New Study: How ABA and ESDM Therapies Impact Kids with Autism Over Time

Navigating the world of autism therapies can be overwhelming. As parents, we all want to know what works best and what to expect. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) sheds some light on how two popular therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism over a longer period.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how kids with autism change over time when receiving either ABA therapy or ESDM intervention. They followed a group of 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). The study 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. Specifically, children in both groups showed improvements in their communication and social skills. The researchers also noted that the amount of therapy received seemed to be linked to the level of progress – children who received more hours of therapy tended to show greater improvements.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it suggests that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. It reinforces the idea that early intervention is crucial and that consistent therapy can lead to meaningful progress in key developmental areas. It also highlights the importance of considering the intensity of therapy when planning your child's treatment.

Practical Implications for Therapy, School, and Daily Life

• Therapy: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. It can help parents feel more confident in choosing a therapy approach that best fits their child's needs and family values. Talk to your child's therapists about the intensity of therapy and how it aligns with their goals.
• School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of consistent therapy can help advocate for appropriate support and accommodations in the classroom.
• Daily Life: Remember that therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. Creating a supportive and understanding environment at home is also essential for your child's development.

Important Considerations

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. More research is needed to confirm these results and to better understand which factors might make one therapy more effective than another for individual children. Also, this study does not address the cost or accessibility of either therapy, which are important factors for families to consider.

Every child with autism is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with your child's therapists and educators to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets their specific needs.

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