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

As parents of children with autism, we're always looking for information about what therapies might help our kids thrive. 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.

What the Researchers Studied

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

What They Found (In Plain Language!)

The study found that both ABA and ESDM were associated with positive changes in children with autism over time. Specifically, children in both groups showed improvements in their communication and social skills. The researchers noted that the amount of improvement varied between children, and that further research is needed to understand which children benefit most from each therapy.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is helpful because it looks at the long-term effects of these therapies. Many studies focus on shorter periods. Knowing that both ABA and ESDM can lead to positive changes over several years can give families more confidence when choosing a therapy. It reinforces that early intervention can have a lasting impact.

Practical Implications

Therapy Decisions: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM as effective interventions. When deciding which therapy is right for your child, consider factors like your child's individual needs, your family's values, and the availability of qualified therapists in your area.
School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of ABA and ESDM can help educators create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Daily Life: The improvements in communication and social skills observed in the study can translate to greater independence and participation in daily activities for your child.

Important Considerations (Limitations of the Study)

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. For example, the study may have included a relatively small number of participants. Also, while the study compared ABA and ESDM, it didn't directly compare them head-to-head in a controlled experiment. More research is needed to fully understand the nuances of how each therapy works and for whom it is most effective. This is a relatively early study and more research will be done in the future.