Target Audience

This course is intended for SLPs working with children on the autism spectrum under six years old. 

Course Information

To register for this course, use the button at the top or bottom of this page. There is no cost to attend the webinar or receive your certificate. 

Speech-language pathologists will select core components of early intentional communication and identify key Early Start Denver Model Level 1–2 milestones. Participants will choose the rationale for early intervention and identify interdisciplinary strategies to target functional communication within shared joint activity routines for young autistic children.

Content disclosure: This course focuses exclusively on strategies from the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). 

Course Completion Requirements

To complete this course, learners must: 

  • Watch the entirety of the presentation. Partial credit is not available.
  • Pass a learning assessment of 10 multiple-choice questions with a score of at least 80%. You may take the learning assessment as many times as needed to earn a passing score.
  • Submit your learner information, and the course evaluation and feedback survey. 


Satisfactory completion will result in the attendees being eligible for 0.1 ASHA CEUs. Partial credit is not available for this course.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Select the core components of intentional communication in young children.
  2. Identify at least three key communication milestones associated with Levels 1 and 2 of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Curriculum Checklist
  3. Choose the rationale for timely early intervention and its impact on programming within the ESDM framework.
  4. Identify interdisciplinary strategies for targeting intentional communication during shared ESDM joint activity routines across service providers.

Instructors

Taylor Johnson, M.S., CCC-SLP

Taylor is a dedicated speech-language pathologist and Certified ESDM Therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum. She has particular expertise in early intervention, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and Gestalt Language Processing. Taylor is passionate about providing therapy that is evidence-based, compassionate, and individualized, ensuring that clients and their families feel respected, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

In her current role as the Head of Speech Therapy Services at Soar Autism Center, Taylor supports the speech therapy clinical leadership team by helping equip therapists with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to deliver high-quality, meaningful therapy. She also helps guide families and clinicians in navigating the process of gaining access to AAC devices, ensuring that communication tools are available to those who need them. Her work is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and a deep commitment to empowering authentic communication for all.

Disclosures: Taylor is a salaried employee of Soar Autism Center. She has no other relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.


Dalma Dibuz, M.S., CCC-SLP

Dalma is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist and the Director for the Speech Department at Soar Autism Center in Colorado. With over seven years of experience specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and feeding therapy, Dalma brings care and clinical expertise to her leadership role and as an SLP. Dalma has been committed to providing individualized, evidence-based care that empowers children and their families. She focuses on supporting and mentoring the speech team, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across therapies, and ensuring families remain integral partners in the therapeutic process.

Connect with Dalma on LinkedIn

Disclosures: Dalma is a salaried employee of Soar Autism Center. She has no other relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.

Time-Ordered Agenda

0:00-4:00 Introductions

4:00-12:00 Background on ESDM and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

12:00-22:00 Communication Milestones Aligned with the ESDM Curriculum Checklist

22:00-33:00 Defining Intentional Communication & the Need for Swift Access

33:00-38:00 The ESDM Curriculum Checklist & Modality Selection

38:00-45:00 Interdisciplinary Implementation

45:00-50:00 Case Study 1

50:00-55:00 Case Study 2

55:00-60:00 Closing & questions

+ 3 minutes allotted for learning assessment

Accommodations & Contact Information

Captions will be turned on during the live presentation. For additional accommodations requests, and other questions or comments, please email [email protected].