Communication is more than talking it’s how a child expresses needs, feelings, and choices. When a child isn’t speaking yet, parents often feel worried, unsure, and overwhelmed by conflicting advice. The good news is: there are effective, evidence-based ways to support communication, even before words emerge.
If your child isn’t using words yet, the first step is not waiting. Early support makes a meaningful difference.
Start by observing how your child currently communicates:
• Do they pull your hand toward what they want?
• Do they point, reach, or cry?
• Do they use gestures, sounds, or eye contact?
Many parents are told:
• “Just wait, they’ll talk eventually”
• “They’re just stubborn”
• “Using pictures will stop speech”
Communication support does not replace speech—it builds it.
ABA focuses on:
• Teaching your child how to express needs (requesting help, food, toys, breaks)
• Reducing frustration-based behaviors caused by not being understood
• Reinforcing any intentional communication attempts
The goal is simple: give your child a reliable way to be heard.
“PECS vs AAC: What’s the Difference?”
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) teaches a child to:
• Hand a picture to another person to request something
• Initiate communication independently
• Understand cause and effect (“When I give this picture, I get what I want”)
PECS is:
• Highly structured
• Great for early communicators
• Often used when a child has limited imitation or attention skills
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) includes:
• Speech-generating devices
• Tablets with communication apps
• Core-word systems
• Eye-gaze or switch-based systems
AAC can:
• Support complex communication
• Grow with your child over time
• Be used alongside speech development
Which One Is Better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
A BCBA, often collaborating with a Speech-Language Pathologist, will consider:
• Your child’s motor skills
• Attention and learning style
• Current communication level
• Family preferences and daily routines
The most important factor is consistent use across environments—home, school, and therapy.
ABA therapy does not focus on “making children talk.”
It focuses on functional communication.
What That Means
ABA teaches skills like:
• Requesting wants and needs
• Asking for help
• Saying “no” or “stop”
• Making choices
• Gaining attention appropriately
When communication improves, we often see:
• Fewer tantrums
• Reduced aggression or elopement
• Increased engagement and independence
How ABA Teaches Communication
ABA uses:
• Positive reinforcement
• Systematic prompting and fading
• Natural-environment teaching
• Individualized goals based on your child’s strengths
Every sound, gesture, or picture exchange is treated as a building block, not a failure.
If your child isn’t talking yet, it does not mean they won’t communicate. With the right supports, children can learn to express themselves in meaningful ways—sometimes faster than families expect.
At Raisen ABA, we:
• Assess your child’s current communication skills
• Develop individualized, functional communication goals
• Collaborate with families, schools, and speech providers
• Focus on skills that improve everyday life
Schedule a Parent Consultation
Let’s talk about where your child is now—and what steps can help them communicate with confidence.