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) looked at exactly that: how two common 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 or ESDM therapy. They followed a group of children diagnosed 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). Some children received ABA therapy, while others received ESDM intervention. The researchers then compared how the children in each group developed over the course of the study.

What They 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 adaptive behavior skills. The researchers reported that while both groups improved, there were some subtle differences in the rate of improvement in certain areas, but the study didn't definitively say one therapy was "better" than the other overall. Both seemed to contribute to positive growth.

Why This Matters for Autism Families

This study is encouraging because it reinforces that both ABA and ESDM can be effective interventions for children with autism. It suggests that consistent, early intervention can lead to meaningful improvements in key developmental areas like communication and daily living skills. This information can help families and professionals make informed decisions about which therapy approach might be the best fit for a child's individual needs and learning style.

Practical Implications

Therapy: This study highlights the importance of early intervention. If you're considering ABA or ESDM for your child, this research suggests both can be helpful. Talk to your child's doctor or therapist to determine which approach might be most appropriate.
School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of both ABA and ESDM can help educators create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Daily Life: Focus on reinforcing the skills your child is learning in therapy at home. Consistent practice can help them generalize these skills to different settings and situations.

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, and further research with larger and more diverse groups of children is needed to confirm these findings. Also, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. The best therapy approach is one that is tailored to your child's individual needs and preferences.