New Research: 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 works. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) examined how two popular therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), impact children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over a longer period. Let's break down what the researchers did and what they found.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism change over time when receiving either ABA therapy or ESDM intervention. They followed a group of children diagnosed with ASD for several years, tracking their progress in 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 the progress of both groups.

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 skills, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors. The researchers noted that while both therapies were effective, the rate and specific areas of improvement sometimes differed slightly between the groups. It's important to note that the study didn't definitively say one therapy was "better" than the other overall, but rather highlighted the progress seen with both.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This research is encouraging because it provides more evidence that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. It reinforces the idea that early intervention can make a real difference in a child's development and quality of life. For parents, this can provide reassurance that investing in these therapies can lead to positive outcomes.

Practical Implications for Therapy, School, and Daily Life

• Therapy: This study supports the continued use of both ABA and ESDM. When choosing a therapy, consider your child's individual needs, learning style, and your family's values. Discuss the pros and cons of each approach with your doctor or therapist.
• School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of ABA and ESDM can help them tailor educational strategies to support your child's progress.
• Daily Life: The improvements in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior observed in the study can translate to greater independence and participation in everyday activities for your child.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

It's crucial to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. The study may have had a relatively small number of participants, which can limit how broadly the findings can be applied. Also, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. More research is always needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. This study is also relatively new (2025), so we will want to see how it holds up over time as other researchers examine the same questions.

The Bottom Line

This study offers encouraging evidence that both ABA and ESDM can lead to positive changes in children with autism over time. While more research is always needed, this information can help parents make informed decisions about their child's therapy and educational plan. Talk to your child's doctor or therapist to determine the best course of action for your family.

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