Serving Lexington, MA

ABA Therapy for Lexington, MA Families

First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Lexington, Massachusetts and surrounding communities. Our Woburn center is about 19 minutes from Lexington, 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

Child engaged in 1:1 ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services
ABA therapy session at First Steps Developmental Services in Woburn, Massachusetts

ABA Services for Lexington, MA Families

Lexington families seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can access services at our Woburn ABA center, about 19 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.

The Mass General Lurie Center for Autism is located in Lexington and evaluates and treats children with autism. If your child was evaluated there, First Steps Developmental Services is a natural next step for ABA therapy — our team builds on the diagnostic work already done to create an individualized treatment plan. There is no waitlist for new patients.

In addition to center-based sessions, home-based ABA is available for children three and under, bringing therapy directly to your Lexington home. Contact us to find out what is available for your family.

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For parents of children under age 6 with autism and Down syndrome

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After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Lexington Families

The Mass General Lurie Center for Autism is located in Lexington and evaluates and treats children with autism. If your child was evaluated there and an autism diagnosis was confirmed, an ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services is the natural next step. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst conducts a comprehensive review of your child's current abilities, communication skills, and developmental priorities, then builds an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals.

If your child was evaluated 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 — the process at First Steps Developmental Services is the same. The BCBA builds on the diagnostic picture to create a program tailored to your child's specific profile.

Before sessions begin, the BCBA walks the family through the full treatment plan — what each goal means, how progress will be measured, and how the program will evolve as your child develops. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.

Schools in Lexington

Lexington Children's Place at 20 Pelham Road is the district-wide preschool where children with and without disabilities learn together. Its integrated classrooms are for children aged three to five. Some children receive only separate services there, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech and language support. For children who will attend Lexington Children's Place — whether in an integrated classroom or for separate services — ABA therapy can build the foundational skills that help them engage and communicate more effectively in that setting.

Play-based ABA therapy develops communication and social skills through natural, engaging activities — taking turns, requesting materials, participating in routines, and interacting with peers — in ways that closely mirror what children encounter at school. These skills support children whether they are learning alongside typically developing classmates or receiving individual services.

First Steps Developmental Services also offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program for families approaching school age. If your Lexington child is preparing for Lexington Children's Place 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 Lexington

First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From Lexington Children's Place at 20 Pelham Road in Lexington, the drive is about 10.5 miles and about 19 minutes via I-95 North.

18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500

Woburn, MA 01801

≈ 19 min from Lexington

Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM

(781) 460-9756

Frequently Asked Questions

Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Lexington families?

Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about 19 minutes from Lexington — in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist visiting your Lexington 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 Lexington?

From Lexington Children's Place at 20 Pelham Road in Lexington, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 10.5 miles and about 19 minutes via I-95 North.

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 happens after a child is evaluated at the Lurie Center, and how do Lexington families begin?

The Mass General Lurie Center for Autism is located in Lexington and evaluates and treats children with autism. If your child was evaluated there and an autism diagnosis was confirmed, the next step is typically a BCBA-led ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services. The BCBA reviews your child's current skills and developmental priorities, then develops an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. The family reviews the full plan before sessions begin. To start, call (781) 460-9756 or use the contact form on this page.

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.

What Families Say

5/55 reviews on Google

Ma Parent

★★★★★

Enrolling our son at first steps has been one of the absolute best decisions we have made for our family. The difference in him today compared to when he first started is almost night and day. We have seen incredible progress in his speech and language development, his emotional intelligence, and his ability to self-regulate. Watching him grow, communicate so much more effectively, and navigate his emotions with confidence has been incredible.

The center itself is top-tier. It is always exceptionally clean, bright, and welcoming, and the entire team is deeply dedicated to helping my son gain the skills he needs in a fun environment.

As a working parent, I cannot express enough how grateful I am for their accommodation and flexibility. Whenever unexpected work schedule changes pop up last-minute, they are always so sweet, understanding, and willing to work with us.

What sets them apart most is how truly collaborative they are. They actually listen to my input as a parent and seamlessly implement our family goals into his routine.

Our parent meetings are consistently insightful, filled with practical, helpful tips we can use at home, and structured so well. He truly loves going here, and the staff's kindness and expertise mean everything to us. I cannot recommend First Steps highly enough!

William McGuinn

★★★★★

I have known Jarrod for over twenty years. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, consistently professional, and genuinely caring in everything he does. He is someone you can trust and rely on. I highly recommend working with him and his team.

Kevin Schlichenmeyer

★★★★★

The founder of this program has over 20 years experience in training and professional development and has been passionate about helping families just as long. This is a strong clinician-led organization with a focus on meaningful outcomes.

Casey Clay

★★★★★

Great company with a team of highly experienced experts. First Steps understands what kids need and how to get it to them compassionately and effectively.

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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

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care logo Tufts Health Plan logo Carelon Behavioral Health logo Blue Cross Blue Shield logo Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership logo Aetna logo Fallon Health logo Health New England logo