ESDM Online
Welcome to ESDM Online, a resource for parents and providers eager to discover ways to help children connect, communicate, and learn. Here, you will find examples, tips, activities, the latest research findings, videos, and much more to support your goals as a parent or provider. Join the community and become part of this mission to create positive learning experiences for children.
- Giving children opportunities to practice their skills through play and everyday activities.
- Creating a welcoming, accessible and nonjudgemental space to hear about and share ideas.
- Helping children feel calm, safe and supported.
Connect, Communicate, and Learn
Find out how to use tips from the ESDM for early social-communication skills important to life-long learning, behavior, and health with your child or with families whom you support in an early childhood learning environment.
In this Quick Tip, Laurie explores creative ways to use stickers in early learning beyond placing them on paper. She introduces three playful approaches- adding materials on top, placing stickers on varied surfaces, and incorporating them into pretend play- using demonstration, choices, gentle guidance when needed, and encouraging children to explore freely and contribute their ideas while inspiring their learning. Happy playing and learning!
Read monthly research about intervention outcomes for children with or at risk of autism; coaching supports for their families; and/or family-centered, culturally inclusive coaching tools to help early childhood professionals support families. Each monthly article is publicly available for free access.
Click the article (to the right) to read more on the importance of sensory research in autism and Temple Grandin's insights to the understanding of sensory experiences in autism, reminding us that prioritizing sensory needs is essential to improving quality of life.
1. Create a Predictable Environment
Consistency helps children feel safe. Establishing structured routines, using visual schedules, and preparing children for transitions can reduce anxiety related to sensory unpredictability.
2. Provide Sensory Breaks
Sometimes children with autism need time to regulate their senses. Designate quiet, calming spaces where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Incorporate activities such as deep-pressure squeezes, weighted blankets, or fidget tools to help with sensory modulation.
3. Modify Sensory Input
Adjusting the environment to meet sensory needs can make a big difference. Consider dimming harsh lights, reducing background noise, offering noise-canceling headphones, or using soft clothing and textures that feel comfortable.
4. Use Gradual Exposure
For children sensitive to certain stimuli, slow and controlled exposure can help them build tolerance over time. For example, if loud sounds are distressing, gradually introduce softer versions of the sound while pairing them with positive reinforcement.
5. Encourage Self-Regulation Strategies
Teach children techniques to manage their own sensory sensitivities. Whether it’s practicing deep breathing, engaging in movement-based activities, or using calming techniques like squeezing a stress ball, self-regulation can empower children to navigate their environment more comfortably.
6. Collaborate with the Child
Observe and listen to the child’s reactions to sensory inputs. What makes them feel overwhelmed, and what helps them feel comfortable? Honoring their preferences fosters trust and helps create a more supportive environment.
Sometimes the simplest materials offer the biggest opportunities for learning and engagement. This Play of the Month focuses on cotton balls- a fantastic, versatile tool for sensory exploration, fine motor development, and imaginative play...perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!
From single-step activities that spark curiosity to multi-step combination play that builds new skills and pretend play adventures that fuel creativity, these ideas encourage children to explore, create, and grow. See below for activity ideas and learning goals linked to the ESDM Curriculum Checklist items to help you discover the play level that best suits your child or the children and families you support in early learning environments.
Pay attention to what children like (or seem curious about) and follow their lead as long as you are a part of the action, too. Remember, the most important thing is for children to have fun doing this with you! Fun means engagement and that excites children's brains and bodies for meaningful learning to happen.
Simple play actions that encourage children to explore, use their senses, and move their bodies:
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Cotton Ball Drop: Drop cotton balls into a container or through a paper towel tube.
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Blow Race: Use a straw to blow cotton balls across a table.
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Cotton Ball Toss: Throw cotton balls into a basket or bucket.
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Sensory Exploration: Let kids feel the softness and pull apart cotton balls.
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Cotton Ball Snowstorm: Toss them in the air and let kids catch them.
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Wet Cotton Ball Play: Dip cotton balls in water and squeeze them to feel the texture change.
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Floating & Sinking Experiment: Drop dry and wet cotton balls into water and observe the difference.
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Color-Changing Cotton Balls: Dye them with food coloring or liquid watercolors for a visual sensory activity.
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Cotton Ball Painting: Dip cotton balls in paint and stamp them onto paper.
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Sticky Cotton Ball Art: Glue cotton balls onto paper to create fluffy animals or clouds.
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Cotton Ball Sorting: Sort by size or color if dyed with food coloring.
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Ice Cream Cone Craft: Glue cotton balls onto paper cones for pretend ice cream.
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Cotton Ball Counting: Use them for counting games or simple math activities.
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Frozen Cotton Balls: Wet cotton balls, freeze them, and explore the cold, hard texture.
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Soapy Cotton Balls: Add dish soap and let kids squish and squeeze foamy cotton balls.
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Scented Cotton Balls: Infuse cotton balls with vanilla extract, lavender oil, or cinnamon water for a scented sensory experience.
Imaginary play that encourages children to make-believe and role-play:
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Cotton Ball Bakery: Pretend they are marshmallows, cupcakes, or whipped cream.
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Snow Play: Use cotton balls as pretend snow for winter-themed play.
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Doctor Play: Pretend they are bandages or medicine for stuffed animals.
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Cloud Watching: Glue cotton balls onto blue paper and pretend they are clouds.
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Animal Care: Pretend they are food for stuffed animals or pets.
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Fluffy vs. Sticky Experiment: Compare dry cotton balls with ones dipped in glue or honey to explore texture differences.
