ABA vs. Speech Therapy: When and How to Use Each

Children with autism and other developmental challenges often need extra support. Two common therapies stand out—Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and speech therapy. Parents and caregivers often wonder which one is right for their child. Should they choose one or both?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, clear, and easy to understand.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy focuses on behavior. It helps children develop important life skills by reinforcing positive behaviors. This therapy is based on science. It looks at how behavior works, how learning happens, and how to make lasting improvements.

Professional ABA therapy is often used to help kids with autism, but it can also support children with other behavioral and mental health conditions. The goal is to encourage useful behaviors while reducing those that may cause harm or limit growth.

How Does ABA Work?

ABA therapy uses structured techniques to teach skills. Therapists break tasks into small steps. They use rewards and reinforcement to encourage progress. Strategies for ABA therapy can vary, but they often include:

• Positive reinforcement – Rewarding good behavior to encourage repetition.

• Task analysis – Breaking down tasks into small, manageable parts.

• Prompting and fading – Giving hints to guide learning, then gradually removing them.

• Generalization – Helping children use learned skills in different settings.

The benefits of ABA therapy include improved social skills, better communication, and stronger independence. Children learn how to interact, follow routines, and handle challenges in daily life.

How ABA Therapy Helps with Daily Life Skills

ABA therapy goes beyond behavior management—it teaches essential life skills that promote independence. Many children with autism and developmental delays struggle with everyday tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, or following routines. ABA therapy breaks these tasks into small, manageable steps and reinforces progress through positive reinforcement.

For example, if a child struggles with handwashing, an ABA therapist might teach each step separately—turning on the faucet, applying soap, scrubbing hands, rinsing, and drying. Over time, the child learns to complete the task independently. ABA also helps with social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving, which are critical for school and home life.

By building these skills in a structured and supportive environment, ABA therapy empowers children to gain confidence in their abilities. This long-term approach not only benefits the child but also provides parents with strategies to reinforce learning at home.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy helps children improve communication. This includes speaking, understanding language, and using nonverbal communication. Speech therapists, or SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists), work with children who have trouble expressing themselves.

How Does Speech Therapy Work?

A speech therapist will assess a child’s strengths and challenges. Then, they create a personalized plan. This plan may include:

• Articulation therapy – Helping kids pronounce words correctly.

• Language intervention – Teaching vocabulary, sentence structure, and conversation skills.

• Oral motor therapy – Strengthening the muscles needed for speech.

• Alternative communication methods – Using pictures, gestures, or devices when speech is difficult.

Speech therapy is not just about talking. It also helps with understanding language, listening, and expressing emotions. Some children use speech therapy to learn sign language or use communication devices.

Why Speech Therapy Is Crucial for Social Communication

Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about connecting with others. Speech therapy helps children develop the skills they need to express their thoughts, understand language, and engage in conversations. For children with autism, speech therapy focuses on both verbal and nonverbal communication, including gestures, facial expressions, and social cues.

A speech therapist may use techniques like role-playing, picture-based communication, or structured conversation exercises to help children practice real-life interactions. For example, a child who struggles to ask for help might learn to use simple phrases or visual aids to express their needs. Over time, this builds confidence and reduces frustration.

Beyond speaking, speech therapy also improves listening and comprehension skills. Children learn to follow instructions, respond appropriately, and engage in meaningful social interactions. By strengthening these abilities, speech therapy helps children form relationships, succeed in school, and participate more fully in everyday life.

ABA Therapy vs. Speech Therapy: Key Differences

Both ABA therapy and speech therapy are important, but they focus on different areas.

Aspect	ABA Therapy	Speech Therapy
Focus	Behavior and learning skills	Communication and language
Techniques	Rewards, reinforcement, structured learning	Speech exercises, conversation practice, language games
Who It Helps	Kids with autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges	Kids with speech delays, language disorders, or communication struggles
Goal	Teach life skills, reduce problem behaviors	Improve speech, language, and communication
Therapists	ABA therapists and behavior specialists	Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)

When to Choose ABA Therapy

ABA therapy is a good option when a child struggles with behavior, learning, or social skills. It’s helpful for children who:

• Have difficulty following instructions.

• Show aggressive or disruptive behaviors.

• Struggle with routines and daily tasks.

• Need support in social situations.

If a child needs help learning life skills like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or waiting in line, ABA therapy can be a great choice.

When to Choose Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is ideal when a child has trouble communicating. It’s useful if a child:

• Has difficulty forming words or sentences.

• Struggles to follow conversations.

• Cannot express needs clearly.

• Shows frustration when trying to communicate.

For children with delayed speech or language disorders, speech therapy is the right choice.

Can a Child Benefit from Both Therapies?

Absolutely! ABA therapy and speech therapy work well together. Many children receive both therapies at the same time.

Here’s why:

• ABA therapy helps reinforce communication skills learned in speech therapy.

• Speech therapy provides language tools that make ABA sessions more effective.

• Together, they create a strong foundation for learning and interaction.

For example, if a child has trouble asking for a toy, a speech therapist may teach them how to say, “Can I have that?” An ABA therapist can then reinforce this skill by encouraging the child to use it regularly.

How to Choose the Right Therapy

Every child is unique. The best way to decide is to talk to professionals. A doctor, therapist, or specialist can guide parents in choosing the right approach.

Some key questions to ask include:

• What are my child’s biggest challenges?

• What goals do I want my child to achieve?

• Would a combination of therapies be helpful?

It’s also important to be patient. Progress takes time. But with the right support, every child can grow and thrive.

Final Thoughts

ABA therapy vs speech therapy is not about choosing one over the other. It’s about understanding when and how to use each. Both therapies offer valuable skills that can make a big difference in a child’s life.

By knowing the strengths of ABA therapy and speech therapy, parents can make informed choices. Whether a child needs help with behavior, communication, or both, there’s a path forward. With the right support, kids can build confidence, independence, and a brighter future.

If you're looking for expert care to support your child's growth and development, Pillar5 is here to help!

FAQs 

Can a child receive both ABA and speech therapy at the same time?

Yes! Many children benefit from both therapies. ABA helps with behavior and learning, while speech therapy focuses on communication. Together, they provide well-rounded support.

Which therapy is better for a child with autism?

It depends on the child’s needs. ABA therapy is best for behavior and life skills, while speech therapy is ideal for improving communication. Many children with autism benefit from both.

How long does it take to see results from these therapies?

Progress varies for each child. ABA therapy often requires 10–40 hours per week and may take months or years. Speech therapy results depend on the child’s speech challenges and consistency of practice.

Does ABA therapy teach communication skills?

Yes, but in a different way than speech therapy. ABA uses behavior-based techniques to teach communication, such as requesting items or making eye contact. Speech therapy focuses more on language development and pronunciation.

At what age should my child start therapy?

The earlier, the better! Both ABA and speech therapy are most effective when started in early childhood. However, children and even adults can benefit at any age.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy instead of ABA?

If your child struggles mainly with speaking, understanding language, or social communication, speech therapy is the best choice. If they need help with behavior, routines, or learning skills, ABA therapy may be more suitable.