Integrated Care From Diagnostics to Discharge: Using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) as a Foundation for Working Across Disciplines

Early intervention is critical for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Schreibman et al., 2010). Often, children are prescribed a variety of different therapeutic and medical interventions at diagnosis, and receive services from many different providers. Historically, these providers generated separate care plans, and were employed at separate places, leading to chaotic and conflicting approaches to intervention (Fulceri et. al., 2023). Interdisciplinary approaches to care have shown promise in research contexts, but were sparsely available in community practice. The authors will share a model for integrated care based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). ESDM is an interdisciplinary approach designed to support shared objectives, strategies, and approaches by speech therapists, occupational therapists, and ABA services. The authors will share data showing the effectiveness of interdisciplinary care based on ESDM, and how further integrating diagnostic and developmental pediatric services can lead to a holistic medical and therapeutic team for children and families.