Serving Wakefield, MA
ABA Therapy for Wakefield, MA Families
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Wakefield, Massachusetts and nearby communities. Our Woburn center is about 13 minutes from Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, MA Families
Wakefield families looking for ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can access services at our Woburn ABA center, about 13 minutes away. First Steps Developmental Services provides individualized 1:1 EIBI programs for children under age six, developed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
We design each program around your child's individual strengths and priorities, building communication, social, and adaptive skills that transfer directly into everyday family life. We do not maintain a waitlist for new patients.
Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist traveling to your Wakefield home. Caregiver and parent coaching is woven throughout, equipping families to support their child's progress between sessions and at home.
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After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Wakefield 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 the usual next step. A BCBA carries out a thorough review of your child's current skills, communication abilities, and developmental priorities, then develops an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals.
Some Wakefield families are also receiving physical, occupational, or speech therapy at the same time as ABA. These disciplines address different aspects of your child's development and are fully compatible with a behavioral program. The First Steps Developmental Services clinical team works to align goals across providers so progress in one area supports progress in others.
Before the first session, the BCBA goes through the treatment plan in detail with the family, explaining each goal and how it will be measured. The plan is updated regularly as your child grows and develops. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.
Schools in Wakefield
Wakefield Public Schools runs the Doyle Early Childhood Center, an integrated preschool program located at Greenwood Elementary School. For children preparing to enter this setting, ABA therapy can help develop the classroom participation skills that matter most from day one — following group instructions, moving smoothly between activities, and engaging with other children in structured and unstructured situations.
Play-based ABA therapy builds these skills in ways that feel natural and engaging to young children. By embedding goal-directed learning into play — sharing materials, taking turns, expressing requests — children develop the social and communicative tools they will draw on when they start school.
First Steps Developmental Services offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program for families making this transition. If your Wakefield child is approaching school age and you would like to explore whether targeted ABA support would help, contact us to discuss the options.
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 Wakefield
First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From Greenwood School at 1030 Main Street in Wakefield, the drive is about 6.2 miles and about 13 minutes via North Avenue and I-95 South.
18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
≈ 13 min from Wakefield
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Wakefield families?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about 13 minutes from Wakefield — available in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist traveling to your Wakefield home. Families may also choose a hybrid model that combines both settings. The supervising BCBA will recommend the approach that best suits your child.
How far is the First Steps Developmental Services center from Wakefield?
From Greenwood School at 1030 Main Street in Wakefield, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 6.2 miles and about 13 minutes via North Avenue and I-95 South.
What ages does First Steps Developmental Services serve?
First Steps Developmental Services serves children under age six. The early years are when play-based, individualized ABA support can have the most significant and lasting effect on a child's development.
Which insurance plans does First Steps Developmental Services work with?
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 who have a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. If your child has not yet been diagnosed and you have concerns about their development, our Early Insights developmental assessment is available as a first step — contact us to talk through your situation.
What happens after an autism evaluation, and how do Wakefield families get started?
After an autism diagnosis is confirmed — whether through the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, another provider, or a pediatric evaluation — First Steps Developmental Services begins with a BCBA-led assessment. The BCBA evaluates your child's current abilities, communication, and developmental priorities, then creates an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. Families review the plan together with the BCBA before sessions begin. To start, call (781) 460-9756 or send a message through the contact form on this page.
Does First Steps Developmental Services provide ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services serves children with Down syndrome in addition to 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 arrange 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 any family wanting 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 book a time.
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