#United States #Denver #Autism Care #Soar Autism Center #ESDM

Soar Autism Center Achieves a Landmark in Autism Care

Introduction
Soar Autism Center, a pioneering organization in early autism intervention, has reached a crucial milestone by assembling one of the largest networks of clinicians trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). This initiative aims to enhance the clinical quality of autism care for young children across several states, including Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

What is ESDM?

The Early Start Denver Model is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) specifically designed for young children on the autism spectrum. This innovative approach, originally developed at the UC Davis MIND Institute and other esteemed institutions, combines behavioral and developmental principles to facilitate learning through natural interactions, play, and everyday routines.

Key Developmental Areas Supported by ESDM

• - Language & Communication: Promotes functional communication, verbal initiation, and non-verbal expression.
• - Social Engagement: Aids children in developing joint attention, peer interactions, and problem-solving skills.
• - Adaptive Skills: Encourages independence in essential daily activities such as dressing, eating, and hygiene.

The Commitment of Soar Autism Center

According to Ian Goldstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Soar Autism Center, "ESDM is a cutting-edge approach to autism intervention that aligns with how children naturally learn. By providing full funding for ESDM training and certification, we are not only expanding our workforce but also elevating the standard of care that families can expect."

Soar's Clinical Workforce

Soar Autism Center aims to eliminate all barriers to training by covering necessary costs, connecting clinicians directly with certified trainers, and embedding training hours into paid schedules. Currently, the clinical network includes:

• - 47 ESDM-Certified Clinicians: This group comprises Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Occupational Therapists (OTs).
• - 42 Clinicians in Training: Professionals completing the official certification requirements for ESDM.
• - ESDM Trainers and Apprentice Trainers: An integrated team consisting of one certified ESDM Trainer and three Apprentice Trainers undergoing advanced training.

Elevating Standards in Behavioral Healthcare

To bolster clinical rigor in the field, Soar introduced a free, comprehensive 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course. This program is fully compliant with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards and embeds foundational ESDM principles, raising the bar for early intervention quality. Over 3,600 individuals have enrolled in this self-paced program, with around 400 completing the course.

Soar Autism Center's Services

Soar operates dedicated care centers for children under six across Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Their services include:

• - Comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations.
• - Developmental pediatric medical care.
• - ESDM-based ABA therapy.
• - Speech therapy and occupational therapy.

For Pennsylvania residents, joint centers with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offer integrated ESDM-based services, ensuring thorough diagnostic evaluations and medical assessments.

Individualized Care Planning

All locations focus on creating individualized care plans that emphasize caregiver collaboration. This approach encourages therapeutic goal reinforcement during everyday routines at home, ensuring a holistic support system for both children and their families.

Conclusion
Soar Autism Center stands as an exemplar in autism care, leveraging ESDM to provide evidence-based, personalized therapies. With a growing workforce and a commitment to education and training, Soar is raising the standards of care available to young children with autism across the nation. For further information on job opportunities or services, visit www.soarautismcenter.com.