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 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), affected children with autism over a longer period.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism changed over time after 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 daily living skills). The study compared the progress of children receiving ABA to those receiving ESDM.

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, both groups of children showed improvements in their communication and social skills. The researchers also looked at adaptive behavior and found improvements in both groups. While both therapies showed benefits, the study didn't definitively say that one therapy was significantly better than the other overall. The amount of progress each child made varied, highlighting that every child responds differently to therapy.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is important because it provides more information about the potential long-term benefits of ABA and ESDM. It reinforces the idea that early intervention can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism. The finding that both therapies showed positive outcomes may help families feel more confident in choosing a therapy approach that best fits their child's needs and their family's values.

Practical Implications

• Therapy Decisions: This research can help guide conversations with therapists and doctors when deciding on the best intervention for your child. It emphasizes the importance of considering both ABA and ESDM as potentially effective options.
• School Planning: Understanding that both therapies can improve communication and social skills can inform Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and strategies.
• Daily Life: The improvements in adaptive behavior suggest that these therapies can help children become more independent in their daily routines, which can reduce stress for both the child and the family.

Important Considerations (Limitations)

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 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 types of children benefit most from each therapy.

The Bottom Line

This study offers encouraging evidence that both ABA and ESDM therapy can lead to positive changes in children with autism over time. While it doesn't declare a clear "winner," it highlights the potential benefits of both approaches and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. As always, it's crucial to work closely with your child's therapists and doctors to determine the best course of treatment for your individual child.

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