Your Guide to Autism Research, Books, & Trusted Organizations

Finding reliable information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in the middle of navigating a new diagnosis or looking for the best support for your child. There's a lot out there, and not all of it is created equal.

This guide brings together the research, organizations, books, and practical resources that families and professionals return to again and again. Whether you're just starting to learn about autism or looking to go deeper to learn about evidence-based treatment like applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, you'll find something useful here.

Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Before diving into research and resources, it helps to start with the basics. These articles cover common questions about autism, risk factors, and what autism looks like day to day.

• Webinar: Autism 101: What Families Need to Know  
• Is My Child at Risk for Autism? Early Signs & Risk Factors Explained 
• Q&A with a Psychologist: Common Autism Questions Answered 
• My Child Received an Autism Diagnosis. Now What?
• Why Do Some Autistic Children Avoid Eye Contact? 
• What Is Regression in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? 
• Sensory Differences and Autism: A Parent’s Guide 

The research behind ABA therapy

Applied behavior analysis therapy has been studied for decades. The research below comes from peer-reviewed journals and independent researchers. We’ve included links to the full text if you want to read more.

Foundational and Comparative Studies

These are the studies that established ABA therapy as an effective approach for autistic children. They're widely cited and form the backbone of what we know today about ABA.

• McEachin, J. J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment. AJMR, 97(4), 359–391. This study followed the same children from earlier research years later and found that many of them maintained their gains over time. Read more
• Lovaas, O. I. (1987). Behavioral Treatment and Normal Educational and Intellectual Functioning in Young Autistic Children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(1), 3–9. This landmark study found that young autistic children who received intensive ABA therapy made significant gains in learning and everyday functioning compared to children who did not. Read more
• Howard, J. S., Sparkman, C. R., Cohen, H. G., Green, G., & Stanislaw, H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26(4), 359–383. This study demonstrated that at equal intensity of services, ABA therapy produced significantly better outcomes than eclectic programs where only a portion of the hours were spent in ABA. Read more
• Cohen, H., Amerine-Dickens, M., & Smith, T. (2006). Early Intensive Behavioral Treatment: Replication of the UCLA Model in a Community Setting. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 27(2 Suppl), S145–S155. This study replicated earlier ABA research in a community setting, showing that intensive ABA therapy produces strong outcomes outside of university research environments. Read more
• Howard, J. S., Stanislaw, H. G., Green, G., Sparkman, C. R., & Cohen, H. G. (2014). Comparison of behavior analytic and eclectic early interventions for young children with autism after three years. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 35, 3326-3344. This follow-up to the 2005 study illustrated that the positive and superior effects of ABA over eclectic treatment were maintained throughout a three-year period. Read more
• Waters, C. F., Amerine Dickens, M., Thurston, S. W., Lu, X., & Smith, T. (2020). Sustainability of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in a community setting. Behavior Modification, 44(1), 3–26. This study examined whether the effects from Cohen et al. (2006) could be replicated at the same community agency independently of the university research project. The effects were replicated, supporting the sustainability of effective EIBI in community settings for children diagnosed with ASD who start intervention at varying ages throughout early childhood. Read more

Meta-analyses

Meta-analyses look across many studies at once.

• Peters-Scheffer, N., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., & Sturmey, P. (2011). A Meta-Analytic Study on the Effectiveness of Comprehensive ABA-Based Early Intervention Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 60-69. This analysis reviewed multiple ABA-based early intervention programs and found consistent evidence that they help autistic children build communication, social, and learning skills. Read more
• Eldevik, S., Stromgren, B., Eikeseth, S., Fields, A., Goetz, C. M., & Titlestad, K. B. (2026). Clinically significant outcomes of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders: An individual participant data meta-analysis. Autism Research, 1–32. This study looked at 17 research studies on Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) and found that autistic children ages 2 to 6 made meaningful gains in everyday skills, thinking abilities, and overall autism severity when they received intensive ABA treatment. Read more
• Eldevik, S., Hastings, R.P., Hughes, J.C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S., & Cross, S. (2009). Meta-analysis of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 439–450. This study analyzed 9 studies on Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) and found that autistic children made strong gains in thinking and reasoning skills, and moderate gains in everyday adaptive skills, supporting EIBI as a leading treatment option for autistic children. Read more

Reviews & evaluations of ABA effectiveness

These papers take a broader look at how ABA therapy works and what the overall evidence says.

