Neuroplasticity mechanisms of NDBIs in autism: a review from brain connectivity to behavioral improvement

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. In recent years, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), particularly the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), have demonstrated significant efficacy in enhancing social cognitive functions in children with autism. This review synthesizes current neuroimaging research on ESDM and related NDBI approaches, with a focus on how these interventions promote neuroplasticity by remodeling brain connectivity within social cognitive networks. We examine the neural substrates underlying behavioral improvements and discuss the critical factors influencing intervention outcomes, including timing, intensity, and duration. By integrating findings on brain network reorganization and functional enhancement, this article aims to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for optimizing clinical interventions and informing future research directions in ASD treatment.

• Publication year

  2026

• Venue

  European Journal of Medical Research

• Publication date

  2026-01-21

• Fields of study

  Medicine, Psychology

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1186/s40001-026-03873-4PMID 41566392PMCID 12908337
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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