Effectiveness and experiences of early intensive behavioral and naturalistic developmental behavior interventions for autism spectrum disorders: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Among evidence-based practices (EBPs), interventions grounded in applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles-including Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention and naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions-are widely used. While the evidence suggests potential benefits, the findings are inconsistent, most studies carry a high risk of bias, and the quality of evidence is generally low to very low. Gaps also remain in comparisons with treatment as usual (TAU) and across intervention intensities.

Aims

This mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the quantitative effectiveness and qualitative experie

SUBMITTER: Han DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12849440 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature