Optimal EIBI Outcomes for Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Analysis of Learning Rate and Treatment Hours

Background: Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) has been shown to effectively remediate some cases of autism. However, few studies have evaluated the importance of various factors, such as number of treatment hours per month, on treatment outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship of treatment hours and participant age with the rate of learning within an EIBI program.

Methods: The present study evaluated treatment progress for 257 children receiving EIBI services. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict treatment progress based upon the number of monthly treatment hours received and the participant’s age.

Results: Results indicated that each of these variables were significant predictors and accounted for considerable portions of the observed variance. Further, results indicate that younger participants showed a greater benefit from increased treatment hours when compared to older participants.

Conclusions: These data indicate that for children between 2 and 7 years of age, there was a significant increase in new skill acquisition with increased treatment hours. Further, there was not a point of diminishing returns. These data highlight two factors that are important for treatment providers to manipulate on a system-level to achieve optimum treatment outcomes.