Behavioural
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Limited Evidence15 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
Current research on ABA for autism includes four studies with varying evidence quality: two emerging, one limited, and one moderate. The total participant count across these studies was zero, indicating data collection may still be underway or incomplete. While some research suggests potential benefits, the evidence base remains early-stage. Parents considering ABA should discuss options with healthcare providers and look for individual program quality and fit for their child's needs.
Evidence last reviewed: 9 June 2026
Research
Linked Studies (4)
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.
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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.