How to become an ESDM Therapist?
The ESDM is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention (NDBI) designed for Autistic children aged 12-60 months. It integrates developmental and behavioural principles to support communication, social interaction, play, and daily living skills. ESDM is delivered in both one-on-one and group settings by trained professionals, including therapists, early childhood educators, and allied health professionals.
If you’re passionate about working with young children and want to make a meaningful impact, becoming an ESDM therapist could be the right path for you. For more information about we’ll outline the steps to becoming an ESDM therapist, including training, certification, and career opportunities.
Who Can Become an ESDM Therapist?
ESDM training is ideal for professionals working in autism early intervention, including:
Speech pathologists
Occupational therapists
Psychologists
Early childhood educators
Behaviour analysts
Other allied health professionals
Specialist teachers
Steps to Becoming an ESDM Therapist
1. ESDM Introductory Workshop
The first step is attending an online ESDM Introductory Workshop, through the MIND Institute of UC Davis. This workshop provides an overview of the model, including its principles, research and approach. This workshop is open to all professionals interested in learning about ESDM. For more information about participating in this workshop, please see here.
2. ESDM Advanced Training Workshop
After completing the introductory workshop, practitioners can enrol in the ESDM Advanced Workshop. This is a 3-day workshop that focuses on all aspects of the ESDM through both theory and hands-on practice (which means that trainees work with an autistic child across the three days). The workshop focuses on;
Assessing children’s strengths and areas of support, using the ESDM curriculum checklist
Developing goals
Embedding goals in play and daily routines, using the Joint Activity Routine (JAR) framework
Monitoring progress
3. ESDM Certification
For those wanting to become certified ESDM therapists, the next step is ESDM certification. This process includes:
Submitting video recordings of ESDM sessions for review
Demonstrating competency in ESDM techniques
Receiving feedback and guidance from an ESDM trainer
Once therapists are certified, their name and contact details are listed on a public directory by the MIND Institute of UC Davis.
Finding the Right ESDM Training Program
When choosing an ESDM training course, look for programs led by certified ESDM trainers. Training workshops are available both online or in person, allowing flexibility for professionals looking to expand their skills. If you are a clinical manager with multiple staff interested in ESDM training, you may also like to consider hosting the Advanced Workshop in your centre (this also really supports trainers to further customise training to your service). You can find an ESDM trainer here.
Get Started with ESDM Training Today
Both Carolyne and Kristy are ESDM Trainers with extensive experience training therapists nationally and internationally. We provide the Advanced Workshop in person, including at your clinic if you have multiple team members seeking training. Contact us to learn more.