Research library/Behavioral Interventions

Category 1 of 12:

Behavioral Interventions

Structured, evidence-heavy approaches built on applied behavior analysis — the most studied category in autism care.

9 therapies · 3 groups · 1 review published

How we grade the evidence:

Strong — multiple trials or reviews, consistent resultsModerate — good evidence, generally acceptedEmerging — promising, still earlyLimited — well-studied and not shown to help, or too little study to knowControversial — significant debate among researchers, use cautionHarmful — documented risk of harm — not recommended

Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

Structured, therapist-led teaching broken into small, repeated steps.

Strong evidence

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – DTT

Structured, therapist-led teaching using repeated trials with prompting and reinforcement.

All agesComing soon
Emerging evidence

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)

Skill gains from intensive early ABA are real for some children, but the evidence is weak and the field is split over what counts as success.

Young childrenRead review →
Strong evidence

Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT)

ABA approach targeting language through Skinner's operant categories (mand, tact, etc.).

Early childhoodComing soon

Naturalistic ABA Approaches

The same ABA principles, applied through everyday play and routines.

Strong evidence

Natural Environment Training (NET)

ABA principles applied in everyday settings using child-initiated activities.

All agesComing soon
Strong evidence

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)

Targets 'pivotal' areas like motivation and self-management to produce broad improvements.

Early childhood – school ageComing soon
Moderate evidence

Incidental Teaching

Uses naturally occurring learning opportunities to teach targeted skills.

Early childhoodComing soon

Behavior Support & Management

Understanding why a behavior happens, then building a plan around it.

Strong evidence

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Identifies antecedents, behaviors, and consequences to design behavior support plans.

All agesComing soon
Strong evidence

Positive Behavior Support (PBS)

Proactive, values-based system to reduce challenging behaviors and improve quality of life.

All agesComing soon
Strong evidence

Token Economy Systems

Reinforcement systems using tokens to increase desired behaviors.

School ageComing soon
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