Effectiveness and Types of Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the overall effectiveness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions and identify sources of heterogeneity using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted for studies published between January 1, 2004, and April 30, 2025. Primarily, randomized controlled trials with extractable intervention outcomes were included. A total of 41 studies (n = 3,008) were synthesized using random-effects models (restricted maximum-likelihood (REML)), Bayesian hierarchical modeling, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses following PRISMA guidelines. The pooled random-effects estimate showed a significant positive effect of ASD interventions (effect size = 0.506, 95% CI: 0.392-0.619; z = 8.72, p < 0.001), corresponding to an estimated success proportion of 62% (95% CI: 59%-65%). Heterogeneity was substantial (Qₑ (40) = 238.78, p < 0.001; I² = 82.45%; τ² = 0.069, 95% CI: 0.028-0.137; τ = 0.262), with H² = 5.70 and a wide prediction interval (-0.020 to 1.031), indicating strong between-study variability. Bayesian meta-analysis confirmed a comparable effect (posterior mean = 0.619 (62%), 95% CrI: 0.592-0.646), with τ = 0.273 and I² ≈ 82.5%; Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) diagnostics indicated stable convergence (R-hat ≈ 1.00). Publication bias analyses indicated significant funnel plot asymmetry (Egger-type regression: z = 3.429, p < 0.001; weighted…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,008 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.