An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn

by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, Laurie A. Vismara

Cutting-edge research reveals that parents can play a huge role in helping toddlers and preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) connect with others and live up to their potential. This encouraging guide from the developers of a groundbreaking early intervention program provides doable, practical strategies you can use every day. Nearly all young kids—including those with ASD—have an amazing capacity to learn. Drs. Sally Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie Vismara make it surprisingly simple to turn daily routines like breakfast or bath time into fun and rewarding learning experiences that target crucial developmental skills. Vivid examples illustrate proven techniques for promoting play, language, and engagement. Get an early start—and give your child the tools to explore and enjoy the world.

Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award Mental health professionals, see also the authors' related intervention manual, Early Start Denver Model for Young Children with Autism, as well as the Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist for Young Children with Autism (sold in sets of 15).  

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Psychology, Audiobook

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2012

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey parent of a child with early-diagnosed Autism, I know what you're thinking: I really don't want to read another damn book. If you thought that, I like you. We'd get along. I was pretty burned out by the time I picked this one up but you can believe me when I say- this is the one for you. Buy it in physical form and get a highlighter (note to self- don't leave child and highlighter in the same room alone >#x%$&@!) and keep it on one of your main-room/play-room surfaces to pick up and re-read your highlighted portions on whims; that's really helped me incorporate the strategies into better day-to-day life. I know it's all overwhelming, I'm with you. I let this book sit in a drawer for 6 months because I just. couldn't. cope. I feel like once I read it I was more overwhelmed and yet happier. It lays the truth on the table: This is hard work and you just have to become a better parent- boo to that- but you can do some simple (and not so simple) things and ultimately help your child become the best version of themselves- YAY to that. I'm glad I read it and I think you will be too. Keep going, keep reading all these stupid books, keep it up.

[Aušra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nors Denverio modelis kyla iš ABA terapijos, su kurios požiūriu, metodais aš ne visada sutinku, bet man patinka, kad:
*knyga labai įgalina tėvus;
*pozityviai, su pavyzdžiais iliustruoja pagrindinius tikslus ir kaip jų siekti;
*suprantamai paaiškina tėvams, dėl ko vienas ar kitas įgūdis yra svarbus, dėl ko vaikams su ASS jį gali būti kiek sunkiau įgyti.
*žaviuosi autorių vis pabrėžiama idėja, kad svarbiausia yra RYŠYS. NES JIS TIKRAI YRA SVARBIAUSIAS.

Tikiu, kas šeimoms, neseniai susidūrusioms su ASS diagnoze knyga galėtų įnešti šiek tiek aiškumo, suvokimo ir ramybės.

[Chelsea Raak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped us make great strides with our little boy. Simple and practical for parents.

[Tess Mayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Re: This book and my ESDM training: Thoughtful intent, but fundamentally misaligned with neurodiversity-affirming and modern, evidence-based AAC practice.

As a paediatric speech-language pathologist working from a neurodiversity-affirming, family-centred framework, I found this book disappointing.

Although it presents itself as a warm, relationship-based, parent-friendly guide, the underlying structure remains rooted in normalization goals and deficit-based thinking about autism. “Engagement,” “progress,” and “success” are consistently framed in terms of approximating typical developmental behaviour rather than supporting authentic autistic communication styles, regulation needs, or autonomy.

One of the biggest disconnects for me was how goal-setting is treated as something that happens apart from parent involvement rather than rooted within it. Goals are often presented as expert-defined developmental targets to be worked toward through structured teaching strategies, while parents are positioned primarily as implementation partners rather than collaborators in meaning-making. This framing subtly shifts the parent role away from co-constructing priorities based on their child’s lived experience, toward delivering predetermined outcomes.

The treatment of communication — particularly AAC — was another major concern. AAC is barely discussed and is often limited to PECS as an example, reinforcing the outdated narrative that AAC is a “last-resort” option once speech has failed. This directly contradicts modern evidence that AAC can support — not hinder — spoken language and should be introduced early and in parallel with speech development when a child needs it. Robust AAC, multimodal communication, and presuming competence are notably absent from the framework.

For families seeking truly neurodiversity-affirming guidance — where AAC is embraced, parent collaboration is central to goal development, and autistic identity is respected rather than framed as something to remediate — this book is likely to feel outdated and misaligned.

I gave it 1 star not because the authors lack intent or expertise, but because it frequently contradicts current evidence-based practices in speech-language pathology, in particular AAC and neurodiversity-affirming standards of practice.

