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 therapies work best. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) looked at just that, comparing two common interventions: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
What the Researchers Studied
Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism change over time when receiving either ABA or ESDM therapy. They followed a group of children for several years, regularly assessing their skills in areas like communication, social interaction, and adaptive behavior (things like self-care and daily living skills). The study specifically looked at whether the type of therapy (ABA or ESDM) made a difference in how these skills developed over time.
What They Found
The study found that both ABA and ESDM were associated with positive changes in the children's development over the years. That's the good news! Both groups of children showed improvements in their communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. The researchers noted a trend that children in the ESDM group showed slightly greater gains in social communication skills, but this difference wasn't huge and needs more research.
Why This Matters for Autism Families
This study is important because it gives us more information about what to expect from these therapies in the long run. Knowing that both ABA and ESDM can lead to positive changes can help families feel more confident in their choices. The potential slight advantage of ESDM in social communication is something to discuss with your therapists and consider when tailoring your child's intervention plan.
Practical Implications
- Therapy: This study reinforces the importance of early intervention. Whether you choose ABA or ESDM, starting therapy as early as possible can make a big difference.
- School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of both ABA and ESDM can help them support your child's goals in the classroom.
- Daily Life: Focus on consistently implementing strategies learned in therapy at home and in the community. Reinforcing these skills in different environments will help your child generalize what they've learned.
Important Considerations
It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. For example, the sample size was relatively small, so the findings might not apply to all children with autism. Also, the study only looked at ABA and ESDM; other therapies may also be effective. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand which therapies work best for different children.
Every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with your child's therapists and other professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.
You can read the original research paper here: Longitudinal changes in children with autism spectrum disorder following ABA therapy or ESDM intervention
Read the study: Frontiers in Pediatrics
