Soar Autism Center Establishes Nation's Largest ESDM-Trained Workforce for Early Autism Care

DENVER, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Soar Autism Center today highlighted a key milestone in its mission to expand clinical quality, assembling one of the nation's largest networks of clinicians certified in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) to serve young children across Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed originally by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute and other leading institutions, ESDM integrates developmental and behavioral principles to teach functional skills through shared interaction, play, and daily routines.

ESDM supports the learning across developmental domains, including:

• Language & Communication: Builds functional communication, verbal initiation, and non-verbal expression.
• Social Engagement: Teaches joint attention, peer interaction, and natural problem-solving.
• Adaptive Skills: Fosters independence in daily routines like dressing, eating, and hygiene.

"ESDM is a modern approach to autism intervention that meets children where they naturally learn - leveraging learning techniques that decades of research have shown are appropriate and effective for young learners," said Ian Goldstein, CEO and Co-Founder of Soar Autism Center. "By fully funding ESDM training and certification for our entire team, we're removing the financial barrier for clinicians, expanding the workforce, and raising the standard of care for families."

Soar's Clinical Workforce Scale

Soar Autism Center eliminates training barriers by covering all prerequisite costs, pairing clinicians directly with certified trainers, and embedding certification hours into paid work schedules.

As of September 2026, Soar's clinical network across four states includes:

• 47 ESDM-Certified Clinicians: Includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Occupational Therapists (OTs).
• 42 Clinicians in Training: Currently completing official ESDM certification requirements.
• ESDM Trainers & Apprentice Trainers: Includes 1 certified ESDM Trainer alongside 3 Apprentice Trainers who are enrolled in advanced training directly through the UC Davis MIND Institute.

Elevating Standards Across the Behavioral Health Field

To advance clinical rigor and ensure entry-level providers are deeply prepared for client care, Soar created a free, comprehensive 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course. Fully compliant with Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) standards, the program embeds foundational ESDM principles to establish a higher baseline of quality across the broader early-intervention workforce. Designed as a self-paced learning tool, more than 3,600 individuals have enrolled to date, with approximately 400 completing the curriculum and earning certificates so far.

Soar Autism Center Locations & Clinical Services

Soar operates integrated care centers for kids under 6 across four states, tailoring services by location:

• Colorado, Arizona, and Maryland: Standalone Soar centers providing comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations, developmental pediatric medical care, ESDM-based ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy under one roof.
• Pennsylvania: Joint CHOP-Soar centers in partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, providing integrated ESDM-based ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy (diagnostic evaluations and medical assessments are coordinated directly through the CHOP network).
• Caregiver Integration (All Locations): Individualized care plans focus on caregiver collaboration and support to reinforce therapeutic goals during everyday routines at home.

For more information about Soar Autism Center or to explore open clinical positions, visit www.soarautismcenter.com.

About Soar Autism Center

Soar Autism Center provides comprehensive care for children up to age six using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Soar offers integrated autism therapy including ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, diagnostic evaluations, and developmental pediatric medical services to deliver personalized, evidence-based care. Soar currently operates clinical centers across Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Soar Autism Center