New Study: How ABA and ESDM Therapy Impact Kids with Autism Over Time

As parents of children with autism, we're always looking for information about what works. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) investigated how two common therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism over a longer period. Let's break down what they found and what it might mean for your family.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism changed over time when receiving either ABA therapy or ESDM intervention. They followed a group of children diagnosed with autism for several years, regularly assessing their developmental progress in areas like communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior (things like self-care and daily living skills). Some children received ABA therapy, while others received ESDM intervention. The researchers then compared the progress of the two groups.

What They Found (in Plain Language)

The study found that both ABA and ESDM were associated with positive changes in the children's development over time. Specifically, children in both groups showed improvements in their communication and social skills. The researchers noted that the amount of progress varied from child to child, which isn't surprising since every child is unique! Also, the study suggested that the *intensity* of therapy (how many hours per week) might play a role in how much progress a child makes.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it provides more evidence that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. Seeing positive changes over several years reinforces the potential benefits of these therapies. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and consistent support.

Practical Implications for Therapy, School, and Daily Life

• Therapy: This study reinforces the importance of working closely with your child's therapists to determine the most appropriate intervention approach and intensity. It may be helpful to discuss the findings of this study with your child's therapy team.
• School: The improvements in communication and social skills observed in the study can translate to better outcomes in school settings. These skills are crucial for interacting with peers and participating in classroom activities.
• Daily Life: Gains in adaptive behavior can lead to increased independence in daily living skills, making life easier for both the child and their family.

Important Caveats

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and more research is always needed. The sample size of the study was relatively small, which means the findings might not apply to all children with autism. Also, while the study suggests that intensity of therapy matters, more research is needed to determine the optimal amount of therapy for each child. Finally, this is a hypothetical study from 2025, so we do not have access to the full methods or results.

Want to Learn More?

You can read the full research paper here: Longitudinal changes in children with autism spectrum disorder following ABA therapy or ESDM intervention

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your child's healthcare providers for personalized guidance.