Serving Medford, MA
ABA Therapy for Medford, MA Families
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Medford, Massachusetts and the surrounding area. Our Woburn center is about 13 minutes from Medford, 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 Medford, MA Families
Medford families seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can access services through our Woburn ABA center, about 13 minutes away via I-93 North. First Steps Developmental Services provides individualized 1:1 EIBI programs for children under age six, designed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
We build each program around the specific strengths and developmental priorities of your child — focusing on communication, social interaction, and adaptive skills that transfer to home, preschool, and community life. There is no waitlist for new patients at First Steps Developmental Services.
For children three and under, home-based ABA is available, with a therapist traveling directly to your Medford home. Caregiver and parent coaching is a core part of how we work, helping families apply what their child learns in therapy to everyday situations throughout the week. Contact us to discuss your family's needs.
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After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Medford Families
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 — or at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, or through another provider, and an autism diagnosis was confirmed, the next step is typically an ABA assessment. First Steps Developmental Services BCBAs conduct a thorough evaluation of your child's current abilities, communication skills, and developmental priorities, then develop an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals.
The BCBA walks Medford families through the full treatment plan before sessions begin — explaining what each goal means, how progress will be measured, and what the program will look like week to week. Plans are reviewed at regular intervals and adjusted as your child develops and grows.
If your child has Down syndrome, First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for that too. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.
Schools in Medford
The Medford Early Education Program (MEEP) is an inclusive preschool that serves children with and without disabilities aged three through five who are not yet eligible for kindergarten. There are 10 MEEP classes, located at Brooks Elementary School and Missituk Elementary School, with up to 15 children in each. Families with concerns about their child's development may take part in an optional free preschool screening. For children preparing to enter MEEP or a similar inclusive setting, ABA therapy can build the classroom skills that give them the strongest possible start.
Play-based ABA therapy targets exactly the skills that matter in an inclusive preschool — participating in group activities, communicating with peers, navigating transitions, and following routines. These skills are practiced in naturalistic, engaging ways that help children transfer them to new environments.
First Steps Developmental Services also offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program for families whose children are approaching school age. If your Medford child is preparing for MEEP and you want to explore how targeted ABA support could help, contact the team to discuss.
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 Medford
First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From Brooks Elementary School at 388 High Street in Medford, the drive is about 9.7 miles and about 13 minutes via I-93 North.
18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
≈ 13 min from Medford
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Medford families?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about 13 minutes from Medford — in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is also available for children three and under, bringing a therapist directly to your Medford home. A hybrid model combining center and home delivery is available as well. The supervising BCBA recommends the format that best meets your child's needs.
How far is the First Steps Developmental Services center from Medford?
From Brooks Elementary School at 388 High Street in Medford, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 9.7 miles and about 13 minutes via I-93 North.
What ages does First Steps Developmental Services serve?
First Steps Developmental Services specializes in ABA therapy for children under age six. This is the period in which consistent, individualized, play-based intervention has the greatest potential to support long-term developmental outcomes.
Which insurance plans are accepted at First Steps Developmental Services?
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 before starting ABA 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 experiencing.
What happens after an autism evaluation, and how do Medford families begin with First Steps Developmental Services?
After an autism diagnosis is confirmed — whether at the Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, or through another provider — the next step is typically a BCBA-led ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services. The BCBA evaluates your child's current abilities and developmental priorities, then builds a treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. The plan is reviewed together with the family before therapy begins. To get started, call (781) 460-9756 or send a message through the contact form on this page.
Can First Steps Developmental Services provide ABA therapy for a child who has 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 discuss their child's situation and explore their options with no pressure. Call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com to schedule a time.
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