daily living skillsEach child receives an individualised program based on their strengths, developmental needs and family priorities. Goals are carefully selected, broken down into achievable steps and regularly monitored through ongoing observation and data collection. Therapy strategies are adjusted as the child develops and progresses.A key part of ESDM is building positive relationships and helping children learn through warm, responsive interactions. Parents and caregivers may also receive coaching so that helpful strategies can be used naturally at home and throughout everyday routines.At Clever Kids Early Intervention, we use a team-around-the-child approach. This means we collaborate with families, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, educators, kindergartens and schools to provide consistent support across the child’s different environments. Our goal is to help each child build meaningful skills, strengthen their confidence and reach their individual potential.

Yes. Our ESDM programs are overseen by an ESDM Certified Therapist, and all therapists delivering ESDM at Clever Kids have completed advanced ESDM training. All our therapists also have a background in allied health via a Bachelors degree in Psychology, Speech Pathology or Occupational therapy.Our team members receive ongoing clinical supervision, mentoring and professional development to ensure therapy is delivered consistently and to a high standard. Depending on their role, therapists may also hold qualifications or experience in psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, behaviour support, education or allied health assistance.Team members who are not independently ESDM certified work under the guidance and supervision of an ESDM Certified Therapist. All staff are carefully selected based on their qualifications, experience and ability to provide warm, respectful and child-centred support.Our therapists also complete the relevant screening and safety requirements for working with children. At Clever Kids, we are committed to evidence-based practice, ongoing learning and providing high-quality support across clinic, home, kindergarten and school environments.

Clever Kids Early Intervention provides support for children and young people from birth to 18 years of age.Our ESDM programs are designed for children aged 7 years and under, focusing on early communication, social engagement, play, learning, emotional regulation and independence.For children aged 7 years and over, we offer individualised behavioural therapy to support areas such as emotional regulation, communication, social skills, independence, behaviour and participation at home, school and in the community.Our Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology services are available for children and young people aged 0–18 years. Each service is tailored to the child’s developmental needs, strengths and family priorities.

The length of time a child may benefit from therapy is different for every child. It depends on factors such as their individual strengths, developmental needs, therapy goals, rate of progress, family priorities and how consistently they attend and practise skills across everyday environments.Some children may require short-term support to work on specific goals, while others may benefit from ongoing or intensive therapy across several developmental areas. At Clever Kids Early Intervention, we regularly review each child’s progress, collect data and update their goals to ensure therapy remains meaningful, effective and suited to their changing needs.We work collaboratively with families to discuss progress, priorities and recommendations. As children achieve their goals, therapy may be reduced, adjusted, transitioned to a different service or concluded when intensive support is no longer required. Our aim is not to keep children in therapy longer than necessary, but to help them develop practical skills, confidence and independence that can be used at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.

Our pricing is aligned with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.Families who are self-managed or plan-managed are able to use their NDIS funding for eligible Clever Kids Early Intervention services.During your complimentary initial consultation, we will discuss your child’s strengths, support needs, family priorities and recommended level of therapy. We will then develop an individualised service plan that provides value, supports meaningful outcomes and reflects best-practice recommendations.Our fees are explained clearly before services begin, including session costs, therapy hours and any associated non-face-to-face supports. We are committed to maintaining a transparent and fair fee structure tailored to each child’s individual needs.

Each session at Clever Kids Early Intervention is individually planned around your child’s strengths, developmental needs, interests and therapy goals. Sessions are designed to be engaging, predictable and supportive, while giving children plenty of opportunities to practise new skills through play, everyday routines and meaningful activities.For younger children participating in ESDM, sessions are play-based and may include a combination of shared play, communication activities, imitation, social interaction, early learning, fine and gross motor tasks, self-care skills and emotional regulation support. Therapists follow the child’s interests while intentionally creating learning opportunities throughout the session.For older children receiving behavioural therapy, sessions may focus on communication, emotional regulation, social skills, independence, flexibility, school participation and positive behaviour support. Strategies are tailored to the child and are taught in a respectful, strengths-based way.Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology sessions are structured according to the child’s individual assessment and goals. Therapy may involve direct intervention, practical activities, caregiver education, home programs and collaboration with other members of the child’s support team.Sessions generally include:A review of current goals and recent progressA predictable visual or activity scheduleA combination of therapist-led and child-led activitiesOpportunities to practise skills across different activitiesMovement, sensory or regulation breaks when requiredData collection and progress monitoringFeedback and practical strategies for parents or caregiversOur sessions may take place in the clinic, at home, at kindergarten or school, depending on the child’s needs and service plan. We also collaborate with families, educators and other allied health professionals to help children use their skills consistently across everyday environments.