If you’re a parent navigating communication challenges with your child—especially if your child is on the autism spectrum—chances are, you’ve heard of both ABA and Speech Therapy. Maybe you’re wondering which one your child truly needs… or if they need both.
As someone who works in ABA therapy every day, I’ve walked many families through this same decision. Both therapies offer incredible benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes. So let’s break it down together in a way that actually makes sense.
Understanding ABA Therapy: A Behavioral Approach to Communication
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is based on the science of behavior. At its core, ABA sees behavior—including language and communication—as something we can teach, shape, and reinforce over time.
In my day-to-day work, I use ABA to help children learn functional communication skills—like asking for things they need, greeting others, or even telling us when something is wrong. And we do that by understanding what triggers certain behaviors and what reinforces them.
The Core Principles of ABA
ABA therapy revolves around a few key concepts: positive reinforcement and shaping. We reward desired behaviors—whether that’s saying a new word or using a picture to request a toy—and over time, those behaviors happen more often. That’s the power of reinforcement.
Shaping, another cornerstone of ABA, means breaking down a complex skill into smaller, achievable steps. We build success step-by-step, reinforcing along the way, until the full skill is mastered.
Common ABA Techniques
Let me give you a real-world glimpse into an ABA session.
- Positive Reinforcement: This could be high-fives, a favorite toy, or even a quick dance break—whatever is meaningful to the child.
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Highly structured learning where we teach one small skill at a time—like pointing to a picture of a cookie when the child is hungry.
- Generalization: This is where the magic happens. We help kids use what they’ve learned in therapy with parents, siblings, and teachers, in different places like home, school, or the grocery store.
ABA isn’t just about “managing behaviors”—it’s about teaching life-changing communication skills that help children become more independent and connected to the world around them.
Speech Therapy: A Language-Focused Path to Communication
What Does Speech Therapy Involve?
Speech Therapy—also known as speech-language pathology—is a specialized approach that directly targets speech and language difficulties. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work on helping kids articulate words, form sentences, and understand both verbal and nonverbal communication.
In my experience, Speech Therapy is incredibly valuable, especially when a child is struggling to form words or follow directions. It addresses language development head-on, often through play, modeling, and repetition.
How Speech Therapy Works
SLPs use their training to assess delays, diagnose specific communication disorders, and then create personalized therapy plans.
For kids on the autism spectrum, this might mean:
- Teaching first words
- Encouraging two-way conversations
- Improving the ability to understand gestures, tone of voice, and facial expressions
And yes—it often looks like play! But behind those games and toys is a targeted strategy to support your child’s language growth.
Techniques in Speech Therapy
SLPs have a toolkit full of strategies and supports. Here are a few I’ve seen work wonders:
- Play-Based Learning: Kids learn best when they’re having fun. SLPs embed language practice into play activities to keep children engaged.
- Visual Supports: Think picture cards, visual schedules, or social stories that help kids understand routines or express themselves.
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication): For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, tools like speech-generating devices or picture exchange systems give them a voice.
Every child is different, and a skilled SLP knows how to adapt tools to meet your child where they are.
ABA vs. Speech Therapy
Different Lenses, Shared Goals
Both therapies aim to improve communication—but they come at it from different angles.
ABA is structured, data-driven, and rooted in behavior science. We look at what comes before and after a communication behavior to figure out how to increase it. It’s very individualized and functional.
Speech Therapy is more developmental. It looks at how children typically learn language and builds on that, addressing everything from vocabulary to social interaction. SLPs often take a holistic view of communication, including nonverbal cues and social pragmatics.
How They Approach Learning
In ABA, we focus on operant conditioning—using positive reinforcement to teach. It’s a very step-by-step approach: break a skill down, teach each part, reinforce it, and then build up.
Speech Therapy is a bit more fluid. It tends to follow the child’s lead and developmental milestones, using that as a guide for what to work on next.
What are the Goals?
In ABA, I’m typically working toward very specific, measurable goals: things like “use a two-word request in 4 out of 5 opportunities” or “greet familiar people independently.”
Speech Therapy, on the other hand, might be working toward broader outcomes, like improving conversational skills, reducing frustration when communicating, or enhancing understanding of social cues.
Both types of goals are incredibly valuable—it’s just about what your child needs most right now.
So, Who Benefits More from Which Therapy?
This is probably the number one question I get from families: “Which therapy does my child need?”
The honest answer? It depends. Every child with autism or a communication delay is unique.
Some kids benefit more from ABA’s structure and reinforcement system—especially if they need help reducing challenging behaviors or learning the basics of communication. Others may thrive in a speech therapy setting that focuses more directly on articulation, expressive language, or comprehension.
Age Matters: Tailoring Therapy Across Developmental Stages
Both ABA and Speech Therapy can be life-changing at any age, but the earlier we start, the better the outcomes tend to be.
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: Speech Therapy often helps stimulate early language, while ABA can support social development, routines, and communication basics.
- School-Age Kids: ABA might focus more on behavior regulation and peer interactions, while Speech Therapy hones in on conversation skills, storytelling, or classroom communication.
- Teens and Adults: ABA may support independent living and vocational skills. Speech Therapy might work on public speaking, social relationships, or even job interview prep.
Again—it all comes down to your child’s specific strengths and needs.
In my experience, ABA and Speech Therapy are not an either-or decision. In fact, some of the most meaningful progress I’ve seen comes from a collaborative approach.
When ABA therapists and SLPs work together, we’re able to reinforce language goals across environments, make sure behavior and communication are aligned, and give your child a comprehensive support system.
If you’re feeling unsure about which direction to go, I always recommend starting with a thorough evaluation.
At True Progress Therapy, we know every child’s journey is different—and so is every care plan. If you’re unsure whether ABA therapy is the right choice, we’re here to help. Our experienced team offers customized ABA therapy services across New Jersey designed to support your child’s communication, behavior, and overall development.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward your child’s progress!
FAQs
What is the difference between ABA therapy and speech therapy?
ABA therapy focuses on behavior and learning strategies, while speech therapy addresses communication and language skills. Both can complement each other depending on the child’s needs.
Can a child receive both ABA and speech therapy at the same time
Yes! Many children benefit from a combination of ABA and speech therapy, especially those with autism or developmental delays.
How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy, speech therapy, or both?
The best approach is to consult with professionals who can evaluate your child’s communication and behavior. Often, a team-based plan that includes both therapies is most effective.
Sources:
- https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/aba-and-speech-therapy/
- https://asatonline.org/for-parents/parents-share-their-stories/viewpoint-applied-behavior-analysis-in-speech-language-therapy/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/expert-opinion/what-discrete-trial-training
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/speech-language
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22366-speech-therapy
- https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html