ABA at Home: What Does It Actually Look Like?
August 31, 2026
At First Steps Developmental Services, we provide evidence-based care in Woburn. Our programs support families throughout Middlesex County. We support children and families through individualized, play-based care that builds lifelong skills, and serve them with warmth, evidence-based care, and respect for neurodiversity.
For parents of autistic & neurodivergent
toddlers & preschool-aged children
Just received an autism diagnosis and not sure what to do next? We offer a free 30-minute parent support call to help you understand your child, talk through challenges, and figure out next steps — no pressure to start services.
Clarity. Support. Next Steps.
No pressure. No waitlist.
We are a team of dedicated clinicians and professionals committed to supporting young children with developmental delays and autism, and the families who care for them. Through play-based, individualized support, we work alongside families to help children build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
We provide individualized, play-based ABA therapy in a center-based setting, for both full- and half-day sessions. First Steps focuses on supporting children in developing communication, social, and daily living skills. Programs are tailored to each child’s needs and delivered in a structured, supportive environment designed for early learning and growth.
In-home ABA therapy for our youngest learners, within 10 miles of Woburn. Weekly play groups included.
A structured, play-based ABA program for children under 6 — running 1 PM to 6 PM, five days a week. A safe and nurturing space to continue learning and growing after school.
Our most comprehensive option – combining center-based therapy with home-based support for more consistent progress across all settings where your child lives and learns.
We offer developmental assessments and consultation to help guide individualized support planning. Our team collaborates with families, schools, daycares, and community providers to ensure services are aligned and responsive to each child’s needs.
Families are supported through collaboration, coaching, and clear communication throughout their child’s journey. We work closely with caregivers to promote consistency, shared understanding, and meaningful progress across everyday routines.
Our team of dedicated professionals uses evidence-based ABA therapy to partner with families in delivering individualized, best-in-class services that help each child reach their fullest potential.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a specialized, evidence-based form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) designed for young children—typically under age 5—diagnosed with autism or related developmental delays. It focuses on building foundational skills (communication, social interaction, daily living) through highly structured, one-on-one teaching.
Parent/caregiver training is a key part of EIBI. You’ll learn strategies to support your child’s learning at home, help generalize skills, and manage challenging behaviors in everyday life.
In Massachusetts, insurance companies are required to cover ABA, including EIBI, for children with an autism diagnosis (per state autism insurance laws). Coverage varies, so verification is essential. We are currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Carelon, Aetna, and Cigna, with United Healthcare in process.
First Steps offers to families developmental assessments to provide a comprehensive look at your child’s strengths and areas for growth across communication, social skills, play, motor abilities, and daily living skills. Using standardized tools and observation, we create a clear picture of your child’s current developmental stage. Contact us for more information.
First Steps Developmental Services is a center-based ABA therapy provider. located in Woburn, MA, that parents and caregivers can rest assured that their child is in a calm, safe, and engaging educational environment. First Steps focuses on child-led play-based learning to meet the child where they are and allow them to flourish at their pace.
