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 work best and what to expect. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) offers some interesting insights into how two common therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism over the long term.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism changed over time after receiving either ABA therapy or ESDM intervention. They followed a group of young children with autism for several years, tracking their progress in different areas like communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior (things like self-care and daily living skills). They 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's development over time. Children in both groups showed improvements in communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior. The researchers noted that while both groups improved, the *rate* and *specific areas* of improvement sometimes differed between the ABA and ESDM groups. For example, one group might have shown slightly faster gains in communication initially, while the other showed greater improvements in adaptive behavior later on. However, it's important to note that overall, both therapies led to positive outcomes.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it reinforces that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. It suggests that these therapies can lead to real, measurable improvements in key areas of development over time. For parents, this can provide reassurance that the time, effort, and resources invested in these therapies can make a meaningful difference in their child's life.

Practical Implications

Therapy Decisions: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. The best choice for your child will depend on their individual needs, learning style, and your family's preferences. Talk to your doctor and therapists to determine the right fit.
Realistic Expectations: Therapy takes time. This study highlights the importance of long-term commitment to therapy to see meaningful progress.
Individualized Approach: The study suggests that children may respond differently to each therapy. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the therapy plan are crucial to maximize your child's progress.
Collaboration: Share these findings with your child's therapists and teachers. This information can help them tailor their approach to best support your child's individual needs and learning style.

Important 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 may 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 therapies work best for different children with autism.

The Bottom Line

This study provides further evidence that both ABA and ESDM can be valuable tools in supporting the development of children with autism. While the specific benefits may vary from child to child, both therapies offer the potential for significant improvements over time. As always, talk to your child's care team to determine the best course of action for your family.

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