Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder

WANG Chongying, KONG Lingyue

Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3) : 239-245.

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3) : 239-245. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2026-0099
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Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder

  • WANG Chongying, KONG Lingyue
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Abstract

Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) represent one of the most promising groups of evidence-based approaches in the field of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Although individual intervention models differ in their specific features, they are all grounded in an integration of developmental and behavioral sciences.They are based on the well-established principles developed via the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and use developmentally based intervention strategies and sequences to guide goal development that is individualized to each child.Evidence from recent studies suggests that NDBIs produce relatively consistent effects in improving joint attention, social engagement, language, and adaptive behaviors in children with ASD, while also enhancing the quality of parent-child interactions and family involvement.This article reviews the theoretical foundations and shared features of NDBIs, summarizes representative models, and synthesizes the current evidence base.Considering child health-care and rehabilitation service systems in China, it further discusses contextual applicability, key implementation challenges and priorities for future research, so as to inform early intervention practice and related policy development for children with ASD.

Key words

naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions / autism spectrum disorder / developmental science / applied behavior analysis

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WANG Chongying, KONG Lingyue. Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2026, 34(3): 239-245 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2026-0099

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