Outcome for Children with Autism who Began Intensive Behavioral Treatment Between Ages 4 and 7

TLDR

Intensive applied behavior analytic treatment for children with autism has been previously shown to yield benefits, and this study extends those findings to children who began treatment at a mean age of 5.5 years. The study compared 13 children receiving intensive applied behavior analytic treatment to 12 receiving eclectic treatment, with group assignment based on supervisor availability and both interventions delivered in public schools. At follow‑up (mean age 8 y 2 m), the behavioral group showed greater gains in IQ and adaptive functioning, fewer aberrant behaviors and social problems, indicating the treatment’s effectiveness.

Abstract

This study extends findings on the effects of intensive applied behavior analytic treatment for children with autism who began treatment at a mean age of 5.5 years. The behavioral treatment group ( n = 13, 8 boys) was compared to an eclectic treatment group ( n = 12, 11 boys). Assignment to groups was made independently based on the availability of qualified supervisors. Both behavioral and eclectic treatment took place in public kindergartens and elementary schools for typically developing children. At a mean age of 8 years, 2 months, the behavioral treatment group showed larger increases in IQ and adaptive functioning than did the eclectic group. The behavioral treatment group also displayed fewer aberrant behaviors and social problems at follow-up. Results suggest that behavioral treatment was effective for children with autism in the study.