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) investigated how two well-known therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism over several years.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism change over time when receiving either ABA or ESDM therapy. They followed a group of children who were diagnosed with autism and started either ABA or ESDM. The researchers then tracked their progress in areas like communication, social skills, and adaptive behavior (things like daily living skills) over a period of a few years.

What the Researchers Found

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 improvement varied from child to child, which isn't surprising since every child is unique!

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it provides more evidence that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. It reinforces the idea that early intervention is important and that these therapies can help children develop important skills.

Practical Implications

• Therapy Decisions: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. When deciding on a therapy approach, it's important to work with professionals to determine what's the best fit for your child's individual needs and your family's preferences.
• School: The skills learned in ABA or ESDM therapy can help children succeed in school. These therapies can improve communication, social interaction, and adaptive behavior, all of which are important for learning and interacting with peers.
• Daily Life: Improvements in communication and adaptive behavior can make a big difference in a child's daily life, leading to increased independence and participation in family and community activities.

Important Considerations

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. For example, the study had a limited number of participants, and more research is needed to confirm these findings in larger and more diverse groups of children. Also, the study doesn't tell us which therapy is "better" – it simply suggests that both can be helpful.

The Bottom Line

This study offers valuable insights into the long-term effects of ABA and ESDM therapy for children with autism. While more research is always needed, the findings suggest that both therapies can contribute to positive developmental outcomes. As always, talk to your child's therapists and doctors to determine the best course of action for your unique child.

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