Key Highlights
- ABA therapy focuses on behaviour analysis and skill development across various areas, such as social skills and daily living.
- VB therapy zeroes in on functional communication through verbal operants like mands, tacts, and intraverbals.
- Both therapies stem from the scientific approach of applied behavior analysis, supporting children with autism spectrum disorder.
- Positive reinforcement techniques are integral to both therapies, encouraging correct responses and consistent learning.
- ABA programs provide structured teaching methods, while VB therapy emphasizes naturalistic, child-led interactions.
- Choosing the right therapy depends on the child’s unique needs and therapy’s focus, but combining both is often the best fit.
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, you’re likely exploring therapy options—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two commonly recommended approaches are ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and VB (Verbal Behavior) therapy. But what’s the difference, and how do you choose?
When I first met Harper, a bright 3-year-old who struggled to communicate, her parents were unsure where to begin. In home-based ABA therapy, we established routines and reduced challenging behaviors, then introduced VB to strengthen her communication.
Over time, she started requesting snacks, naming animals, and even answering questions—all things her parents never thought they’d see so soon.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Overview
ABA therapy is a research-backed method used to improve social, communication, academic, and daily living skills. It relies on breaking down skills into manageable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Therapists often use tools like:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT) – breaking complex skills into smaller components
- Errorless Learning – guiding a child toward correct responses
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) – encouraging learning in everyday settings
ABA therapy can take place at home, in clinics, or in schools, and it’s highly individualized.
Therapist Insight
In one case, I worked with a child who had difficulty transitioning between activities. Using ABA techniques, we taught him to follow a simple picture schedule. Over a few months, the tantrums during transitions dropped significantly—and his confidence grew.
According to the National Autism Center, intensive ABA can result in significant improvements for many children. One study found that 47% of children who received early, intensive ABA became indistinguishable from their peers in classrooms.
What Is VB (Verbal Behavior) Therapy?
Focus on Communication
VB therapy is a branch of ABA that focuses specifically on functional communication. It’s based on B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior, where language is broken into specific functions like:
- Mands – requests (e.g., “cookie” to get a cookie)
- Tacts – labeling (e.g., “cat” when seeing a cat)
- Intraverbals – conversation skills (e.g., answering “What do you eat?” with “Pizza”)
How It Works
VB therapy uses what motivates the child to teach communication in a natural way. For example, a child might be taught to request their favorite toy by saying its name or using a sign.
In my practice, I once helped a nonverbal child use simple gestures to request snacks. Over time, those gestures turned into vocal mands. That progress gave her a voice—and her smile said it all.
Techniques in ABA Therapy
Common Strategies
ABA therapy includes a variety of tools tailored to each child:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Breaks skills into small, teachable parts.
- Errorless Learning: Prompts children toward the right response early on.
- Positive Reinforcement: Rewards like tokens or praise encourage repeated success.
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Helps children practice skills during real-life situations.
- Data Collection: Tracks progress to make sure goals are being met.
The Role of Reinforcement
Reinforcement is a cornerstone of ABA. For instance, when a child successfully asks for help, they might get a high-five or extra playtime. This helps the child understand that communication works—and encourages them to use it again.
Elements of VB Therapy
Teaching Functional Language
VB therapy prioritizes meaningful language. Instead of just naming items, children learn how to use words to get their needs met, describe what they see, or hold simple conversations.
For example, if a child says “bubbles” and then gets to play with bubbles, they learn that language has power.
Why Motivation Is Key
Motivation drives VB therapy. Children are more likely to learn when the reward is something they genuinely want. This is why sessions often feel more like play than formal instruction—learning is embedded in everyday activities.
ABA vs VB Therapy: Key Differences
| Feature | ABA Therapy | VB Therapy |
| Focus | General behavior & skill development | Functional communication |
| Teaching style | Structured and systematic | Natural, child-led |
| Reinforcement method | Tokens, breaks, praise | Access to desired items or experiences |
| Language approach | Language as a skill among many | Language as the central learning target |
| Data usage | Tracks all behavior and skill progress | Tracks use of specific verbal operants |
Can ABA and VB Work Together?
Absolutely. Many effective therapy plans use both approaches. For example, a child might learn a basic request through DTT, then practice it naturally during a snack break using VB strategies.
According to Autism Speaks, blending approaches that meet individual needs often produces better long-term outcomes.
In my experience, the most meaningful breakthroughs often happen when the structure of ABA is combined with the flexibility of VB.
How to Choose the Right Therapy
Consider Your Child’s Needs
- If your child struggles with behavior, daily routines, or task completion, ABA might be the best starting point.
- If your child needs help expressing themselves, VB could be the right focus.
- For many, a mix of both leads to the most balanced and functional outcomes.
Get Professional Guidance
Always consult with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They can assess your child’s needs and suggest the best combination of techniques.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is important for parents to know the differences between ABA and VB therapy when finding the best support for their children. Both ABA and VB therapy have their own ways to help. ABA is usually used for changing behavior, while VB therapy works to build a child’s communication skills. Knowing about these things can help you make good choices for your child and what will be the best fit for them.
Ready to take the next step in your child’s growth?
At Bluebell ABA, we believe every child deserves a therapy plan as unique as they are. Whether your child would benefit more from structured ABA sessions, communication-driven VB therapy, or a blended approach, we’re here to guide you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s build a plan that helps your child thrive—one step, one word, and one breakthrough at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between ABA and VB Therapy?
ABA therapy works on making changes in how people act in many areas. It helps with all kinds of skills. On the other hand, VB therapy really looks at verbal behavior and helps with functional communication. VB therapy takes a close look at why we use language. This way, people can get better at using their words in daily life. This makes VB therapy good for the people who want to improve their practical verbal skills.
Can a child receive both ABA and VB Therapy at the same time?
Yes, many programs use both ABA and VB therapy together. This way, children get help with more than just basic behavior. They also get support for their communication skills. When both are used, kids have a better chance to learn in a way that fits what they need. This makes the therapy plan more complete and useful for them.
Which therapy is better for non-verbal children?
VB therapy helps non-verbal children by focusing on functional communication. This includes using words, gestures, or even sign language to help them talk about what they need. With strategies like mands, VB therapy lets children share their needs when their verbal skills are not strong. That is why VB therapy is a good choice for those who need help with speaking.
Are there any risks or drawbacks to either ABA or VB Therapy?
ABA and VB therapy can take a lot of time and work. You need to stay steady and keep at it for a long time to get the best results. The way therapy sessions go can be hard if the child’s needs are not met in a good or supportive environment. When you make sure that the sessions match with what the child needs and want, you help cut down on problems. It’s important to keep the therapy in line with the child’s goals for better results.
How do I decide which therapy is right for my child?
Think about your child’s specific needs when you choose. If you want to help with general behavior skills, ABA can be the best fit. If your goal is to help with talking and understanding words, then VB might work better. Talk to professionals and check different therapy programs. This helps you find what’s right for your child’s quality of life and growth.
Sources:
- https://ttac.odu.edu/autism/verbal-behavior-approach-using-motivation-and-reinforcement/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25197-applied-behavior-analysis
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2774588/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/verbal-behavior-therapy
- https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-verbal-behavior-therapy/