Can my child do both ABA therapy and speech therapy?

Yes, many children benefit from both. ABA therapy builds behavioral and learning skills, while speech therapy focuses specifically on communication. Together, they can create stronger results.

Is ABA therapy only for children with autism?

While ABA therapy is most commonly used for children on the autism spectrum, it can also help any child struggling with behavior, routines, or skill development.

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

If your child mainly struggles with speech clarity, vocabulary, or stuttering, speech therapy may be more appropriate. If challenges include behavior, routines, or social interaction, ABA therapy may be better.

ABA Therapy vs Speech Therapy | Achieve Behavioral

Parents often ask me, “Should we try ABA therapy or speech therapy?” It’s a common question, especially when your child is struggling with communication or behavior. The truth is, both therapies are important — but they serve different purposes.

I still remember one of my first clients, a little girl who could mimic words but couldn’t use them in real life. With in-home ABA and speech therapy working side by side, she went from frustrated outbursts to confidently asking for her favorite toy.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach often used with children on the autism spectrum. It focuses on improving socially significant behaviors—things like communication, daily living skills, and reducing challenging behaviors.

The big idea behind ABA is breaking down complex skills into small, teachable steps. Therapists use positive reinforcement to encourage progress, which helps children build confidence while learning.

What ABA Therapy Helps With

Improving communication and social interaction
Building self-help skills (like dressing, brushing teeth, or following routines)
Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning
Increasing focus and attention
Encouraging independence at school and home

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy, sometimes called speech-language therapy, is provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Its main goal is to help children communicate more effectively. While it’s often associated with helping kids say words more clearly, speech therapy is about much more than pronunciation.

What Speech Therapy Helps With

Speech clarity (articulation)
Language development (understanding and using words)
Social communication skills (like taking turns in conversation)
Fluency (helping with stuttering)
Oral motor skills (like chewing and swallowing)

In short, while ABA therapy is broader and behavior-focused, speech therapy zooms in specifically on communication and language development.

ABA Therapy vs. Speech Therapy: Key Differences

Both therapies are valuable, but they work differently. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Therapy Explorer

Switch views. Click to expand. Filter to compare. Get a quick, visual “fit”.

ABA Key focus & outcomes

Focuses on overall behavior and skill-building
Uses positive reinforcement to shape behaviors
Often used with children on the autism spectrum
Helps with daily living, school skills, and reducing challenging behaviors

Speech Key focus & outcomes

Focuses specifically on communication and language
Uses targeted exercises and activities for speech/language
Used for a wide range of communication challenges
Helps with speech clarity, language, and social communication

Hover/tap nodes to highlight paths • Click to open details

Click chips to show/hide rows.

Attribute What you care about

Focus
Methods
Who it's for
Outcomes

ABA Therapy ABA

Overall behavior & skill-building
Positive reinforcement to shape behaviors
Often used with children on the autism spectrum
Daily living, school skills, reduce challenging behaviors

Speech Therapy Speech

Communication & language
Targeted speech/language exercises & activities
Wide range of communication challenges
Speech clarity, language, social communication

Your Needs Check what matters most

Overall behavior & daily living School skills & reducing challenging behaviors Communication & language Speech clarity & social communication Autism-focused support

Fit Score Live result

ABA Therapy

0 0%

Speech Therapy

0 0%

This is a quick visual aid, not medical advice.

Do Children Need Both ABA and Speech Therapy?

Sometimes, yes! Many children benefit from a combination of both.

A child receiving ABA therapy may be learning how to ask for help instead of crying.
At the same time, speech therapy may be helping them form the words clearly to say, “Help, please.”

How They Work Together

When used together, these therapies reinforce each other. ABA provides the behavioral structure, while speech therapy strengthens the actual communication skills. When therapists collaborate, children make faster progress.

How to Decide Which Therapy Your Child Needs

Choosing between ABA and speech therapy depends on your child’s specific challenges and goals.

If your child struggles with behavior, routines, or social skills → ABA therapy might be the best starting point.
If your child struggles mainly with speech sounds, vocabulary, or stuttering → Speech therapy may be more appropriate.
If your child has autism or multiple areas of need → A combination of both therapies is often recommended.

Pro tip: You don’t have to figure this out alone. A professional evaluation can help you create the right plan for your child.

Both ABA therapy and speech therapy can make a life-changing difference for children. While ABA focuses on behavior and learning skills, speech therapy zeroes in on communication. Many families find that using both together gives their child the strongest foundation for success.

At Achieve ABA, we provide compassionate, personalized in-home ABA therapy and school-based ABA therapy to support children and families every step of the way.

We proudly serve families in New Jersey and North Carolina. If you’re ready to help your child grow, thrive, and reach their potential, we’d love to be part of your journey.

FAQs

Can my child do both ABA therapy and speech therapy?
Yes, many children benefit from both. ABA therapy builds behavioral and learning skills, while speech therapy focuses specifically on communication. Together, they can create stronger results.
Is ABA therapy only for children with autism?
While ABA therapy is most commonly used for children on the autism spectrum, it can also help any child struggling with behavior, routines, or skill development.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy instead of ABA therapy?
If your child mainly struggles with speech clarity, vocabulary, or stuttering, speech therapy may be more appropriate. If challenges include behavior, routines, or social interaction, ABA therapy may be better.

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Starting Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a significant step for parents of children on the autism spectrum. These individualized sessions are known for building important skills and encouraging independence. As your child’s needs evolve and they make progress, you might begin to wonder when it's the right time to stop ABA therapy. This guide will walk you through the factors to consider, helping you make an informed and confident choice for your family. Understanding ABA Therapy for Children with Autism Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a science-based approach that is highly effective for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It focuses on understanding and changing behavior to teach valuable life skills. The primary goal is to encourage positive behaviors and improve areas like communication and social interaction. This therapy is tailored to each child's unique needs, helping them succeed in many aspects of daily life. By breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, ABA therapy provides the structured support necessary for meaningful development. What Is ABA Therapy and How Does It Work? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy rooted in the science of learning and behavior. The therapy process begins with a detailed assessment by a certified behavior analyst (CBA) or an ABA therapist. They create a personalized plan to address specific needs, from communication to self-care skills. A core technique in ABA is positive reinforcement. When your child demonstrates a desired behavior, they receive a reward, which encourages them to repeat that action. This method helps reduce challenging behaviors while systematically teaching new, helpful skills that contribute to your child’s development. So, how do you know if your child is ready to leave ABA therapy? A key indicator is when your child consistently meets their goals and can apply their new skills in different environments without constant prompting. This shows they are internalizing what they've learned and are becoming more independent, signaling that a transition may be appropriate. Common Goals and Outcomes of ABA in the United States ABA therapy aims to help children on the autism spectrum achieve greater independence and confidence in their daily activities. The therapy goals are customized to each child but often center on improving communication, social skills, and self-management. By focusing on these areas, ABA can lead to significant positive changes. The ultimate outcome is to empower your child with the tools they need to navigate the world successfully. This includes everything from participating in classroom activities to forming friendships. As skills are developed, families often notice a decrease in challenging behaviors and an increase in positive social interactions. While ABA is a primary intervention, common alternatives to ABA for children with autism include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. These can complement or follow ABA to address specific sensory, motor, or language needs.

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