Serving Andover, MA
ABA Therapy for Andover, MA Families
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Andover, Massachusetts and surrounding communities. Our Woburn center is about 17 minutes from Andover, offering individualized, play-based programs for children with Autism and Down Syndrome under age six.
WORKING HOURS 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
BCBA-owned and operated
ABA Services for Andover, MA Families
Andover families seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can access services at our Woburn ABA center, about 17 minutes away. First Steps Developmental Services delivers individualized 1:1 EIBI programs for children under age six, led by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with specialist experience in autism and Down syndrome.
Center-based programs are offered in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is also available for children three and under, bringing therapy directly to your Andover home. For families whose child's needs are met through a combination of both settings, hybrid ABA is another option. There is no waitlist for new patients.
Each child's program begins with a comprehensive BCBA-led assessment that identifies current skills, communication priorities, and specific developmental goals. The family reviews the full plan before any sessions begin. Contact us to find out what is available for your family.
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After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Andover Families
If your child received an autism evaluation at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, which evaluates and treats children with autism, the natural next step is an ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services. The same applies following an evaluation at the Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston — which provides diagnostic evaluation of autism spectrum disorder and primarily sees patients from 26 months to 17 years.
In both cases, the process at First Steps Developmental Services begins with a comprehensive assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The BCBA builds on the diagnostic picture to identify your child's current skills, communication strengths, and specific developmental priorities. An individualized treatment plan is then created with concrete, measurable goals for each area.
Before sessions begin, the BCBA walks the family through the complete plan — what each goal means, how progress will be tracked, and how the program will evolve as your child develops. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.
Schools in Andover
Shawsheen Preschool is Andover's inclusive public preschool, serving both children with special needs and typically developing children in the same environment. The program offers community screenings by appointment every month; to be seen, a child must be at least two years and nine months old and live in Andover. For children who are preparing to attend Shawsheen — or who have already started — ABA therapy can build the communication and social skills that help them participate fully in an inclusive classroom setting.
Play-based ABA therapy develops these skills through natural activities that mirror what children encounter at school — taking turns, requesting materials, participating in group routines, and engaging with peers. These are the foundational skills that allow children to benefit from inclusive education from the earliest possible age.
First Steps Developmental Services also offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program for families approaching school age. If your Andover child is preparing for preschool and you want to discuss whether ABA support would help, reach out to the team.
First Steps Developmental Services also provides a School Partnership Program available to public and charter schools in Massachusetts — including Behavior Technician support and BCBA consultation for students with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges, subject to staffing availability and scheduling.
Getting to Our Woburn Center from Andover
First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From Shawsheen Preschool in Andover, the drive is about 12.9 miles and about 17 minutes via I-93 South.
18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
≈ 17 min from Andover
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Andover families?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about 17 minutes from Andover — in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist visiting your Andover home. Families may also choose a hybrid model. The supervising BCBA identifies the delivery format that will best support your child's individual goals.
How far is the First Steps Developmental Services center from Andover?
From Shawsheen Preschool in Andover, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 12.9 miles and about 17 minutes via I-93 South.
What ages does First Steps Developmental Services serve?
First Steps Developmental Services serves children under age six. Structured, play-based ABA support during these early years can have lasting positive effects on communication, social skills, and independence.
Which insurance plans does First Steps Developmental Services accept?
First Steps Developmental Services accepts most major insurance plans for ABA therapy, including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan, Carelon Behavioral Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, Aetna, Fallon Health, and Health New England. We verify coverage and handle insurance authorizations. As of January 1, 2026, Massachusetts requires insurers to cover ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome. Call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com to check your specific plan.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services?
ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services is available to children with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. If your child has not yet received a diagnosis, our Early Insights developmental assessment can help clarify next steps — contact us to talk through what your family is going through.
What is the Shawsheen Preschool and how does it serve Andover children?
Shawsheen Preschool is Andover's inclusive public preschool, serving both children with special needs and typically developing children in the same environment. The program offers community screenings by appointment every month; children must be at least two years and nine months old and live in Andover to be seen. For children preparing to attend Shawsheen, ABA therapy can build the communication and social skills that help them participate fully from the start.
Can First Steps Developmental Services provide ABA therapy for a child with Down syndrome?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services serves children with Down syndrome as well as children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Massachusetts requires state-regulated health plans to cover ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome as of January 1, 2026. Call us and we will verify your plan.
What are First Steps Developmental Services' hours and how do I book the free support call?
First Steps Developmental Services is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. A free 30-minute parent support call is available for families who want to talk through their child's needs and explore their options before making any decisions. Call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com to arrange a time.
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