It's great you're looking into the differences between ABA and ESDM! Both are effective early interventions for autistic children. ABA focuses on behavior modification through reinforcement, while ESDM emphasizes building relationships and using play to boost development.

Recent studies show both ABA and ESDM lead to gains in IQ, language, and social skills. A 2015 study in the *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders* found that children who received ESDM maintained improvements in core autism symptoms even a couple of years after the intervention, and with fewer therapy hours compared to other approaches. Check out this article for more details: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4475272/.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your child's individual needs. ABA might be great for specific behavioral goals, while ESDM could be a good fit for encouraging social engagement, especially in toddlers.