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Innovative Early-Intervention Programme For Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Launches at Re:Cognition Health
ESDM is an evidence-based programme designed to improve social skills, behaviour, language and symptoms in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect more than 1 in 100 people in the UK. An estimated 700,000 people have a diagnosis of ASD in the UK. Research suggests that autism is more prevalent in males than females, with a ratio of 5:1 living with the condition in the UK. There is no cure for autism at present. However, there are a number of treatment options available that aim to improve the various problems resulting from the condition.
About the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
ESDM is an evidenced-based, early-intervention program used to treat toddlers with ASD. The model was developed at the UC Davis Mind Institute of the University of California. ESDM uses intensive play-based activities embedded into daily routines. ESDM can be provided in the Center, the child’s home or a group environment, such as a nursery or day care centre.
Acknowledged as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs in 2012, it is designed to enhance language, non-verbal communication, self-care and motor skills. A number of published studies have demonstrated an improvement in the symptoms of ASD in young children enrolled in ESDM. For example, IQ, language and social behaviour. The model is used in the USA, Canada, Australia and France. Re:Cognition Health is proud to be one of the first centers in the UK to provide the model.
How successful is ESDM?
ESDM is the only early intervention model to have been validated in a clinical trial as an effective technique for children aged 18 – 48 months, with ASD. In fact, clinical benefit was demonstrated in both children with mild symptoms as well as children with moderate/severe symptoms of ASD.
Accessing ESDM at Re:Cognition Health
The ESDM Program is led by Dr Dimitrios Paschos, Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Dr Paschos is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of Consultant Paediatricians, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists. Re:Cognition Health child and adolescent specialists work in collaboration with a child and their family. This enables us to provide bespoke treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes for children with ASD.
ESDM is deployed by early-intervention specialists, parents and carers. Parents and carers receive support and feedback to help them understand the principles of ESDM. This enables them to develop the skills to successfully deploy the model at home.
Early diagnosis of ASD is important to successfully manage the symptoms of the condition long-term
Like with all mental health conditions, it’s important to get a diagnosis as early as possible. The earlier the intervention, the more successful the outcome could be. This can have an important impact on the trajectory of a child’s future. Early intervention is important because younger children’s brains are still developing. This means that they are very malleable, enabling the quick acquisition of cognitive, motor and social skills.