Bridging Developmental, Behavioral, and Sensory Approaches in Early Autism Intervention: The NDBI+SI Framework

The Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention and Sensory Integration (NDBI+SI) Framework is a conceptual clinical model that incorporates Sensory Integration (SI)–based practices into the implementation of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) for young autistic children. NDBI are among the most well-established evidence-based approaches in early autism intervention, integrating principles from developmental science and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Sensory processing differences, highly prevalent in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can function as antecedent variables that affect regulation, reinforcer value, responding and access to learning opportunities. However, SI-based practices are not systematically incorporated into NDBI implementation frameworks. The framework was developed through a narrative synthesis of literature on NDBI, ABA and SI. It is organized around three complementary domains:• Developmental principles establish the social-developmental learning context.• Behavioral principles guide how target behaviors are taught, strengthened, generalized and maintained.• SI-based principles guide how sensory, regulatory and environmental conditions are individualized to optimize engagement and learning. These domains are conceptualized as complementary dimensions of NDBI implementation, not as separate intervention components. Assessment, individualized intervention planning and continuous data-based clinical decision-making determine how they are applied to each child and target behavior. The framework is presented as a theoretically grounded proposal. Future research should examine its feasibility, implementation fidelity and clinical effectiveness. Presented at the International Behavior Analysis Conference (Naples, Italy, October 2026) and at the International Autism Conference: Through the Prism (Skopje, North Macedonia, November 2026).