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 and how they can help our kids thrive. A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) sheds some light on this, looking at how two common therapies, ABA and ESDM, affect children's development over several years.
What the Researchers Studied
Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism change over time when receiving either Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy or the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) intervention. They followed a group of children for several years, regularly assessing their skills in areas like communication, social interaction, and daily living.
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 therapy groups showed improvements in their communication skills and social interaction. The researchers also noted that the amount of progress varied among individual children, which isn't surprising since every child is unique. It's important to note that this study did not directly compare ABA and ESDM to say one is "better" than the other. Rather, it looked at the longitudinal effects of each therapy separately.
Why This Matters for Autism Families
This study is encouraging because it provides more evidence that early intervention with therapies like ABA and ESDM can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism. It reinforces the importance of seeking out evidence-based therapies and working closely with therapists to tailor interventions to your child's specific needs.
Practical Implications
- Therapy: This study highlights the potential benefits of both ABA and ESDM. If you're considering therapy options for your child, discuss these (and other) approaches with your developmental pediatrician or psychologist.
- 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: The improvements in communication and social interaction observed in the study can translate to greater independence and participation in everyday activities for your child.
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, so the results may 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 always needed to confirm these findings and explore other potential interventions.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your child's care.
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
