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 works. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) tracked how kids with autism changed over time after receiving either Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy or the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) intervention. Let's break down what they found.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to see how children with autism progressed in different areas – like communication, social skills, and behavior – after receiving either ABA or ESDM. They followed a group of children for several years, measuring their skills at the beginning of the study and then again at regular intervals.

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. Kids in both groups showed improvements in communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors. The researchers also looked to see if one therapy was better than the other, but the study did not find significant differences in outcomes between the ABA and ESDM groups. This suggests that both approaches can be effective for supporting children with autism.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This research is encouraging because it reinforces that early intervention can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism. It also suggests that both ABA and ESDM are valuable options. This can be helpful when you're working with your child's team to decide which therapy approach might be the best fit for your child and family.

Practical Implications

So, what does this mean for therapy, school, and daily life?

• Therapy: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. When choosing a therapy, consider your child's individual needs, your family's values, and the availability of qualified therapists in your area. It's important to have open conversations with therapists about your goals and expectations.
• School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of different therapeutic approaches can help them create a supportive and effective learning environment.
• Daily Life: Remember that therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. Creating a supportive and understanding environment at home is also crucial for your child's development.

Important Considerations (Limitations)

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. For example, the study may have had a relatively small number of participants. More research with larger groups of children is always helpful to confirm these findings. Also, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. This study provides valuable information, but it's essential to consider your child's unique needs and work with qualified professionals to develop an individualized plan.

Always discuss treatment options with your child's doctor or therapist.

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