• Foxx, R. M. (2008). Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism: The State of the Art. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 17(4), 821–ix. A comprehensive review of ABA therapy for autism, this paper outlines the state of the research and explains why ABA remains one of the most supported approaches available. Read more
• Hayward, D. W., Eikeseth, S., Gale, C., & Morgan, S. (2009). Assessing Progress During Treatment for Young Children with Autism Receiving Intensive Behavioural Interventions. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 13(6), 613–633. This study looked at how to measure progress in young autistic children receiving intensive ABA therapy, offering insight into what meaningful growth looks like during treatment. Read more
• Jensen, V. K., & Sinclair, L. V. (2002). Treatment of Autism in Young Children: Behavioral Intervention and Applied Behavior Analysis. Infants & Young Children, 14(4), 42-52. Focused on young children, this review highlights the role ABA therapy plays in early intervention and why starting early makes a difference. Read more
• Sallows, G., & Graupner, T. (2005). Intensive Behavioral Treatment for Children with Autism: Four-Year Outcome and Predictors. AJMR, 110(6), 417–438. This four-year study followed autistic children through intensive ABA therapy and found strong outcomes, including factors that help predict how a child will respond to treatment. Read more
• Zachor, D., Ben-Itzchak, E., Rabinovich, A., & Lahat, E. (2007). Change in Autism Core Symptoms with Intervention. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1, 304-317. This research looked specifically at changes in core autism behaviors over the course of ABA therapy, finding meaningful improvements in communication and social skills. Read more

Learn more about ABA therapy

If you're new to ABA therapy or want to learn more about what it looks like at Action Behavior Centers, these resources are a good place to start.

• Benefits of Center-Based ABA Therapy
• Early Intervention with ABA Therapy: Why It Matters
• Compassionate Care in ABA Therapy for Autism
• The 4 Functions of Behavior in ABA Therapy

Trusted autism organizations

These organizations offer reliable information, support, and advocacy for autistic individuals and their families. Each one takes a slightly different approach, so it's worth exploring a few to find what resonates with you.

• The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) — CASP represents the autism provider community to the nation at large, including government, payers, and the general public. CASP serves as a force for change, providing information, delivering education, and promoting standards that enhance quality.
• Profound Autism Alliance — Advocates for profoundly autistic individuals, progresses autism research, and supports families.
• Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) — A parent-driven organization focused on early intervention resources and support networks.
• National Autism Center — Publishes research-based guidance on autism treatments and interventions.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — A federal resource with straightforward, research-backed information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• National Autism Association — Focuses on safety, crisis support, and family resources.
• Autism Science Foundation — Funds autism research and shares science-based information for families.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR) — Translates autism research into practical tools and guides for families, educators, and individuals.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Tracks autism prevalence data and provides public health information about ASD.
• The Autism Society — One of the oldest autism advocacy organizations in the U.S., with a strong focus on community and quality of life.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Offers pediatrician-backed guidance on autism screening, diagnosis, and care.

Best books for families of autistic children 

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who wants to better understand autism, these books are worth your time. We've grouped them loosely by perspective.

From parents & professionals

• Let Me Hear Your Voice by Catherine Maurice — A mother's account of her two autistic children and their journey through early intensive behavioral therapy. A foundational read for many families.
• An Early Start for Your Child with Autism by Sally Rogers, Geraldine Dawson & Laurie Vismara — A practical, research-backed guide to using everyday activities to help young autistic children connect, communicate, and learn.
• How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst by Jon Bailey & Mary Burch — An accessible introduction to the principles of behavior analysis, written for a general audience.
• Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm & Veronica Zysk — A compassionate look at the world from an autistic child's perspective, written to help parents and educators better understand and connect.
• 101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Asperger's & Sensory Processing Disorders by Tara Delaney — A hands-on resource full of practical activities for families and caregivers.

From autistic authors

• The Way I See It by Dr. Temple Grandin — A first-person perspective on autism from one of the most well-known autistic voices in the world. Dr. Grandin shares insights on education, employment, sensory challenges, and more.
• The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida — Written by a 13-year-old autistic author, this book offers a window into the inner world of a nonverbal autistic person through a series of questions and answers.
• Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant — A reframing of autism that emphasizes understanding behavior in context rather than trying to eliminate it. Prizant argues for a more humanistic approach to autism support.

Community perspectives

• Thinking Person's Guide to Autism edited by Shannon Des Roches Rosa et al. — A collection of essays and perspectives from autistic individuals, parents, and professionals. One of the most balanced and inclusive autism books available.

Questions about autism or ABA therapy? We're here.

If you're looking for more information about ABA therapy or want to learn what support might look like for your child, our team is happy to help. We don't have waitlists, so your child can begin right away. You can check your insurance coverage online before you get started.

Contact us to connect with an ABA autism center near you.