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Study Finds More Treatment Hours for Autistic Children May Not Lead to Better Outcomes

Jan. 16, 2026 — The Catalight Research Institute released a peer-reviewed study finding higher Applied Behavior Analysis therapy hours were not associated with broader adaptive improvements across 725 autistic children nationwide.
Researchers examined whether weekly Applied Behavior Analysis therapy hours predict communication, goal attainment and dangerous behavior, challenging the 30 to 40 hours per week guideline.
Children receiving more hours often began with lower baseline adaptive abilities and showed slower improvement, while dangerous behaviors declined regardless of dosage and higher hours aided specific goals but not broader functioning.
Doreen Samelson, Ed., said `These results reinforce the idea that autism care should be individualized, not driven by one-size-fits-all hour recommendations`, and the authors argue treatment decisions should prioritize individuals over default high hours.
Catalight's large provider network means the findings could affect clinicians and payers, with more than 16,000 practitioners serving 24,000 clients annually and affiliate partners Easterseals Hawaii and Easterseals Northern California.

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Study Finds More Treatment Hours for Autistic Children May Not Lead to Better Outcomes

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For autistic children, receiving more hours of treatment may not lead to better outcomes, according to a new peer-reviewed study by researchers at the nonprofit Catalight Research Institute. The findings challenge long-standing…

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