Your Child's First Steps into ABA Services
At First Steps Developmental Services, transparency is part of how we support families. We want you to feel informed, supported, and confident as you navigate services for your child. Our ABA service process overview walks through what those first steps look like and helps you make the decisions that feel right for your family.
Our ABA Services Timeline
From your first call to beginning services, here is what to expect at every stage.
1. Get in Touch
Reach out via phone, email, or through our website. We will answer initial questions and help you decide what are the best First Steps for your family.
2. Initial Intake
We will schedule a 30-minute intake call to learn more about your child, your concerns, and your goals. This helps us understand what information we will need from you.
3. Insurance Authorization
Once the intake is complete and required documents are received, we submit a request to your insurance. Authorization for the assessment typically takes 7 business days.
4. Clinical Assessment
After insurance approval, we begin with a virtual parent interview and two in-person visits at our center, using play-based assessment to understand your child's skills across key developmental areas.
5. Treatment Planning
Our clinical team reviews all assessment data and creates a personalized ABA treatment plan outlining your child's strengths, skill areas to support, and recommended goals and services.
6. Review & Family Approval
We meet virtually to review the treatment plan together. Your feedback matters; we make sure recommendations align with your family's priorities.
7. Final Insurance Approval
With your consent, we submit the plan to insurance for authorization of ongoing services. Final approval typically takes 10–15 business days.
8. Begin Services
Once approved, services officially begin. Your child starts ABA therapy in a supportive, play-based, and engaging environment.
What We Do at First Steps Developmental Services
First Steps Developmental Services provides a range of ABA therapy programs for children in Woburn and surrounding areas. Each program is individualized, play-based, and designed to support your child's development across all settings.
Center-Based ABA Therapy
Individualized, play-based ABA therapy in a center-based setting, for both full- and half-day sessions. Programs are tailored to each child's needs and delivered in a structured, supportive environment designed for early learning and growth.
About Center-Based ABA
Home-Based ABA for Children 3 and Under
In-home ABA therapy for our youngest learners, within 10 miles of Woburn. Weekly play groups included.
About Home-Based ABA
After School ABA
A structured, play-based ABA program for children under six — running 1 PM to 6 PM, five days a week. A safe and nurturing space to continue learning and growing after school.
About After School ABA
Hybrid Home ABA Services
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.
About Hybrid Home ABA
Assessments & Consultation
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.
About Assessments and Consultation
Family & Caregiver Support
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.
About Caregiver SupportGet Started Now
Questions About Getting Started
These are the most common questions families ask about the ABA therapy intake process at First Steps Developmental Services in Woburn, MA.
How do I start the ABA therapy intake process at First Steps Developmental Services?
Contact us by phone at (781) 460-9756, by email at info@firststepsds.com, or through our website. We will answer your initial questions and schedule a 30-minute intake call to learn about your child, your concerns, and your goals.
How long does it take from first contact to beginning ABA therapy?
The full process typically takes four to six weeks. Insurance authorization for the assessment generally takes about 7 business days after the intake. Final authorization for ongoing services takes 10 to 15 business days after the treatment plan is submitted.
What happens during the clinical assessment?
The assessment includes a virtual parent interview and two in-person visits at our Woburn center. Our team uses play-based methods to observe your child's skills across communication, social, and adaptive areas. These findings form the basis of the individualized treatment plan.
Does First Steps Developmental Services accept insurance for ABA therapy?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services accepts most major insurance plans covering ABA therapy. After the intake call, we submit an authorization request to your insurance provider on your behalf. Contact us to verify your family's coverage.
Can families provide input on the treatment plan?
Absolutely. After the clinical team prepares the plan, we meet virtually with the family to review it together. Your priorities and feedback are incorporated before the plan is submitted for final insurance authorization.
What ABA therapy programs does First Steps Developmental Services offer?
First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA therapy, home-based ABA for children three and under within 10 miles of Woburn, an after-school ABA program running 1 PM to 6 PM, hybrid home and center programs, assessments and consultation, and family and caregiver support. Visit our services page to learn more.
What Families Say
Take the first step
Ready to learn more? We offer a free 30-minute parent support call — no pressure, no commitment. Or send us a message and we'll be in touch.
Insurance We Accept
