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. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) examined how two well-known interventions, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect 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 different areas like communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior (things like daily living skills).

Specifically, they compared children receiving ABA (a therapy focused on teaching specific skills through reinforcement) to those receiving ESDM (a play-based therapy that focuses on building relationships and natural learning opportunities).

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. However, the study suggested that children receiving ESDM may show slightly greater improvements in social communication skills compared to those receiving ABA.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is important because it provides more information about the long-term effects of these two popular therapies. Knowing that both ABA and ESDM can lead to positive changes is reassuring. The hint that ESDM might have a slight edge in social communication is something to consider when discussing therapy options with your child's team.

Practical Implications

• Therapy Decisions: This study reinforces the importance of early intervention. It also suggests that ESDM could be a good choice if social communication is a primary focus for your child's therapy.
• School: Understanding the potential benefits of different therapies can help you advocate for your child's needs in the school setting. You can discuss these findings with your child's IEP team.
• Daily Life: The study highlights the importance of consistent support and intervention to help children with autism develop essential skills. This could mean incorporating therapy techniques into your daily routines at home.

Important Caveats

It's important to remember that this is just one study. The sample size of children participating was relatively small, which means the results might not apply to all children with autism. Also, more research is needed to confirm the slight differences observed between ABA and ESDM. Every child is unique, and what works best for one child may not work best for another. This study shouldn't be used to make broad generalizations, but rather as a piece of the puzzle when making informed decisions about your child's care.

Always consult with your child's therapists, doctors, and other professionals to determine the best course of treatment for your individual child.

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