Can a 3-year-old receive both ABA and speech therapy at the same time?

Yes, many 3-year-olds benefit from both therapies simultaneously. The BCBA and SLP can coordinate goals to ensure consistency, such as practicing new words during play time or using reinforcement strategies in speech sessions.

Which therapy is better for a nonverbal 3-year-old?

Both can help. Speech therapy focuses directly on communication, including alternative methods like AAC devices. ABA can reinforce these communication attempts and teach related skills like requesting and social interaction. A combined approach is often most effective.

Is ABA or speech therapy more likely to be covered by insurance?

Both are commonly covered by private insurance and Medicaid, but coverage varies. ABA typically requires an autism diagnosis, while speech therapy may be covered for a wider range of conditions. Check your plan or use Start with ABA to find in-network providers.

How many hours of therapy does a 3-year-old typically need?

ABA can range from 15 to 40 hours per week depending on the child's needs. Speech therapy is usually 1-2 hours per week. The intensity is determined by assessments from the BCBA or SLP.

What if my child doesn't have an autism diagnosis? Can they still get ABA?

ABA is most commonly prescribed for autism, but some insurance plans may cover it for other developmental disorders. Speech therapy is available for a broader range of conditions, including speech delays without autism.

How do I find a provider that offers both ABA and speech therapy?

Some clinics offer integrated services. Start with ABA can match you with vetted BCBA-led providers who may have SLPs on staff or can coordinate with outside therapists. Fill out our free form to get started.

ABA vs Speech Therapy for 3 Year Old: Key Differences

In short: ABA therapy focuses on teaching skills and reducing challenging behaviors using positive reinforcement, while speech therapy targets communication and language development. For a 3-year-old with autism, both therapies can be highly effective, often working together to build communication, social, and daily living skills. Start with ABA, a free matching service, can help you find a vetted BCBA-led provider that offers both or coordinates care.

Understanding ABA Therapy and Speech Therapy

When your 3-year-old is diagnosed with autism or shows developmental delays, you may hear about two common therapies: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy. Both are evidence-based and can be life-changing, but they serve different purposes. ABA is a comprehensive approach that uses principles of behavior to increase desired behaviors and decrease challenging ones, while speech therapy focuses specifically on communication skills, including speaking, understanding, and using language. For many families, the question isn't which one is better, but how they can work together to support your child's unique needs.

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🔗 Related reading: Aetna ABA Therapy Texas In-Network Providers Guide · Local ABA Therapy

What is ABA Therapy for a 3 Year Old?

Core Principles of ABA

ABA therapy is grounded in the science of learning and behavior. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs a personalized program that breaks down skills into small, teachable steps. For a 3-year-old, this might include learning to request a toy, follow simple instructions, or play alongside a peer. Positive reinforcement is used to encourage progress, and data is collected to track improvement.

What ABA Addresses

Communication: Teaching functional language, such as asking for help or naming objects.
Social skills: Taking turns, sharing, and initiating interactions.
Daily living skills: Toileting, dressing, and feeding.
Reducing challenging behaviors: Tantrums, aggression, or self-stimulatory behaviors that interfere with learning.

Intensity and Setting

ABA is often delivered in a one-on-one format, either at home, in a clinic, or in a preschool setting. For a 3-year-old, therapy can range from 15 to 40 hours per week, depending on need. Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover ABA when prescribed by a doctor.

What is Speech Therapy for a 3 Year Old?

Focus of Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in communication disorders. For a 3-year-old, therapy might target articulation (pronouncing sounds), receptive language (understanding words), expressive language (using words), and social communication (pragmatics). SLPs also address feeding and swallowing issues if present.

Common Goals in Speech Therapy

Building vocabulary: Learning new words and their meanings.
Sentence formation: Putting words together into phrases.
Following directions: Understanding and acting on instructions.
Alternative communication: Using picture cards, sign language, or speech-generating devices if verbal speech is limited.

Typical Schedule

Speech therapy is usually less intensive than ABA, often 1-2 sessions per week lasting 30-60 minutes. It can be provided in a clinic, at home, or through early intervention programs. Many states offer free speech therapy through early intervention for children under 3, and for 3-year-olds, school districts may provide services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

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🔗 Related reading: SC PDD Waiver Autism Services Guide · Nearby ABA Therapy

Key Differences Between ABA and Speech Therapy

Approach and Scope

ABA is a broad behavioral intervention that addresses multiple domains of development, while speech therapy is a specialized service for communication. ABA uses reinforcement and data-driven methods; speech therapy uses play-based and language stimulation techniques.

Intensity and Duration

ABA is typically more intensive (15-40 hours/week) because it aims to generalize skills across environments. Speech therapy is often 1-2 hours per week, focusing on specific communication deficits.

Who Provides the Therapy

ABA is led by a BCBA (master's level) and implemented by registered behavior technicians (RBTs). Speech therapy is provided by a licensed SLP (master's or doctoral level).

Insurance and Cost

Both therapies are frequently covered by private insurance and Medicaid, but ABA often requires a prior authorization and a diagnosis of autism. Speech therapy may be covered for a broader range of diagnoses. Costs without insurance can be high: ABA can cost $50-$150 per hour, speech therapy $100-$250 per session. Start with ABA can help you find providers that accept your insurance and offer free matching to BCBA-led teams.

How ABA and Speech Therapy Work Together

For many 3-year-olds, combining both therapies yields the best results. A BCBA and SLP can collaborate to ensure that communication goals are reinforced throughout the day. For example, if speech therapy teaches a child to say 'more,' the ABA therapist can practice this during snack time. Similarly, ABA can address behaviors that interfere with speech sessions, like refusal to participate. Some clinics offer integrated programs where both therapies are delivered in the same setting.

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How to Choose the Right Therapy for Your 3 Year Old

Assess Your Child's Primary Needs

If your child has significant behavior challenges (e.g., aggression, self-injury, or elopement) or needs help with daily living skills, ABA may be the priority.
If your child's main difficulty is communication (e.g., not speaking, limited vocabulary, or trouble understanding), speech therapy may be the first step.
If your child has both behavior and communication needs (common in autism), a combined approach is often recommended.

Consider the Setting and Schedule

ABA often requires a larger time commitment, which may be challenging for working families. Speech therapy is less time-intensive but may not address broader skill deficits. You can start with one and add the other later.

Talk to Your Pediatrician and a BCBA

A developmental pediatrician or a BCBA can help you evaluate your child's needs. Start with ABA offers a free matching service to connect you with vetted BCBA-led providers who can assess your child and recommend the right combination of therapies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you have to choose one over the other: Many children thrive with both therapies working together.
Delaying therapy while deciding: Early intervention is critical; start with whichever therapy is accessible and add the other as needed.
Ignoring insurance coverage: Check with your insurance provider to understand benefits for ABA and speech therapy. Start with ABA can assist with finding in-network providers.
Not asking about collaboration: Ensure your BCBA and SLP communicate regularly to align goals.

Getting Started with Start with ABA

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Start with ABA is a free service that matches families with vetted, BCBA-led ABA providers in your area. We understand that every child is unique, and we can help you find a provider who offers both ABA and speech therapy or coordinates with an SLP. Simply fill out our short form, and we'll connect you with options that fit your child's needs and your insurance plan, including Medicaid. Take the first step today to get the support your 3-year-old deserves.

ABA vs Speech Therapy for a 3 Year Old: What Parents Need to Know

Key takeaways

Understanding ABA Therapy and Speech Therapy