Watch our
Early Intervention
Webinars
COMPLETE ENROLMENT ENQUIRY FORM
We're Covid-19 Safe
Child Development Institute Sydney Logo
Facebook-f
Learn More - Watch our Early Intervention Webinars
Open day
Enquire now
Child Development Institute Sydney Logo
Learn More - Watch our Early Intervention Webinars

An Integrated Approach to Support Childhood Development

Understanding the Integrated Approach

For families navigating the complexities of autism and developmental delays, an integrated approach to early childhood therapy combines multiple fields of expertise to create a harmonious and coordinated therapy approach. 

Evidence-based models weave together 1:1 therapy, group support, and collaborative strategies tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. Our goal is to close the skills gap and promote functional independence, providing a secure therapeutic environment where children feel safe and supported.

Key Benefits for Children

  • Access to a multidisciplinary team of experts, which research suggests can accelerate progress
  • Personalised therapy and individualised goals to meet the child's immediate developmental needs
  • Exposure to evidenced-based practices in both individual sessions and social group settings
  • Maximising skill acquisition and functional independence through practical application in community settings

Key Benefits for Parents

We understand the challenges parents face juggling multiple appointments and liaising with a range of therapists. Our approach strives to simplify this by delivering all your child’s therapeutic needs under one roof in a collaborative setting.

Enhancing the Family Experience:

  • One key contact, your Key Worker, is the dedicated team member who oversees your child’s individual goals, runs 1:1 clinic sessions and tracks data and progress across all programs
  • Formal quarterly review meetings with your Key Worker to discuss your child’s progress and to agree on goals for the next quarter
  • Access to a Multi-disciplinary team to ensure all areas of your child’s development are being optimised through the programs they attend and their individualised goals.
  • Access to specialised NDIS support and comprehensive reports to assist in securing appropriate funding

HIDE THIS SECTION
Collaboration: The Foundation for Progress

Success in early childhood therapy is a team effort. By fully integrating the approach among parents, educators, and therapists, we ensure alignment on goals across learning environments, and opportunities for skill practice.

Team Integration for Optimal Outcomes:

  • Uniformed approach towards shared goals
  • Consistent support across all learning environments
  • Ongoing team communication to adapt strategies as your child grows and develops

Our Evidence-Based Models

The Child Development Institute (CDI) team consists of knowledgeable allied health professionals, Early Childhood Teachers & Special Educators who ground their therapies in the latest research and best clinical practices.

Foundational Early Intervention Frameworks Include:

  • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) : A play-based early intervention designed for children with autism, focusing on communication, play, independence, emotion regulation, and behavioural skills.
  • SOS Approach to Feeding: Assisting with feeding challenges by encouraging positive mealtime behaviour.
  • Various speech and language interventions such as the ‘Prompt’ technique targeting Motor Speech Disorders, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies.
  • Therapeutic modalities in psychology, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema Therapy.

The ESDM Journey

The ESDM is a comprehensive, multi-faceted program that immerses your child in an enriching learning experience, targeting pivotal areas of growth.

ESDM Focuses On:

  • Developing foundational communication skills
  • Enhancing play and personal independence
  • Building emotional regulation and promoting cognitive development

Together with parents, ESDM therapists collaborate with the broader multidisciplinary team to curate impactful learning experiences, imbued with joy and guided by the latest in developmental science.

For more information about how our integrated early childhood therapy can support your child, contact us or visit our website. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of this vital developmental phase.

Research and Resources

The ESDM is proven to work in both a one-to-one and group setting and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest it can also be effective in a mainstream setting, if delivered by ESDM trained educators. A selection of published research studies and information is available via the links below.

Links to Research:

Predictors of Outcomes in the Early Start Denver Model delivered in a Group Setting

Giacomo Vivanti, Cheryl Dissanayake, Cynthia Zierhut, Sally J. Rogers & the Victorian ASELCC Team.

