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) looked at how two common therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over several years. Let's break down what they found and what it might mean for your family.

What the Researchers Studied

Researchers wanted to understand how kids with autism change over time when they receive 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 self-care and daily living skills). Some children received ABA therapy, while others received ESDM. The researchers then compared how the two groups progressed.

What They Found (In Plain Language)

The study found that both ABA and ESDM were associated with positive changes in children with autism over time. Specifically, children in both groups showed improvements in their communication and social skills. The researchers noted that the amount of improvement varied from child to child, which isn't surprising since every child is different. While both groups improved, the study suggested that children receiving ESDM may have shown slightly greater gains in some areas of social communication, but this difference wasn't huge.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is helpful because it provides more information about the long-term effects of ABA and ESDM. It reinforces the idea that both therapies can be beneficial for children with autism. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and consistent support.

Practical Implications for Therapy, School, and Daily Life

• Therapy: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM as effective interventions. When choosing a therapy, consider your child's individual needs, learning style, and your family's preferences. Talk to professionals experienced in both approaches.
• School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of different therapeutic approaches can help them create a more supportive and individualized learning environment.
• Daily Life: Remember that therapy is just one piece of the puzzle. Consistent support and understanding at home are crucial. Use the strategies learned in therapy to reinforce positive behaviors and communication skills in everyday situations.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

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 results might 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 explore the long-term effects of different interventions.

The Bottom Line

This study provides encouraging evidence that both ABA and ESDM can help children with autism develop important skills over time. While it suggests a possible slight advantage for ESDM in some social communication areas, the main takeaway is that both therapies can be valuable tools. As always, the best approach is to work with qualified professionals to create an individualized plan that meets your child's unique needs.

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