The NDBI Navigator
The NDBI Navigator podcast features engaging interviews with leading experts, researchers, and community practitioners who share real-world strategies and insights on using Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) with young autistic children. Hosted by Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika, each episode offers practical, actionable ideas to inspire and support professionals in making a meaningful impact.
The NDBI Navigator
Episode 7: Scaling ESDM in Community‑Based Autism Centers
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In this episode, I’m 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 high-quality ESDM training at Vanderbilt.