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ABA, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy: How They Work Together

ABA does not replace OT or speech therapy; it supports them. See how a joined-up team can help a child practise skills consistently across home, school and therapy.

By Joyful Journeys team5 min read

A teacher answering a pupil’s question

Key takeaways

  • ABA supports, rather than replaces, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
  • A shared set of goals and simple notes between professionals help a child practise skills consistently.
  • The parent or caregiver is the link that connects every professional.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should we pick ABA or OT or speech therapy?” In most cases the better question is how they can work together. Each looks at the child from a different angle. Combined, they give the child more chances to practise a skill in more places.

Who does what

  • Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on everyday participation: fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care and play.
  • Speech and language therapy (ST) focuses on understanding and using language, speech sounds, social communication, and, where needed, feeding.
  • ABA focuses on teaching and strengthening behaviours through clear steps, motivation and measurement, and on understanding why a behaviour is happening.

How they reinforce each other

With occupational therapy

An OT may introduce a new way to hold a pencil or tolerate a textured food. ABA can reinforce those skills by breaking tasks into steps, and by rewarding practice at home so daily tasks become easier and more consistent.

With speech therapy

A speech therapist might target words for requesting. ABA techniques add motivation and many extra practice opportunities across the day: at snack time, bath time and in the playground.

Making the team work

  1. Share one page of goals. Two or three priorities everyone knows.
  2. Share what works. If a particular prompt or reward helps, tell the others.
  3. Keep a tiny log. A line a day: what we tried, what happened.
  4. Agree on language. Use the same word for the same thing so the child is not confused.
  5. Review together. A short check-in each term keeps the plan current.

You are the connector

Therapists see your child for a small slice of the week. Parents and caregivers see the rest. That is why our parent training focuses on turning professional advice into simple routines at home. If you are new to ABA, start here.

This is general information and does not replace advice from your child’s therapists.

Questions answered

Can my child have ABA and OT on the same day?

Often yes, but it depends on stamina and schedule. Ask your providers to plan sessions so your child is not overloaded.

Who leads when professionals disagree?

Ideally nobody “wins”. Bring your questions to a shared discussion focused on the child’s goals and comfort.

Do I need all three?

Not necessarily. A thorough assessment shows which supports your child needs now.

Joyful Journeys team

Joyful Journeys supports children with autism and other developmental differences, and their families, through ABA training, community programmes and advocacy in Nairobi. This article is general information, not medical advice.

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