Naturalistic Developmental-Behavioral Interventions for Early Autism: Characteristics and Effects

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are a class of interventions that result from integrating behavioral and developmental sciences, building on evidence from the science of learning and the development of infants, toddlers, and young children across various domains. This chapter discusses the common elements and procedures that comprise the defining characteristics of NDBIs; examines the efficacy of these interventions as a class by conducting a systematic review of the findings from clinical trials of NDBI studies; and aims to assist practitioners, parents, and researchers to distinguish NDBIs from other treatments in their efforts to find and deliver sound, evidence-based intervention approaches for young autistic children.