‘One of the kids’: Parent perceptions of the developmental advantages arising from inclusion in mainstream early childhood education services

Roger Blackmore, Elizabeth Aylward, Rebekah Grace.

The impact of parent-delivered intervention on parents of very young children with autism

Annette Estes, Laurie Vismara, Carla Mercado, Annette Fitzpatrick, Lauren Elder, Jessica Greenson, Catherine Lord, Jeffrey Munson, Jamie Winter, Gregory Young, Geraldine Dawson, Sally J. Rogers.

Evidence for the Implementation of the Early Start Denver Model for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kayce H. Ryberg.

Cost Offset Associated With Early Start Denver Model for Children With Autism

Zuleyha Cidav, Jeff Munson, Annette Estes, Geraldine Dawson, Sally Rogers, David Mandell.

Effectiveness and feasibility of the Early Start Denver Model implemented in a group-based community childcare setting

Giacomo Vivanti, Jessica Paynter, Ed Duncan, Hannah Fothergill, Cheryl Dissanayake, Sally J. Rogers, the Victorian ASELCC Team.

Randomized controlled trial of the Early Start Denver Model: A developmental behavioural intervention for toddlers with Autism: Effects on IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism diagnosis

Geraldine Dawson, Sally J. Rogers, Jeffrey Munson, Milani Smith, Jamie Winter, Jessica Greenson, Amy Donaldson, Jennifer Varley.

Clinical outcomes of an early intervention program for preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a community group setting

Valsamma Eapen, Rudi Črnčec, Amelia Walter.

Reducing Maladaptive Behaviors in Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Early Start Denver Model

Elizabeth Fulton, Valsamma Eapen, Rudi Črnčec, Amelia Walter, Sally J. Rogers.

The Early Start Denver Model A Case Study of an Innovative Practice

Laurie A. Vismara, Sally J.Rogers.

Effects of a brief Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) – based parent intervention on toddlers at risk for autism spectrum disorders: A randomized controlled trial

Sally J. Rogers, Annette Estes, Catherine Lord, Laurie Vismara, Jamie Winter, Annette Fitzpatrick, and Geraldine Dawson

Conceptualisation and Development of a Quality of Life Measure for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Valsamma Eapen, Rudi Črnčec, Amelia Walter, Kwok Ping Tay.

Links to Research:

Early Start Denver Model for young children with autism. Promoting Language, Learning and Engagement

Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson.

The Early Childhood Coaching Handbook

Dathan D. Rush, M’Lisa L. Shelden.

An Early Start For Your Child With Autism: Using Everyday Activities To Help Your Kids Connect, Communicate & Learn

Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, Laurie Vismara.

Implementing the Group-Based Early Start Denver Model for Pre-schoolers with Autism

Giacomo Vivanti, Ed Duncan, Geraldine Dawson, Sally J. Rogers.

Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Volume 2, Assessment, Interventions, and Policy, 4th Edition

Editors: Fred R. Volkmar, Rhea Paul, Sally J. Rogers, Kevin A. Pelphrey.

Become a Part of the CDI Family

We invite you to learn more about how the Child Development Institute can make a significant difference in your family’s life. Whether it’s about taking the first steps or continuing the journey, we’re here to support you every step.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin a new chapter in your child’s developmental story.

Contact Us

For more information

To the parents navigating the world of ASD, take the next step with confidence. At the Child Development Institute, we’re not just a centre; we’re a community where your child’s growth and happiness are our foremost priorities.

Visit Our Centres

Northern Sydney

173 Warringah Rd,
Beacon Hill, NSW, 2100
(02) 9037 1163

Western Sydney

6/185 Briens Road
Northmead, NSW 2152
(02) 9008 1106

General Enquiries

www.cdinstitute.com.au
(02) 9037 2234
enquiries@cdinstitute.com.au
Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Copyright © 2024 Child Development Institute. All Rights Reserved

Web Design by The Site Coach