ABA Therapy vs Speech Therapy
ABA therapy and speech therapy both help children communicate, but they work differently. ABA focuses on the motivation and function behind communication. Speech therapy focuses on speech production and language mechanics. Budding Futures uses verbal behavior ABA techniques across Colorado and coordinates with speech-language pathologists so both therapies reinforce each other. Denver families can read about ABA therapy for communication support in Denver, and Westminster families can start with ABA therapy for communication support in Westminster.
What Is the Difference Between ABA and Speech Therapy?
ABA and speech therapy are not competing choices. They do two different jobs. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) owns communication: language, speech sounds, and AAC, like a picture board or speech app. ABA, applied behavior analysis, is broader. A BCBA builds behavior and daily-living skills and helps your child use a new skill across the whole day, not just in the therapy room. Many autistic children benefit from both.
| ABA therapy (BCBA) | Speech therapy (SLP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Behavior, skill-building, and using skills across the whole day | Communication, language, speech sounds, and AAC |
| Who delivers it | A BCBA designs the plan; a trained RBT runs the sessions | A licensed speech-language pathologist |
| Chooses the AAC device | No, that is the SLP's job | Yes, the SLP selects the device and writes speech goals |
| How they work together | Reinforces the SLP's communication target every chance across the day | Sets the communication target and language plan |
Which One Does Your Child Need?
It depends on your child, and often the answer is both. If the biggest hurdle is talking, understanding language, or using a communication device, speech therapy leads. If the hurdle is behavior, daily routines, transitions, or turning a new word into something your child actually uses all day, ABA leads. Most families begin ABA and speech together after an autism diagnosis. Start with your pediatrician, who can point you to the right evaluations. Children with a speech delay often do both at once.
Can Your Child Do ABA and Speech Therapy at the Same Time?
Yes, and many do. Done right, they reinforce each other: the speech therapist sets a communication target, and ABA helps your child use it across the whole day. The real risk is not doing both. It is doing them without anyone coordinating. When two providers pull in different directions, your child hears three messages instead of one.
How Budding Futures Coordinates ABA With Speech Therapy
Budding Futures provides in-home, BCBA-led ABA across Colorado, and we stay in our lane. We do not write speech goals or choose AAC devices, because that is the SLP's job. With your written consent, our BCBAs, led by Rachel Blackburn, BCBA, share our goals with your child's speech therapist, ask for theirs, and agree on consistent cues so your child gets one clear message. Read more about how ABA works with speech therapy, OT, and your child's school. We accept Health First Colorado Medicaid, verify your benefits before the first session at no cost, and there is no long waitlist right now.
Common Questions
Does ABA replace speech therapy?
No. ABA does not replace speech therapy. The speech-language pathologist owns communication and AAC, and ABA reinforces those targets across your child's day. The two work best together.
Should we start with ABA or speech therapy?
Start with your pediatrician, who can recommend the right evaluations. Many Colorado families begin ABA and speech together after an autism diagnosis, then adjust the mix based on what their child needs.
Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado Medicaid covers ABA for children under 21 with an autism diagnosis through EPSDT, and most private plans cover it under Colorado's autism insurance mandate. Budding Futures verifies your benefits before your first session at no cost.
Where Can Your Child Get ABA Therapy in Colorado?
Your family deserves a team that puts you first
One conversation. That's all it takes to find out if Budding Futures is the right fit. We'll answer your questions, check your insurance, and connect you with a BCBA who'll get to know your family.