ABA Therapy
How Does ABA Therapy Work for Autism?
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a proven, evidence-based practice that helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learn new skills and make meaningful changes in their everyday lives.
Instead of rigid drills, our Registered Behaviour Analysts (RBAs) and Instructor Therapists use natural, play-based strategies to study how your child learns. We break down large learning milestones into smaller steps. By teaching safe communication and coping habits, we give your child the tools to handle big feelings and stressful situations.
Key Benefits of ABA Therapy:
Social & Communication Growth Independence & Life Progress
Improved sociability Independence in life skills
Enhanced play skills Better ability to imitate
Increased functional communication Improved motor skills
Improved personal connections Adaptation to situations
Improved coping skills and flexibility Increased attending skills
See how ABA Therapy can help your child. Call us today to get started.
Clinician Spotlight
August 2026
Meet one of our 150+ clinicians providing ABA services across Ontario!
Every month we put a spotlight on one of our amazing team members to highlight the work they do, why they chose therapy, and to learn a little more about them!
Jessica Ciampini, Behavioural Science Technician
Instructor Therapist, ABA Therapist in Mississauga and Oakville
Hear a little bit more about our clinician, Jessica!
Interested in working with Jessica?
Reach out to us to start ABA Therapy today!
Early Intervention ABA Therapy for Toddlers (18 Months+)
If you have concerns about Autism or developmental milestones, starting early makes a difference. Our personalized ABA therapy programs support toddlers (18 months and up), children, and youth.
ABA therapy is essential to teach children to effectively communicate and lead more independent lives. Whether a child has little or no language skills, difficulty with self care, understands body awareness, or exhibits dangerous or aggressive behaviours, ABA therapy is customized to address each child’s specific needs to optimize the best outcomes.
As verified service providers in Ontario, our programs are fully aligned with the provincial funding guidelines. Families can seamlessly utilize their Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services funding or childhood budgets to cover our evidence-based ABA therapy, speech-language therapy, and parent coaching programs.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Intervention Services
Social Skills ABA Therapy: Small group programs provide children with tools for interacting and communicating effectively with others.
Short-term Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Consultation: Time limited problem focused parent coaching or school consultations like developing routines, mastering specific skills (e.g., toilet training).
Parent Coaching: Consultants work with parents to implement ABA-based techniques in the home.
Client-Focused Skills Coaching: ABA techniques are used to teach new skills, such as communication, social skills, daily living skills, and academic skills.
Intensive In-Home ABA Program: IBI is an intensive, longterm individualized service (up to 20-30 hours per week) focusing on all developmental domains.
Where do Sessions Occur?
Our behaviour clinicians understand the logistical challenges of balancing a busy family schedule with intensive developmental support. To make care as accessible as possible, The Speech Associates offers multi-disciplinary ABA therapy across three flexible environments tailored entirely to your daily routine:
To discover which environment is the perfect fit for your child's unique learning style, click below.
Misconceptions around Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has a lot of misconceptions around how it functions, how it’s designed to help aid in a child’s development, and around what potential issues may arise from ABA sessions.
ABA therapy teaches children a multitude of skills including communication, cognition, pre-academics, play skills, joint attention, social skills, and independent self-help skills like dressing, feeding and toileting. ABA therapy does not rely on negative reinforcement to curb negative behaviours, and instead focuses on positive reinforcement for more desirable actions, and behaviours.
Our Instructor Therapists are certified in ABA instruction to assist children and youth in the most efficient, and productive method, to ensure a greater quality of life, more adept communication skills, and a greater sense of confidence in the caretaker-child relationship.
To learn more about how our clinicians use ABA Therapy, reach out for more information, or call us.
What is the difference between an ABA Centre vs. In Home ABA therapy?
Any type of ABA therapy will be beneficial for your child, but to ensure your child is able to take full advantage of their therapy and services, children should receive ABA therapy in an environment they’re comfortable with.
With ABA Therapy, there are generally two options. At a designated ABA Centre, or in your home with an instructor therapist.
At Speech Associates, we offer in-person and virtual options for ABA therapy.
For more information on the differences, and to find out what might be best for you and your child, click below to read more.