Autism spectrum disorders: Methodological considerations for Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions

• Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention requires better established methodological guidelines.
• Group assignment methods and procedures require better standardization.
• Criteria and methods for diagnosis need further refinement.
• More detailed descriptions of treatments will enhance replicability.

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) has become a cornerstone of early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). As this field has matured, the emphasis will need to shift from does it work to more specific and tailored research topics. Increasing compatibility across studies will be critical. Establishing more rigorous methods of group assignment and more systematic and detailed descriptions of participants, and developing more up-to-date criteria and methods of diagnosis will be needed. Also, providing more systematic and detailed descriptions of treatment and more emphasis on staff training and treatment integrity will be required. How methodology can be improved serves as the primary focus of the paper.