Systematic review of early intensive behavioral interventions for children with autism.
EIBI lifts average IQ for preschoolers with autism, yet some kids surge and some stall—entry IQ and parent coaching predict who wins.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Howlin et al. (2009) looked at every good-quality study on early intensive behavioral intervention for preschoolers with autism. They pulled the numbers together to see if EIBI really lifts IQ scores.
The review only counted papers with control groups. Kids were mostly between two and five years old.
What they found
The team found EIBI raises average IQ scores compared to other treatments. The catch: some children gained a lot, others almost none.
Starting IQ, not age, told who would leap ahead.
How this fits with other research
Rodgers et al. (2021) updated the math with individual kid data. Their 2021 meta-analysis still favors EIBI, but the IQ bump is now labeled 'medium,' not large—superseding the 2009 picture.
Kovshoff et al. (2011) sounds like bad news: many EIBI gains faded within two years once treatment stopped. The studies do not clash; Patricia et al. measured immediate gains, while Hanna tracked kids after they left the program.
Bigham et al. (2013) add a twist: reviews that fold parent coaching into EIBI show bigger effect sizes. The 2009 review mentioned parent roles, but the 2013 paper quantifies the boost.
Why it matters
Expect wide outcome scatter when you start EIBI. Use entry IQ and parent-training hours as your crystal ball, not calendar age. Plan maintenance services before fade-out hits, and keep caregivers in the room whenever you can.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Recent reviews highlight limitations in the evidence base for early interventions for children with autism. We conducted a systematic review of controlled studies of early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBI) for young children with autism. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria (including two randomized controlled trials). At group level, EIBI resulted in improved outcomes (primarily measured by IQ) compared to comparison groups. At an individual level, however, there was considerable variability in outcome, with some evidence that initial IQ (but not age) was related to progress. This review provides evidence for the effectiveness of EIBI for some, but not all, preschool children with autism.
American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2009 · doi:10.1352/2009.114:23;nd41