New Study: How ABA and ESDM Therapy 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 popular therapies, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), affect children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over a longer period.

What Did the Researchers Study?

Researchers wanted to understand how children with autism changed over time after receiving 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). The study compared the outcomes of children who received ABA to those who received ESDM.

What Did They Find? (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 adaptive behavior skills. The researchers suggested that both therapies can be effective ways to support development in children with autism. The study did not find significant differences in outcomes between the two therapies, suggesting that both ABA and ESDM can be beneficial.

Why Does This Matter for Autism Families?

This research is encouraging because it reinforces that early intervention can make a real difference in the lives of children with autism. It also suggests that both ABA and ESDM are viable options. This is helpful because families can work with their therapists and doctors to choose the therapy approach that best fits their child's needs and their family's values.

Practical Implications: Therapy, School, and Daily Life

Therapy: This study supports the use of both ABA and ESDM. If you're considering therapy for your child, talk to professionals experienced in both approaches to determine which one seems like the best fit.
School: Share this information with your child's school team. Understanding the potential benefits of ABA and ESDM can help them create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
Daily Life: Focus on consistent implementation of strategies learned in therapy at home. Reinforcing these skills in everyday situations can help your child generalize what they've learned.

Important Considerations (Limitations of the Study)

It's important to remember that this is just one study, and like all research, it has limitations. The study likely had a limited number of participants, and more research with larger groups of children is needed to confirm these findings. Also, the study doesn't tell us why these therapies work, only that they can be effective. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms of change.