About Cocoon
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Clinical Supervisor
Mélina Rivard, PhD. Psychologist |
Technical Advisor
Richard Frenette, PhD. Ing. |
Cocoon Development trains and supports professionals and parents in the use of strategies to overcome the difficulties usually associated with very early autism. To do this, we consistently integrate analytical and technological approaches from the science of applied behavior analysis, particularly the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) teaching in a natural environment
ESDM is an intervention approach for very young children from 12 to 48 months with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Integrating play activities into a positive relationship, the intervention follows the early developmental milestones sequence.
ESDM aims to establish communication through play and social development. This is combined with applied behavior analysis principles and procedures for teaching in a natural environment. Skills are taught through toddler games and simple routines to ensure that learning is reinforced by itself: it must be enjoyable and adapted to the needs of each toddler with autism.
ESDM has been validated in a randomized clinical trial and through independent research.
ESDM aims to establish communication through play and social development. This is combined with applied behavior analysis principles and procedures for teaching in a natural environment. Skills are taught through toddler games and simple routines to ensure that learning is reinforced by itself: it must be enjoyable and adapted to the needs of each toddler with autism.
ESDM has been validated in a randomized clinical trial and through independent research.
Trainings
We give and design trainings based on empirical research:
- ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) : Introductory and Advanced Workshops from the UC Davis MIND Institute
- ESDM : its underlying behavioral models from Cocon Development
- ESDM for parents: training and parental coaching
- ESDM for professionals: training and supervision of professionals
Support for professionals
We offer :
- Strategy and plan development for implementing an ESDM program in a clinical unit
- Preliminary assessment of clients
- Supervision and adjustment of intervention plans
- Supervision and coaching of the interventionists
Parents and family support
Parent involvement is key to the success of the ESDM intervention. Our goal is that parents are knowledgeable and trained to ensure the progression and maintenance of their child's developmental gains. Our support for the family is based on the changing needs over time by integrating as much as possible the natural environment teaching approaches. Since toddlers spend most of their time at home, it is important to provide initial training with the active participation of parents.
We offer :
We offer :
- Training adapted to non-professionals (see Training section above)
- Parental guidance for applying the ESDM with their child.
