Speech Therapy vs ABA

Both of these therapies are considered behavioral interventions. Because we teach at the behavioral level and do not use cognitive (very seldom), medical, or biological intervention methods.

ABA is shown to be effective for ASD children. Where in speech therapy, a larger range of people (children & adults) can benefit from the service.

The objective of speech and language therapy is to teach your child to communicate with you effectively. Which covers 2 main aspects language and speech. Language is any use of symbols, gestures, or words to get our message across. Speech is the use of sounds that we mutually understand to communicate. 

This means speech therapy will teach everything contributing to communication, articulation, language skills, storytelling, using gestures, social skills and etc…

Speech therapy also includes feeding and swallowing, as it uses similar muscles as speech.

Applied Behaviour Analysis on the other hand is using a behavioral approach for teaching all kinds of skills. That’s why usually you will see that there are a lot more goals than speech therapy. The biggest difference is that ABA deals with “disruptive behaviors”. Whilst ST does not address these behaviors head-on, instead will use this as a communicative opportunity to teach a new language.

ABA finds a way to teach most skills deemed important. It also provides a structure for children to regulate behavior. It might be that the child cannot take things being put out of order and would result in a tantrum when it happens. ABA will find ways to reduce that rigid behavior, as well as providing alternative behaviors (especially for stimming).

ABA is a lot more intensive than speech therapy. Where ST is usually weekly for 30-45minutes, ABA is 3 hours, 5 days a week. That’s why ABA is typically more expensive than ST. However, it is more of a done-for-you service and ST would involve the parent a lot more as a done-with-you service.

[anissuryana]

Hi Ming ! Just wanna tell you that as a speech therapist to be, I really appreciate your videos! They’ve been a really helpful guide for me to do further reading. Please continue making good educational content like this ❤

[aidehaomapai]

Would like to understand further insight of ABA program. This is the video I found so far… any others that you shared?

[Flwr]

Loved the video. Aba therapy is implemented by the Rbts. But the program managers/anaylst still require a masters and lots of clinical hours. I am currently a Rbt, but my under grad is in CSD. I’m having a challenging time deciding on slp or BCBA grad program. 😅

[ilianaf]

Do you use your ABA learning and incorporate it within your speech treatment with your clients and if so, can you give an example of combining ABA and Speech treatment if possible?

[anferneecephas]

I am a board-certified behavior analyst and you need a masters degree, pass the boards and pass the state licensure exam.

[shrashesingh]

Very well said Ming! ABA also caters need for hyperactive and inattentive behaviour..they learn to sit at a place.. identifying things, positive reinforcement, social gestures, follow instructions as u said.. imitation skills, cooperative skills..i am not sure how it helps with sensory issues bcoz my kid is in ABA and it works for him..but for sensory issues OT is the preferred choice..bcoz there they know how they can regulate their sensory needs..but yes..a lot of kids need ABA before they even start speech therapy and further it goes hand on hand.. 👍