New Study: How Do ABA and ESDM Therapies Affect 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) offers some insights into how two popular therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect kids with autism over the long haul.

What Did the Researchers Do?

Researchers followed a group of young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for several years. Some children received ABA therapy, while others received ESDM intervention. The researchers wanted to see how the children's skills and behaviors changed over time in areas like communication, social interaction, and adaptive behavior (things like self-care and daily living skills). They compared the progress of the two groups.

What Did They Find?

The study found that both ABA and ESDM were associated with improvements in children's development over time. Specifically, children in both groups showed gains in communication and social skills. There were some differences in the rate of improvement between the groups. The researchers noted that children receiving ABA showed improvements in adaptive behavior more quickly than the ESDM group. However, both groups ultimately showed improvements in this area over the long term.

Why Does This Matter for Autism Families?

This study is encouraging because it suggests that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. Choosing the right therapy can feel overwhelming, and this research provides more information to help guide those decisions. Knowing that both therapies can lead to positive changes in key areas like communication and social skills can give parents more confidence in their choices.

Practical Implications

Therapy Decisions: This study reinforces that both ABA and ESDM are valid options. The best choice for your child may depend on their individual needs, your family's preferences, and the availability of qualified therapists in your area.
Collaboration with Therapists: Regardless of the therapy you choose, ongoing communication with your child's therapists is crucial. Discuss your child's progress, any challenges you're facing, and adjust the therapy plan as needed.
Focus on Adaptive Skills: The study highlighted the importance of adaptive skills. Whether your child is in ABA or ESDM, make sure their therapy plan addresses skills like dressing, eating, and hygiene.

Important Considerations

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. The sample size was relatively small, which means the results might not apply to all children with autism. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore which factors might make one therapy more effective than another for specific children. Also, this is a 2025 study, so we're looking at results from the future – keep an eye out for when/if this study is actually published!