[McYang · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for teaching caregivers the Early Start Denver Model for children on the autism spectrum ages 12-48 months. This method focus on the relationship between children with ASD and their parents, and uses interactive play to help develop social and speech skills. Parents may want to look into getting certified or using this resource along with early intervention. Looking forward to using the skills obtained from this easily accessible book with my children.

[Ashley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish someone had recommended this book two years ago! My son was getting early intervention for speech and OT, and we were blessed with great therapists, we didn’t always know how to support their efforts the rest of the week. This book explains that, as well as the science and logic behind those activities.

If you want to help your child interact with you and his environment, including clear verbalization, then get this book and put in the effort. I highly recommend it!

[Amanda Zahidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may help parents with autistic children (/challenging kids) in getting better ideas and strategies to deal / manage the kids in their everyday life. For children who goes for ABA therapy that perhaps implements ESDM programs, I highly recommend parents to read this book in order to get better understanding with the program.

[Jessica Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is highly informative, easy to understand, and filled with many practical strategies for teaching young children with autism. Filled with great explanations for the WHY behind strategies, it also includes great tools for self-assessing readiness and effectiveness of implementation of techniques.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of great information so the parents can take action at home and they're simple things such as when giving the toddler or child of choice holding the choices up by your eyes. So they can see you speak. They can potentially make eye contact without it being threatening and they're making a choice.

[Laura Dill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book as part of an early intervention program I am doing with my twin boys. Very informative - however, a lot of outdated language and some information that I did not 100% agree with. Definitely needs an update but overall there is a lot of good information on how to practice early intervention techniques with your child.

[Caitlyn Rioux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! If you have a kiddo with Autism this is a great book to get started with. It walks through how to create learning opportunities, interact, and play with you kiddo!! It is definitely for early intervention, but can be applied to all kids. 10/10 recommend!

[Rachael Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great material for parents, reinforces basic ASD strategies

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks

[Melissa Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful for parents who are lost in this process...but its a whole lot of information, it should be used as a reference when you are at least broken into the process.

[Chatema Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the different things that are suggested that may work for my child

[Lathena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Everyone should read when they get the diagnosis.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and convincing. The writing style was a little bit dry though the case examples helped!

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very approachable and helpful book, with lots of example activities.

[Spanishinquisition · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molto molto utile. Il metodo è quello che utilizzo io a scuola

[Ani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Necessary and helpful read for any parent of toddlers with autism. Gives concrete instructions and examples, fairly simple method that should be commenced early.

[Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some chapters were more useful than others. I liked the breakdown of different play and routines.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do wish I read the reviews and skipped the first few chapters. I found this book helpful and feel like it would benefit parents in teaching kids with or out without autism.

[Melyssa Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read! A lot of helpful tactics to help teach autistic children.

[Amity Grisham · Rating 5 out of 5]

After following this book for several months, the progress my son has made is phenomenal. He is engaging with us, speaking words, and is such a different kid. I love this book and am so thankful I read it.

[Brenna Hynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some good information and tips but definitely feels like reading a textbook.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish someone had recommended this book to me two years ago! At that time, my daughter was receiving early intervention for speech and occupational therapy, and while we had fantastic therapists, I often felt unsure about how to support her progress at home. This book fills that gap by providing clear strategies and the science behind them.

It’s an invaluable resource for parents of autistic children and those with behavioral challenges, offering practical ideas for managing daily life. For parents with children undergoing ABA therapy, I strongly recommend this book to gain a deeper understanding and provide better support for their child’s learning experience.

"An Early Start For Your Child With Autism" is informative and easy to read, filled with practical strategies and thorough explanations of why they work. It also includes helpful tools for self-assessing readiness and the effectiveness of these strategies, allowing parents to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

[Anik - MamaBearsBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the autistic behaviour and how parents can help their autistic kids and learn more. Lots of good examples in this book for interaction with your kid. Also examples of playing while learning.

I really enjoyed this book. It really helped my son and I. It helped me help him. I understand him a little more because of this book. I get to understand how to interact with him all while having his attention.

I recommend this book to everyone that would like to understand the autistic behaviour a little better.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the local library to help my twins improve their communication skills because I feel they are a little behind even though I don't believe they are autistic and also out of curiosity about how these conditions might be treated.
Most of the ideas seem like common sense in retrospect but having it spelled out makes it easier to implement consistently.

[Julena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for introduction to Autism, and also for children with developmental issues. Not many chapters were applicable to me, because we already have many of the stills, but the last 2 chapters were genius. Good read for any parent.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite heavy going, but is meant to be a textbook really rather than read through in one go. Very comprehensive.