Can my toddler receive both ABA and speech therapy at the same time?

Yes, many toddlers benefit from receiving both therapies simultaneously. The key is coordination between the BCBA and speech-language pathologist to align goals and strategies. This integrated approach often leads to faster progress in communication and behavior.

Which therapy is covered by insurance for toddlers with autism?

Most private insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover both ABA and speech therapy for children diagnosed with autism. Coverage specifics vary by plan, so it's important to check benefits, deductibles, and session limits. ABA Care Near Me can help you find providers who accept your insurance.

How do I know if my toddler needs ABA or speech therapy first?

The decision depends on your child's primary challenges. If communication delays are causing frustration, speech therapy may come first. If challenging behaviors or lack of foundational skills are the main concern, ABA often provides a better starting point. A thorough evaluation by a developmental specialist can guide you.

What age can a toddler start ABA or speech therapy?

ABA can begin as early as 18 months for children showing signs of autism. Speech therapy can start even earlier, often around 12 months if there are feeding or communication concerns. Early intervention services through state programs typically begin at birth for eligible children.

Does ABA Care Near Me help with finding speech therapy providers too?

ABA Care Near Me specializes in matching families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers. While we do not directly match for speech therapy, our providers often have strong relationships with SLPs and can help coordinate care. We can also provide general guidance on finding speech therapy in your area.

What if my toddler doesn't have an autism diagnosis yet?

Many toddlers receive ABA and speech therapy without a formal autism diagnosis, especially through early intervention programs. A developmental evaluation can determine eligibility. ABA Care Near Me works with families at various stages of the diagnostic process and can connect you with providers who offer assessments.

ABA vs Speech Therapy First for Toddler: A Guide

In short: Both ABA and speech therapy can help toddlers with developmental delays, especially those on the autism spectrum. The right choice depends on your child's specific needs: if communication is the primary concern, speech therapy may come first; if broader behavioral and social skills need support, ABA often serves as a foundation. A free service like ABA Care Near Me can help you find a BCBA-led provider who will work with your family and insurance to create a personalized plan.

Understanding ABA and Speech Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech-language therapy are two of the most common early interventions for toddlers with developmental delays, particularly those on the autism spectrum. While both aim to improve a child's quality of life, they differ in approach, focus, and training.

What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA is a scientifically validated approach that uses principles of learning and behavior to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs and oversees the program, often working one-on-one with the child in home, clinic, or community settings. ABA can target communication, social interaction, play, self-care, and academic readiness.

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech-language pathology (speech therapy) focuses on communication disorders, including speech sounds, language comprehension and expression, social communication, and feeding/swallowing. A licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) evaluates and treats these areas, often using play-based activities to engage toddlers.

A father and his young child walking and holding hands on a green park path at golden hour

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy & Medication for Autism: What to Know · Local ABA Therapy

Key Differences Between ABA and Speech Therapy

Understanding the core differences helps you see why one might be recommended before the other.

Scope: ABA is broader, addressing behavior, social skills, and daily living. Speech therapy is more specialized in communication and oral motor skills.
Methods: ABA uses reinforcement, prompting, and data collection. Speech therapy uses language stimulation, modeling, and oral-motor exercises.
Providers: ABA is led by a BCBA; speech therapy is led by an SLP. Both may work with assistants.
Setting: ABA often occurs in natural environments; speech therapy can be in clinics, schools, or homes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Which Comes First

Every toddler is unique, so the decision should be based on a thorough evaluation. Here are key factors:

Your Child's Primary Needs

If your toddler has severe communication delays and is frustrated by not being understood, speech therapy may be the immediate priority. If your child has significant behavioral challenges (e.g., aggression, self-injury, elopement) that hinder learning, ABA often comes first to establish a foundation for other therapies.

Developmental Stage and Age

For very young toddlers (12-24 months), early intervention programs often start with speech therapy if the main concern is language. However, ABA can begin as early as 18 months for children showing signs of autism. Many state early intervention systems (e.g., Part C of IDEA) provide both services.

Availability of Providers

In some areas, ABA providers have longer waitlists than speech therapists, or vice versa. A free matching service like ABA Care Near Me can help you find BCBA-led providers with current openings in your county and state.

A parent gently pushing a laughing young child on a park swing in golden afternoon light

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy: Start Now or Wait for Autism Evaluation? · Local ABA Therapy

When to Start with ABA First

ABA is often recommended first when a toddler exhibits:

Frequent or intense challenging behaviors that interfere with learning.
Limited social engagement or joint attention.
Difficulty following simple instructions or imitating actions.
Need for a structured, data-driven approach to build foundational skills.

ABA can teach a toddler to sit, attend, and respond, which then makes speech therapy sessions more productive. Many families see that after a few months of ABA, their child becomes more ready to benefit from speech therapy.

When to Start with Speech Therapy First

Speech therapy may come first if your toddler:

Has a specific communication delay (e.g., not using words or gestures).
Shows frustration or tantrums primarily due to inability to communicate.
Has feeding or swallowing difficulties that require immediate attention.
Is already engaged and social but lacks language skills.

In these cases, an SLP can introduce augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools like picture cards or speech-generating devices, which can reduce frustration and pave the way for ABA.

A parent and a delighted young child blowing soap bubbles together in a sunny backyard

Can ABA and Speech Therapy Be Combined?

Absolutely. In fact, many toddlers receive both therapies simultaneously. The key is coordination between the BCBA and SLP. They can share goals, strategies, and data to ensure consistency. For example, an ABA session might work on requesting a toy using a word or sign, while the SLP focuses on the motor plan for that word. This integrated approach often yields the fastest progress.

A common mistake is assuming one therapy must be completed before starting the other. Instead, think of them as complementary. Your free matching service, ABA Care Near Me, can help you find a BCBA-led provider who is experienced in collaborating with speech therapists.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

Both ABA and speech therapy can be expensive without insurance. However, many plans cover these services for children with an autism diagnosis. Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance plans must cover autism-related therapies, including ABA. State Medicaid programs (e.g., California's Medi-Cal, Texas' STAR Kids, New York's Medicaid) also cover ABA and speech therapy for eligible children.

Before starting, verify coverage with your insurance. Ask about deductibles, copays, and session limits. ABA Care Near Me can help you find providers who accept your plan, including Medicaid.

How ABA Care Near Me Helps You Get Started

ABA Care Near Me is a free service that matches families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers. We understand that choosing between therapies can be overwhelming. Our team can help you:

Identify providers in your area that offer ABA and coordinate with speech therapy.
Understand your insurance benefits and find in-network options.
Get answers to questions about wait times, session frequency, and parent training.

We do not provide therapy ourselves; we connect you with professionals who do. Start by filling out a short form, and we will send you a list of providers that match your child's needs and your location.

Practical Tips for Parents

Get a comprehensive evaluation from a developmental pediatrician or early intervention team before deciding.
Ask providers about their experience with toddlers and collaboration with other therapists.
Observe a session if possible to see if the approach fits your child's personality.
Remember that both therapies require parent involvement for the best outcomes.
Don't wait-early intervention is critical. Even if you are unsure, starting one therapy can provide valuable information.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Trust your instincts, seek professional guidance, and use resources like ABA Care Near Me to find the right support for your toddler.

ABA vs Speech Therapy First for Your Toddler: How to Choose

Key takeaways