By Ferdinand Zandro A. Salonga, student of the Master in Speech-Language Pathology and Learning Difficulties

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention on expressive language development among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) enrolled at the Salonga Behavioral Health Center (SBHC). Ten pediatric participants, aged 4.1 to 7.4 years, underwent a six-month ABA therapy program conducted three times per week. To ensure objectivity and reduce researcher bias, all pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Griffiths Developmental Assessment – Language Subscale were administered by a licensed developmental psychologist, while a licensed psychometrician independently verified the accuracy of scoring and adherence to intervention protocols. Findings revealed notable progressions across all participants, with expressive language age-equivalency gains ranging from 2 to 15 months and an average developmental progression of 47.6% relative to chronological age. These results suggest that consistent ABA-based interventions are associated with measurable gains in expressive language abilities in children with ASD within a structured six-month program. The study underscores the importance of early intervention, treatment consistency, and objective evaluation in promoting language development. However, limitations include the small sample size, single-site design, and lack of a control group, which constrain the generalizability of results. Future research with a control group is needed to attribute these gains directly to the intervention.

Keywords: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Expressive Language Development; Griffiths Developmental Assessment; Early Intervention; Pediatric Behavioral Therapy

Download the full Research Work: 

Salonga, F.Z. (2025). Preliminary Descriptive Case of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Intervention on Expressive Language Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study On Pediatric Patients of SBHC Salonga Behavioral Health Center. SAERA.