ESDM Online

Autism is complex and deserves our utmost understanding, care, and focus. My mission is to help families help their children become the people they envision to be. Doing so requires easy to use tools, flexible strategies, and creative solutions.
   

Welcome to ESDM Online, a resource for parents and providers eager to discover ways to help children connect, communicate, and learn. Here, you will find examples, tips, activities, the latest research findings, videos, and much more to support your goals as a parent or provider. Join the community and become part of this mission to create positive learning experiences for children.
  1. Giving children opportunities to practice their skills through play and everyday activities.
  2. Creating a welcoming, accessible and nonjudgemental space to hear about and share ideas.
  3. Helping children feel calm, safe and supported.
Together, let's nurture meaningful growth and positive experiences for every child.
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Click the video for a brief welcome message!
Active Ingredients for Change
 
Young children learn best when having fun. Whether it is play, bath, meal time, or another routine, each moment can involve the ESDM to help children connect, communicate, and learn. See how you can get started with the ESDM with your child or the families whom you support in an early childhood learning environment.
Quick Tip 

Find out how to use tips from the ESDM for early social-communication skills important to life-long learning, behavior, and health with your child or with families whom you support in an early childhood learning environment.

Helping young minds grow starts with executive function—the set of cognitive skills that regulate thoughts, emotions, and attention. This Quick Tip explores practical strategies, including structured activities, routines, and games, to support these skills in children’s early years and an example of a scavenger hunt to illustrate how play can enhance cognitive and social development. Happy playing and learning!
 

The research article mentioned can be found here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389906736

 

Latest News

Read monthly research about intervention outcomes for children with or at risk of autism; coaching supports for their families; and/or family-centered, culturally inclusive coaching tools to help early childhood professionals support families. Each monthly article is publicly available for free access.
 
Sensory sensitivities are a core characteristic of autism, shaping how children perceive and interact with the world around them. These sensitivities can make everyday experiences- such as bright lights, loud noises, and certain textures- overwhelming This month's Latest News explores an opinion published by a group of active researchers on this topic calling for more intervention attention and scientific focus on sensory sensitivities in autism. So, what can caregiver and early learning professionals do to support children with sensory sensitivities. See below for a few evidence-based recommendations:
 


Click the article (to the right) to read more on the importance of sensory research in autism and Temple Grandin's insights to the understanding of sensory experiences in autism, reminding us that prioritizing sensory needs is essential to improving quality of life.  

1. Create a Predictable Environment

Consistency helps children feel safe. Establishing structured routines, using visual schedules, and preparing children for transitions can reduce anxiety related to sensory unpredictability.

2. Provide Sensory Breaks

Sometimes children with autism need time to regulate their senses. Designate quiet, calming spaces where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate activities such as deep-pressure squeezes, weighted blankets, or fidget tools to help with sensory modulation.

3. Modify Sensory Input

Adjusting the environment to meet sensory needs can make a big difference. Consider dimming harsh lights, reducing background noise, offering noise-canceling headphones, or using soft clothing and textures that feel comfortable.

4. Use Gradual Exposure

For children sensitive to certain stimuli, slow and controlled exposure can help them build tolerance over time. For example, if loud sounds are distressing, gradually introduce softer versions of the sound while pairing them with positive reinforcement.

5. Encourage Self-Regulation Strategies

Teach children techniques to manage their own sensory sensitivities. Whether it’s practicing deep breathing, engaging in movement-based activities, or using calming techniques like squeezing a stress ball, self-regulation can empower children to navigate their environment more comfortably.

6. Collaborate with the Child

Observe and listen to the child’s reactions to sensory inputs. What makes them feel overwhelmed, and what helps them feel comfortable? Honoring their preferences fosters trust and helps create a more supportive environment.

Play of the Month
 
Play not only brings smiles to children's faces but also helps them learn, feel good about themselves, and enjoy the interaction that comes from doing something with someone. Join me each month for Play of the Month to try with your child or the families whom you support in early intervention or other early childhood learning environment.

Have you heard of pudding painting? I hadn’t—but it did not disappoint… Watch out, Martha Stewart! All you need is pudding, a shower curtain (or another surface to paint on), and optional everyday tools if you want to get fancy with this Play of the Month activity. It’s an ultra-fun experience that might even turn edible if children can’t help themselves! From simple, curiosity-sparking activities to multi-step creative play that builds new skills, these ideas invite children to explore, create, and grow. 

From single-step activities that spark curiosity to multi-step combination play that builds new skills and pretend play adventures that fuel creativity, these ideas encourage children to explore, create, and grow. See below for activity ideas and learning goals linked to the ESDM Curriculum Checklist items to help you discover the play level that best suits your child or the children and families you support in early learning environments. 


Pay attention to what children like (or seem curious about) and follow their lead as long as you are a part of the action, too. Remember, the most important thing is for children to have fun doing this with you! Fun means engagement and that excites children's brains and bodies for meaningful learning to happen.

Simple play actions that encourage children to explore, use their senses, and move their bodies:

  • Finger Painting Fun – Let kids explore textures by using their hands to spread and swirl pudding on the surface.

  • Color Mixing – Add drops of food coloring and watch as colors blend into fascinating patterns.

  • Sensory Bag Exploration – Fill a ziplock bag with pudding and let kids squish and manipulate it without the mess.

  • Freeze & Paint – Freeze small blobs of pudding and let kids use them as "paint cubes" for a chilly sensory twist.

Combination play that encourages multi-step actions for children to construct and accomplish goals:  
  • Pudding Brush Art – Use paintbrushes to create designs with different strokes and techniques.

  • Texture Experiment – Introduce different tools like sponges, forks, or combs to explore patterns.

  • Stamp & Print – Dip toy animals, cars, or small objects into pudding to make fun imprints on paper.

Imaginary play that encourages children to make-believe and role-play:

  • Cooking Pretend Play – Children can "bake" pretend cakes, cookies, or cupcakes using pudding as frosting or batter to decorate their pretend cakes or cookies.

  • Mud & Construction Play – Pretend the pudding is mud for toy construction vehicles or animals exploring a wild habitat.

  • Edible Storytelling – Create scenes using toy animals and objects—kids can narrate their stories while painting!

  • Face Painting & Makeup Play – Use pudding as pretend face paint or makeup for dolls, stuffed animals, or even themselves (safe and edible!).

  • Treasure Hunt Maps – Paint a treasure map with pudding and let kids go on an adventure to find hidden treasures.

  • Superhero Power Boost – Kids can pretend pudding is a special energy source that gives their superhero characters extra strength.

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Check out my Vimeo channel for free ESDM video examples and activity ideas shown with parent permission. 

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