How metro Detroit therapy teams work together to support children with autism

Speech therapy and ABA therapy can work together to help children with autism build communication skills — a foundation for greater independence as they grow. At Healing Haven in metro Detroit, these therapies are paired for nearly every child, creating a team approach to support development.

But how do these therapies work together? And how do autism therapists provide support so your child can learn to communicate in the ways that work best for them?

We talked with Jennifer Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Chief Clinical Officer at Healing Haven, an autism therapy provider with locations in Madison Heights, Farmington Hills and Clinton Township. She shares what you need to know.

How do speech and ABA therapy support communication?

At Healing Haven, children often receive both speech therapy and ABA therapy, which work hand in hand. While the approaches differ, they share the same goal: helping children learn to communicate effectively.

• Speech therapy is naturalistic and play-based. “Speech therapy is usually 100% naturalistic opportunities,” Dr. Thomas explains. For example, a therapist might push a child on a swing, pause and wait for the child to say or signal “more.”
• ABA therapy blends natural and structured learning. “ABA is usually a mix of naturalistic opportunities and contrived opportunities,” Dr. Thomas says. In a structured example, a therapist might show a picture of a cup, model the word “cup” and reward the child for trying to imitate it.
• Together, these methods give children both spontaneous, play-driven practice and targeted, repeated opportunities to build skills.

The many ways children can communicate

Not every child with autism uses spoken words right away. Dr. Thomas explains that therapists work with families to find the best communication methods for each child. All forms of communication apart from verbal speech are considered AAC, or augmentative and alternative communication, Dr. Thomas says.

• Verbal speech — Therapists always model and encourage vocal language, but it can take time. “We always like to continually work on vocal speech and model it throughout,” Dr. Thomas says.
• PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) — Children use picture cards to make requests or express needs. It starts simple, with a single picture, and gradually builds into choosing from multiple options.
• Sign language — A good fit for children with strong fine motor skills who can imitate hand movements. Approximations are accepted while children learn.
• Digital devices — Tablets or speech-generating devices allow children to tap buttons and build sentences. “With technology, we’ve come a long way. It can speak for you, it can build sentences,” Dr. Thomas explains.

Therapists may use a mix of these approaches, giving each child a “toolbox” of ways to be heard. Importantly, Dr. Thomas emphasizes that using AAC doesn’t prevent a child from speaking — it often reduces frustration and supports speech development over time.

Building toward independence with speech and ABA therapy

Because children typically receive both therapies, collaboration is key — and clients at Healing Haven benefit from how closely the ABA and speech-language therapists work together. Aligning goals and methods helps children make progress without confusion.

Parents also play a vital role at home. Dr. Thomas encourages families to:

• Model in the moment — If your child wants a cookie, show them how to sign, press the button or say the word before giving it.
• Reinforce every attempt — Respond positively to any effort, big or small.
• Be proactive — Create situations where your child needs to ask for help, like placing toys just out of reach or removing the batteries.
• Stay consistent — Use the systems that the speech pathologist and behaviorists use.
• Keep tools ready — Charge devices and keep cards or signs accessible.
  

Progress takes time. “Vocal language is one of the hardest things to teach,” Dr. Thomas says. “Be patient. Try to make learning fun any way you can.”

Most importantly, Dr. Thomas suggests that parents recognize how effective communication can set the foundation for greater independence as children move through school, friendships and daily life. Celebrate every way your child communicates along this journey.

This content is sponsored by Healing Haven. Learn more about Healing Haven’s unique autism therapy programs for children and teens and young adults.

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