Behavioural
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Limited Evidence16 studies
Compare with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)About This Intervention
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?
Systematic approach to understanding behaviour and applying interventions to improve socially significant behaviours.
Research
Evidence Summary
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for autism has a modest evidence base with six studies reviewed. Two studies showed emerging findings, three demonstrated limited evidence, and one indicated moderate support. However, the total participant count across these studies was zero, suggesting data reporting gaps. Current evidence remains preliminary, and parents considering ABA should discuss individual suitability with healthcare providers rather than relying on aggregate findings alone.
Evidence last reviewed: 21 July 2026
Research
Linked Studies (6)
Emerging
Difficulties faced by children with autism spectrum disorders after an earthquake: a study from parents' perspectives.
Scientific reports2025
Kay Mehmet Akif, Karaca Muhammed Abdulbaki, Çelik Osman Tayyar et al.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how the 2023 earthquake in Turkey affected children with autism. Parents reported their children struggled more with daily routines like eating, toileting, and self-care after the earthquake. Children's schoolwork suffered and they had more behavioral problems. Parents also had trouble getting health services. The researchers suggest using technology like video therapy and involving families more during disasters to help autistic children cope better.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
Emerging
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN CHILDREN IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.
Georgian medical news2025
Saduakassova K, Kassenova G, Issayeva R
Plain-English summary
This study looked at autism diagnosis in Kazakhstan and found that while more children are being diagnosed with autism each year, the numbers are still much lower than in other countries. The main problems families face are not enough specialists, expensive services, and lack of knowledge about autism. Most children get some help, but very few have access to proven treatments like ABA therapy.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
Emerging
Challenging Case: Leveraging Community Partnerships to Address Barriers to Care for Students with Autism.
Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP2023
Cerda Natalie, Brinster Meredith, Turner Caroline et al.
Plain-English summary
This case describes an 11-year-old boy with autism who struggled to get proper support at school and therapy services through insurance. Even though doctors diagnosed him with autism, his school wouldn't recognize this diagnosis, so he didn't get autism-specific help. His family also had trouble getting insurance to cover ABA therapy, facing multiple rejections and needing extra testing. The case shows how families can face barriers across different systems when trying to get appropriate support for their autistic children.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
Emerging
Pediatric Media Guidance for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Thematic Analysis.
Health communication2023
Alper Meryl, Christiansen Erika, Allen Anna A et al.
Plain-English summary
Researchers asked 234 autism therapists about the advice they give parents about screen time and technology use. Most therapists suggested being strict about media use - limiting time, using screens mainly as rewards, and setting firm boundaries. This study shows there's not much research on the best ways to guide families about technology use for autistic children.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
Emerging
The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Therapy Utilization Among Racially/Ethnically and Socio-Economically Diverse Autistic Children.
Journal of autism and developmental disorders2023
Gonzales Cassin W, Simonell Jennifer R, Lai Mark H C et al.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how COVID-19 affected ABA therapy hours for 283 autistic children in California. During the first three months of the pandemic, children lost about 10.7 hours of therapy per month. Hours slowly increased over the next 9 months but didn't fully recover. Asian children and those funded by school districts were affected differently than white children and those with private insurance, showing that the pandemic's impact wasn't equal for all families.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
Emerging
Acceptance of Telehealth Therapy to Replace In-Person Therapy for Autism Treatment During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Assessment of Patient Variables.
Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association2022
Aranki Jenna, Wright Patricia, Pompa-Craven Paula et al.
Plain-English summary
During COVID-19, many autism therapy providers switched to online sessions when face-to-face therapy wasn't safe. This study looked at why some families chose online therapy while others didn't. They compared 200 families and found that things like income, age, or language didn't predict who would accept online therapy. However, about 40% of families said no to online therapy, meaning their children missed out on important treatment during the pandemic.
Summary by AutismInsights from published abstract.
More in this category
Related Interventions
Behavioural
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
Limited Evidence7 studies
Compare with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)Behavioural
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Limited Evidence8 studies
Compare with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)AutismInsights presents published research for informational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your child's paediatrician, psychologist, or allied health team before making decisions about therapies or interventions.