Target Audience

This course is intended for BCBAs and 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 to navigate to the Zoom registration page. There is no cost to attend the webinar or receive your certificate. 

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) merges Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with developmental science. This transdisciplinary care model centers on teaching through joint engagement. The session highlights the ESDM fidelity system, strategies for language scaffolding, and collaborative strategies between ABA and speech providers to ensure integrated care and quality outcomes for diverse learners.


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

Course Completion Requirements

To complete this course, learners must: 

  • Attend 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 or 1 BACB General Learning CEU. Partial credit is not available for this course.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify specific ESDM-recommended strategies used to facilitate language development.

2. Recognize the core components of the ESDM as a transdisciplinary model that facilitates integrated communication treatment planning.

3. Differentiate unique disciplinary techniques used by BCBAs and SLPs and identify aligned approaches for supporting communication development.

Time-Ordered Agenda

  • 0:00-4:00 Introductions
  • 4:00-12:00 Background on ESDM and Joint Activity Routines (JARs)
  • 12:00-15:00 Overview of the ESDM Fidelity Checklist
  • 15:00-23:00 Deeper dive into the ESDM Fidelity Checklist Communication Items (K&J)
  • 23:00-28:00 Integrated Care - using ESDM to teach communication skills across disciplines
  • 28:00-55:00 Strategies used to teach communication, including strategies for modeling and eliciting AAC use
  • 55:00-60:00 Closing & questions
  • + 4 minutes allotted for learning assessment

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.


Laurie Allegra, M.Ed., BCBA

Laurie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who specializes in working with young children with autism and their families. She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and has been working with children with autism since 2013, first as a preschool special education teacher and then as a Behavior Analyst. Laurie became an ESDM Certified Therapist in March 2023. She is also trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System, Enhanced Milieu Teaching, and Pivotal Response Training. 

In her current role, Laurie works as Director of Curriculum Development, helping manage training for new RBTs and Clinicians at Soar. Laurie also helps to manage the ESDM training and certification process for Soar clinicians and leaders, and leads weekly Fidelity Focus groups doing more intensive discussions about ESDM implementation and fidelity with new clinicians. Laurie is passionate about ESDM, training, and learning naturally through play.

Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn

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

Accommodations & Contact Information

Captions will be turned on for this presentation. 

For additional accommodations requests, and other questions or comments, please email [email protected].