New Study: How ABA and ESDM Therapies Impact Kids with Autism Over Time
As parents of autistic children, we're always looking for information about what therapies work best. 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), affect children with autism over several years.
What the Researchers Studied
Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism changed over time after receiving either ABA or ESDM therapy. They looked at a group of children who received one of these therapies and tracked their progress in areas like communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior (things like daily living skills). The study followed these children for several years to see how their skills developed.
What They Found (In Plain Language)
The study found that both ABA and ESDM therapies were associated with improvements in children's skills over time. Children in both groups showed gains in communication and social skills. However, the researchers also noted that the rate and type of progress could vary between children, and that some children made more progress in certain areas than others. The study suggested that both therapies can be effective, but the specific outcomes might depend on the individual child.
Why This Matters for Autism Families
This study is important because it gives us more information about the long-term effects of ABA and ESDM. Knowing that both therapies can lead to improvements can help parents feel more confident in their choices. It also highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans, as the best approach may vary from child to child.
Practical Implications
- Therapy: This study reinforces the importance of early intervention. If you're considering ABA or ESDM, talk to your child's doctor or therapist to determine which approach might be the best fit.
- School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of these therapies can help them support your child's learning and development in the classroom.
- Daily Life: Remember that progress takes time. Be patient and celebrate small victories along the way. Continue to reinforce the skills your child is learning in therapy at home and in the community.
Important Considerations (Limitations)
It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. The sample size might have been relatively small, and there may have been other factors that influenced the children's progress that the researchers didn't account for. More research is always needed to confirm these findings and understand the nuances of how these therapies work for different children.
In short: This study suggests that both ABA and ESDM can be helpful for autistic children over time. However, individual results can vary, and it's crucial to work with professionals to create a personalized treatment plan.
You can read the original research paper here: Longitudinal changes in children with autism spectrum disorder following ABA therapy or ESDM intervention
Read the study: Frontiers in Pediatrics
