Completed research

Read summaries of our completed research into the impact of the ESDM for young autistic children.

A child’s finger painting with two blue handprints.

Low-intensity therapy in a preschool

This study looked at the impact of ESDM therapy when delivered in a child’s regular inclusive preschool setting.
A child draws squiggly lines with a marker on paper.

Parent training and low-intensity one-on-one therapy

This study looked at the impact of a combined programme of parent coaching and low intensity one-on-one therapy for autistic children.
A wooden trainset.

Parent use of specific support techniques

This study examined the way five mothers of young autistic children used ESDM techniques.
A close-up image of a hand placing a green block on an oversized Jenga set.

Mothers’ perceptions of a home-based support programme

This study looked at parents’ perceptions of a 12 week ESDM parent training programme.
A child plays with toy cars.

Peer-mediated 'playdates'

This study looked at the impact of peer-mediated ESDM “playdates” for autistic children.
Wooden letters on a carpet.

Helping parents to support their autistic children

This study looked at the impact of home-based ESDM parent training on five young autistic children, and their mothers.
A little girl in a fairy dress and pink socks, walks across grass without shoes holding a small stick.

Evaluation of low-intensity therapy

This study looked at the impact of home based one-on-one therapy sessions on young autistic children.
The hand of a small child moves a yellow cube on a read wire.

Evaluating the acceptability of autism support

The parents of four young autistic children were asked about their perceptions of a low-intensity ESDM programme that had been delivered to their children.