We made more progress with a speech therapist in 2 appointments than we have made with ABA 4 times a week for a year regarding speech. My son was / is quite locked in so the speech therapist initially thought they couldnt work well with him. ABA therapists are not typically speech therapists unless they specify that. None of the ABA therapists I have worked with are even knowledgeable of basic sign language.
I am thrilled with our actual speech therapist. If you can, you should pursue both speech and ABA and make sure the two coordinate goals with each other.

Yes. They absolutely should be working on language skills. Communication is key. When you teach communication you reduce frustration. They should work on receptive language and figuring out how to help him communicate whether it be through sign or PECS or if he can approximate sounds then he can get reinforced for his vocal approximations. The person who answered the phone may not understand all the programming they do, so you won't know until the therapist or coordinator comes to do the evaluation. Sometimes office staff doesn't really understand the process.

It is also important to work with a good speech therapist, too. If your insurance is paying for ABA you might also be covered for speech. Definitely look into a speech therapist, too.

Good luck!

Hugs
P.S. my son is 16 and we started his program when he was 2. I worked with tons of therapists and coordinators. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

My son started out pt ABA just a month ago after waiting for 4 mos.
What I know is the evaluation they did was not as long as the evaluation of the dev peds and the clinical psychologist, it was just mainly observing my son and mostly parent interview.

ABA for what I know with my son us working with skills like : toilet training if they are ready, skill like waiting, taking turns... And they will develop speech / communication thru that.
Just provide all info re your son's weakness/ inability to do , that is expected of his age/ strengths( if able to follow instructions) so they can formulate individualized goals

Hi KayeGale! I hope you find a good one. My daughter was with two of them for two years each, and the 3rd one for 6 years. No results! I think I'm just too depleted to keep searching, and my daughter has developed a rapport with her, so until I gain more strength; she will stay for now. Blessings to you!

Pooh I feel the same way my son his on his 3 speech therapist been doing it one per week for 30mins not seeing anything significant. Maybe need more time.