In short
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) focuses on how your child speaks and communicates, including the mechanics of speech. ABA focuses on communication as a skill your child uses every day. Many children benefit from both. With your consent, the two teams share goals and strategies so your child gets consistent support. OAP funding can be used for both.
- Many children benefit from both
- Teams share goals, with your consent
- OAP funding can be used for both
- Support for speaking and non-speaking children
What does a speech-language pathologist do?
Speech-language pathology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect how people speak and express themselves to others.
SLPs can help improve speech and articulation, social speaking and communication, and physical challenges with the mouth, jaw and tongue that affect speech. They can also help with alternative ways of communicating for emerging speakers or non-speakers.
SLPs deliver one-to-one sessions to support each child’s specific speech needs through targeted exercises, practice and, for children, play-based activities.
How is that different from what ABA does?
SLP and ABA sessions have several things in common. The main difference is how each team supports speech development and communication skills.
They both start with assessments to determine specific areas of strength and need, goals are carefully selected for each child, both have the professional ability to work on speech goals, and sessions are designed to be fun, engaging and full of teaching opportunities.
ABA uses behaviour techniques to shape speech behaviours through structured practice and natural opportunities in longer, more frequent sessions. SLPs usually run shorter, less frequent sessions built around play-based activities.
Another difference comes from their training: ABA focuses on the behaviour of communication, whereas SLPs are trained in the mechanics of speech, such as mouth movements, jaw strength and tongue placement. Depending on your child’s particular challenges and goals with their speech, one service could be better matched to their needs.
Why would my child have both?
If communication and speech skills are a main goal for your child, having an ABA team and an SLP working on those goals at the same time may be beneficial.
For skills like increasing speech and learning how to use an augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) system, your child gets the benefits of both professionals in their communication skill-building.
Having both teams working with your child increases practice time and gives them more chances to practice their skills with different people in different places. This is important for creating reliable and consistent communication for your child.
Who decides what each one works on?
You and both teams agree on the goals together.
If your child has both services, the SLP and ABA teams can consult with each other (with your consent) so that communication systems and goals are aligned and contradictory skills are not being taught.
While SLPs and behaviour analysts are both able to work on speech and communication goals, each works within their own scope of practice. Regardless of whether your child is in one or both services, each professional will ensure that they are teaching within their designated professional abilities and roles.
How do the two teams share information?
With written consent from parents, the SLP and the behaviour analyst can consult by meeting, phone or email to discuss your child’s service goals.
An open line of communication between the two teams means a comprehensive plan can be developed and supported for your child, with goals that are aligned and teaching that is consistent.
Each clinician has their own expertise, as well as their own experience with your child, which can help with effective teaching strategies, behaviour support, and consistency across home, school and services.
What if my child is non-speaking?
For children who are non-speaking, both SLPs and ABA teams have many ways they can help support your child.
Both professionals refer to these tools as Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC. AAC is any form of communication that is not spoken, and your child may already be using one.
A common type of AAC is the use of pointing, gestures or hand leading. These are great tools for your child early on, but they limit overall communication, especially for things out of sight.
SLPs and ABA teams can work with you and your child to introduce other forms of AAC, like sign language or a speech generating device (SGD). Sign language is a great tool for children with good fine motor skills or the ability to imitate easily, but please note most ABA clinicians and SLPs are not certified ASL instructors. SGDs are generally tablets or iPads with special apps that provide different pictures and icons of your child’s favourite things; a low-tech version of this would be the use of printed pictures. Both SLPs and ABA teams are familiar with selecting, setting up, and teaching families and children how to use SGDs and picture systems.
Like learning to talk, learning sign language, an SGD or a picture system takes time. Regular sessions with your ABA team or SLP will be vital for your child and your family to learn these systems, but taking the time to do so will support your child’s ability to communicate with you.
Additionally, both SLPs and behaviour analysts can support parents and caregivers with communication strategies and the use of AAC devices at home through parent coaching sessions. Regardless of speech development level or professional discipline, the goal of ABA and SLP is to help your child communicate their wants and needs as easily and accessibly, and across as many people and places, as possible.
How many sessions a week is normal?
SLP and ABA sessions differ in their service hours.
SLP sessions usually last 30 minutes to one hour, and happen weekly, every two weeks or monthly, based on the SLP’s recommendation. ABA sessions are often recommended at higher hours.
The number of hours and sessions per week depends on your child’s needs and goals, the resources available to your family, and your family’s schedule.
Can I use OAP funding for speech therapy?
Yes. OAP funding can be used for speech therapy.
Under the Ontario Autism Program, speech therapy is considered a core clinical service, and families can use their funding on any core clinical service.
Other core clinical services include applied behaviour analysis, occupational therapy, and certain mental health services like psychotherapy and counselling. When deciding how to use your funding, consider your child’s areas of need and your goals for them, which service or services would be most beneficial, and the hours or sessions they may need for each service.
What does a joint session look like?
In a joint session, an SLP and an ABA clinician work with your child at the same time.
Both providers plan each session together, including who will lead each part and who will focus on which goals or teaching targets.
The SLP and behaviour analyst use the same wording, cues and strategies so teaching is consistent throughout the session. Each person has their own time to run their lessons and activities, so your child is not overwhelmed by side conversations or repeated teaching. Joint sessions can be helpful for families who travel far, have busy schedules, or whose main focus is speech and communication.
Print your Speech and ABA Team Planner
One page to keep both teams’ contacts, how your child communicates now, your shared goals and questions for team meetings in one place.
When should I ask for help?
It’s worth reaching out if:
- Speech and communication are a main goal for your child.
- Your child is in ABA and you’d like to add speech therapy.
- Your child is non-speaking and you’d like support with AAC.
- You’re not sure how to split your OAP funding between services.
Speech therapy can be added to your child’s ABA program at any point. Book a free 30-minute consultation to talk about your child’s communication goals.