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Understanding ESDM Developmental Domains

Navigating your child’s early years can be complex and multifaceted. The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) offers a thoughtful, inclusive approach to understanding and supporting various developmental domains. If you’re part of our G-ESDM program, an ESDM Practitioner will use the ESDM Curriculum Checklist — a developmental assessment tool that follows the natural development — to guide you. Here’s a breakdown of each domain, with a focus on celebrating and supporting neurodivergent individuals.


1. Receptive Communication: This domain involves how a child processes and understands spoken language and communication. If your child seems to struggle with responding to verbal cues, songs, or interactive play, it’s an opportunity to explore different ways to support their unique communication style.


2. Expressive Communication: Expressive communication is about how a child shares their thoughts, needs, and emotions with others. If your child finds it challenging to express themselves, we can work together to find methods that align with their individual strengths and preferences.


3. Social Skills: This domain focuses on building and maintaining connections with others. Challenges may arise in social interactions, such as responding to social cues or communicating play interests with peers. Embracing your child's unique social approach and finding ways to nurture their connections is key.


4. Imitation: Imitation involves mimicking actions or sounds observed from others. Children on the autism spectrum may approach imitation differently due to their unique social processing. We can explore alternative ways to engage with and support their imitation skills.


5. Joint Attention: Joint attention is the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person. Neurodivergent children might experience this differently, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to find supportive strategies that align with their natural way of engaging with their environment.


6. Cognition: Cognition encompasses learning and understanding through thought, experience, and senses. It helps children grasp how things work and recognise patterns. Celebrating and building on their cognitive strengths can lead to meaningful growth.


7. Play: Play is often referred to as a child’s “job,” essential for developing social skills, problem-solving, and symbolic thinking. Children on the autism spectrum might engage in play that is repetitive or theme-based, and these play styles are valuable avenues for learning and expression.


8. Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles for tasks like grasping objects or writing. Supporting your child’s fine motor development in ways that suit their unique needs can enhance their daily functioning and creativity.


9. Gross Motor Skills: Gross motor skills involve larger muscle movements necessary for activities such as running and climbing. Each child’s development in this area is unique, and finding activities that support their physical growth while respecting their individual pace is important.


10. Personal Independence: This domain includes daily living skills such as toileting, eating, and grooming. Developing these skills at a pace that respects your child's individuality helps foster self-sufficiency and confidence.



11. Behaviour: In Level 1 of the ESDM Curriculum Checklist, behaviour focuses on ensuring a child can engage safely in play-based interventions and lengthening out engagement within activities. Our aim is to support your child in a way that ensures their well-being and allows them to participate fully in the learning process.


By understanding these developmental domains through the lens of the ESDM, you can have meaningful conversations with professionals and tailor support to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Embracing and celebrating neurodiversity while focusing on your child’s individual journey ensures that their growth and development are supported in a respectful and effective way.


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