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Episode 7
Scaling ESDM in Community‑Based
Autism Centers
About This Episode
In this episode, we’re joined by Will Martin, BCBA, ESDM‑certified therapist, and apprentice trainer, who leads Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) implementation at SOAR Autism Center. With over a decade of experience in behavior analysis, Will shares how SOAR is weaving Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) into the fabric of their community‑based autism centers in Colorado and Arizona — and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. SOAR’s model is grounded in a developmentally focused, naturalistic ABA approach, with ESDM at its core. Will also shares his personal journey to NDBIs — from thinking all ABA was play‑based as an undergraduate, to discovering the developmental power of NDBIs through Project ImPACT, and receiving world‑class ESDM training at Vanderbilt.
Scaling ESDM in Community‑Based
Autism Centers
Will Martin
About Our Guest Speaker
Will Martin
Will Martin, MEd, BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, certified Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapist, and certified ESDM trainer with over a decade of experience in early intervention and autism therapy. He earned his Master of Education in Early Intervention with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder from the University of Pittsburgh. Will began his career in community‑based practice before joining the faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he contributed to research comparing the effectiveness of ESDM to other intervention approaches. Prior to his current role at Soar Autism Center, he served as Vice President of Clinical Quality and Outcomes for a multisite ABA provider. His clinical expertise includes naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs), compassionate, communication‑focused approaches to challenging behavior, and meaningful caregiver involvement in ABA therapy. Will is passionate about designing high‑quality early intervention programs that support both children with autism and their families.
Show Notes
In this episode, we’re joined by Will Martin, BCBA, ESDM‑certified therapist, and apprentice trainer, who leads Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) implementation at SOAR Autism Center. With over a decade of experience in behavior analysis, Will shares how SOAR is weaving Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) into the fabric of their community‑based autism centers in Colorado and Arizona — and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. SOAR’s model is grounded in a developmentally focused, naturalistic ABA approach, with ESDM at its core. Will also shares his personal journey to NDBIs — from thinking all ABA was play‑based as an undergraduate, to discovering the developmental power of NDBIs through Project ImPACT, and receiving world‑class ESDM training at Vanderbilt.
Episode Highlights:
Center‑Based NDBI Implementation – How Soore delivers ESDM in insurance‑funded community clinics and manages rapid growth across multiple sites.
Staff Training & Fidelity – Their BACB‑approved 40‑hour RBT training delivered through an ESDM lens, extended over two weeks before technicians begin floor work. This includes recorded modules, coaching, and personalized feedback, with ongoing quarterly fidelity assessments and promotion incentives.
Tracking Outcomes – Client growth tracked through the ESDM curriculum checklist (median 60 skills gained per 6 months) and Vineland scores (half standard deviation gains per 6 months), with results comparable to peer‑reviewed research.
Navigating Funding & Clinical Boundaries – Addressing insurance pushback on goals like self‑advocacy by connecting them to developmental milestones and autism‑related needs.
Tackling Variability in Progress – Using the ESDM decision tree to problem‑solve for children making slower gains.
Defining Success – Understanding that meaningful outcomes differ for each family and must be defined collaboratively.
Episode Resources
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