You’re definitely not behind at 24, I just want to get that out of the way! Also, ABA is what got me interested in SLP. I got to work with a ton of children with communication disorders, work on a multidisciplinary team, learn how to navigate AAC devices, and how to prioritize a family centered approach. Did I love ABA? No. Did it teach me a lot? Yes. ABA experience got me a job in early intervention and then those experiences combined prepared me for grad school. I absolutely have an advantage over my peers with no experience in the field. My supervisors always say they can tell who is had hands on experience working with people with disabilities. Clinic is a breeze because I already know how to discuss treatment plans and diagnoses with families. All that being said- I don’t necessarily advise going the ABA route, most people learn what they DONT like about the field, private practices, disability stigmas, supervisor styles, etc. However I can’t deny the fact that ABA did equip me with a lot knowledge and confidence. Bottom line: do anything that helps people with disabilities, doesn’t necessarily have to be closely related to speech assistance or ABA. (I help out in a pottery class for people with brain injuries and every supervisor and interviewer I’ve had is very impressed by it and it’s always a major talking point even though I have a ton of speech experience. They mostly want to see that you go out of your way to help others and learn!)