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

Choosing the right therapy for your child with autism can feel overwhelming. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) offers some helpful information about how two common therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), can impact children over several years.

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 who received one of these therapies for a few years. The researchers looked at different areas of development, including:

• Communication skills: How well children could express themselves and understand others.
• Social interaction: How children interacted with peers and adults.
• Adaptive behavior: How well children could manage daily living skills like dressing and eating.
• Cognitive abilities: Thinking and problem-solving skills.

What the Researchers Found

The study found that both ABA and ESDM therapies were associated with improvements in children's development over time. Specifically:

• Children in both groups showed gains in communication and social interaction skills.
• Both therapies appeared to help children improve their adaptive behavior skills.
• The researchers didn't find significant differences in outcomes between the two therapy groups. This suggests that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it shows that both ABA and ESDM can lead to positive changes for children with autism over the long term. It reinforces the importance of early intervention and provides evidence that different therapeutic approaches can be beneficial.

For parents, this information can be helpful when making decisions about therapy. It suggests that both ABA and ESDM are viable options, and the best choice might depend on your child's individual needs, your family's preferences, and the availability of qualified therapists in your area.

Practical Implications

• Therapy: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. Talk to your doctor or developmental pediatrician to determine which therapy might be the best fit for your child.
• School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of these therapies can help them support your child's development in the classroom.
• Daily Life: The improvements in adaptive behavior suggest that these therapies can help children become more independent in their daily routines. Look for ways to practice and reinforce these skills at home.

Important Considerations

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and more research is always needed. The study likely involved a specific group of children, and the results might not apply to everyone with autism. Also, the sample size might have been relatively small, which can limit the strength of the findings. However, it does contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting early intervention for autism.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any questions you have about your child's health or treatment.

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