Serving Reading, MA
ABA Therapy for Reading, MA Families
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Reading, Massachusetts and the surrounding Middlesex County area. Our Woburn center is about nine minutes from Reading, delivering 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 Reading, MA Families
Reading families seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can access services at our Woburn ABA center, about 9 minutes away. First Steps Developmental Services delivers individualized 1:1 EIBI programs for children under age six, overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Our clinical team builds each program around your child's specific strengths and goals — developing communication, social, and adaptive living skills that transfer to daily life at home and in the community. We do not maintain a waiting list for new patients.
Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, bringing a trained therapist directly to your Reading home. Caregiver and parent coaching is built into our model so families can support their child's progress throughout the week.
Ask about availabilityGet Started Now
After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Reading Families
If your child was evaluated at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA — or through another provider — and an autism diagnosis was confirmed, or if your child has Down syndrome, an ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services is typically the next step. A BCBA carries out a comprehensive review of your child's current abilities, communication skills, and developmental priorities, then constructs an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals.
Some Reading families continue with physical, occupational, or speech therapy alongside ABA. These services address distinct developmental areas and work well alongside a behavioral program. When families are already working with another provider, First Steps Developmental Services BCBAs coordinate goals so that each service supports progress rather than duplicating effort.
Before the first ABA session, the BCBA sits down with the family to go through the treatment plan — explaining each goal, what progress looks like, and how the program will adapt as your child develops. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.
Schools in Reading
Reading Public Schools runs the RISE Integrated Preschool, which serves over 100 preschool students across ten half-day and full-day classes. RISE classrooms are located at Reading Memorial High School, Killam Elementary School, and Wood End Elementary School. The program teaches students with and without disabilities together in the same classroom. For children preparing to join a setting like RISE, ABA therapy can build the skills that make inclusive education go well from the start.
Play-based ABA therapy develops the group participation, peer communication, and transition skills that matter most in an inclusive preschool environment. Children practice these skills in naturalistic contexts that closely mirror what they will encounter each day at school.
First Steps Developmental Services also offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program specifically designed for families preparing for this kind of transition. If your Reading child has preschool evaluations on file and you would like to explore whether focused ABA support could 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 Reading
First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From J.W. Killam Elementary School at 333 Charles Street in Reading, the drive is about 5.2 miles and about 9 minutes via I-95 South.
18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
≈ 9 min from Reading
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Reading families?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about nine minutes from Reading — in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist traveling directly to your Reading home. A hybrid model combining both is an option as well. The BCBA recommends the delivery format that suits your child's needs and your family's schedule.
How far is the First Steps Developmental Services center from Reading, MA?
From J.W. Killam Elementary School at 333 Charles Street in Reading, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 5.2 miles and about 9 minutes via I-95 South.
What ages does First Steps Developmental Services serve?
First Steps Developmental Services specializes in ABA therapy for children under age six — the developmental window during which structured, play-based support makes the greatest difference in long-term outcomes.
What insurance 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 begin ABA therapy?
ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services is available to children who have a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. If your child has not yet received a diagnosis, our Early Insights developmental assessment offers a structured way to understand your child's development and identify where support may be needed — contact us to learn more.
What happens after an autism evaluation, and how do Reading families start with First Steps Developmental Services?
Once an autism diagnosis is confirmed — through the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, another clinician, or a pediatric evaluation — the next step is typically a BCBA-led assessment at First Steps Developmental Services. The BCBA reviews your child's current strengths and developmental priorities, then builds an individualized treatment plan with clear, measurable goals. The plan is reviewed together with the family before any sessions begin. To get started, call (781) 460-9756 or complete the contact form on this page.
Does First Steps Developmental Services offer ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for 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 situation and understand their options before committing to anything. Call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com to set up a time.
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
