It's great you're looking into the long-term impacts of ABA and ESDM! Research shows both therapies can lead to lasting improvements when started early in toddlerhood.

ESDM demonstrates moderate long-term benefits for young children with autism, especially in cognitive, language, and social skills. A study showed that toddlers receiving ESDM for 2 years had better language, IQ, and adaptive behaviors at age 6. You can read more about that study here: [https://www.autismspeaks.org/s....cience-news/early-in

ABA, particularly EIBI, can have stronger effects on cognitive and adaptive outcomes, but it typically requires a high time commitment. Both therapies can seed "lasting gains" in social and behavioral skills when started early.