ABA and ESDM Both Improve Development in Children With ASD
A new longitudinal study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics finds that two leading early intervention approaches for children with autism — Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) — are associated with widespread developmental improvements after six months of systematic therapy.
Researchers in China tracked 60 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between 2021 and 2023, splitting them into two treatment groups. One group received intensive ABA therapy consisting of multiple short sessions per day, while the second participated in ESDM training that integrated structured developmental and play-based activities.
Using the Psycho-educational Profile-Third Edition (PEP-3), a comprehensive tool measuring communication, motor skills, social interaction, imitation, and emotional expression, the researchers assessed each child before and after the six-month intervention period.
The results demonstrated significant improvements in both groups across all measured domains, including cognitive and language skills, social reciprocity, emotional responsiveness, and both verbal and non-verbal behaviors.
Although exploratory comparisons hinted that ESDM might yield slightly greater gains in social reciprocity and ABA might benefit gross motor skills more, these differences were not statistically robust after correction.
Experts say the findings reinforce the importance of early, structured intervention for children with ASD and highlight that multiple evidence-based models can produce meaningful developmental changes over a relatively short period.
The findings highlight that structured early intervention, whether ABA or ESDM, can be associated with measurable developmental progress over time.
At ARC, we offer ABA services in home and clinic settings, based on individualized treatment plans. We serve children ages 18 months to 21 years and accept most major insurance plans.
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