Serving Wilmington, MA
ABA Therapy for Wilmington, MA Families
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for young children in Wilmington, Massachusetts and surrounding communities. Our Woburn center is about 12 minutes from Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, MA Families
Families in Wilmington seeking ABA therapy for a child with autism or Down syndrome can reach our Woburn ABA center in about 12 minutes. First Steps Developmental Services provides individualized 1:1 EIBI programs for children under age six, designed and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
We work closely with Wilmington families to build the communication, social interaction, and adaptive living skills their children need to thrive — both at home and in the community. There is no waitlist for new patients.
For children three and under, home-based ABA brings a therapist directly to your Wilmington home so therapy fits naturally into your family's environment. Caregiver and parent coaching is part of our approach, helping families reinforce progress between sessions.
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After an Evaluation: Next Steps for Wilmington Families
If your child was evaluated at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA — or by another provider — and an autism diagnosis was confirmed, or if your child has Down syndrome, the typical next step is an ABA assessment at First Steps Developmental Services. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst conducts a thorough review of your child's current abilities, communication, and developmental priorities, then develops a treatment plan with individualized, measurable goals.
Some Wilmington families also continue with physical, occupational, or speech therapy while beginning ABA. These services focus on different developmental needs and work well alongside a behavioral program. First Steps Developmental Services BCBAs coordinate with other providers where possible, so each program supports the others.
The BCBA walks families through every aspect of the treatment plan before sessions begin — what each goal means, how it will be measured, and what progress looks like. The plan is revisited regularly and updated as your child develops. Learn more about our assessment and treatment planning process.
Schools in Wilmington
Wilmington has two early childhood programs for its youngest learners. The Boutwell Early Childhood Center at 17 Boutwell Street is home to six kindergarten classrooms and three integrated preschool classrooms. Wilmington also has the Wildwood Early Childhood Center, which serves pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. For children who will transition into either setting, ABA therapy can build the foundational skills that make that first day — and every day after — more successful.
Play-based ABA therapy develops the skills children draw on most in an early childhood classroom: communicating with peers, managing transitions, participating in group activities, and following routines. These skills are practiced in natural, low-pressure contexts that closely mirror what a child will encounter in school.
First Steps Developmental Services also offers a dedicated Preschool and Daycare Readiness program designed for children approaching this transition. If your Wilmington child has an evaluation on file and you are wondering whether focused ABA support would help, contact us 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 Wilmington
First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. From the Boutwell Early Childhood Center at 17 Boutwell Street in Wilmington, the drive is about 5.7 miles and about 12 minutes via Lowell Street.
18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
≈ 12 min from Wilmington
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are center-based and home-based ABA therapy available to Wilmington families?
Yes. First Steps Developmental Services provides center-based ABA at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn — about 12 minutes from Wilmington — offered in half-day and full-day formats. Home-based ABA is available for children three and under, with a therapist visiting your Wilmington home. A hybrid model combining center and home delivery is also an option. The supervising BCBA will recommend the arrangement that fits your child best.
How far is the First Steps Developmental Services center from Wilmington?
From the Boutwell Early Childhood Center at 17 Boutwell Street in Wilmington, the drive to 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500 in Woburn is about 5.7 miles and about 12 minutes via Lowell Street.
What ages does First Steps Developmental Services serve?
First Steps Developmental Services provides ABA therapy for children under age six. This early developmental period is when play-based, structured support tends to have the greatest long-term impact.
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 formal diagnosis before starting ABA therapy?
ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services is open to children who have a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. If you are still waiting for evaluation results, our Early Insights developmental assessment can be a useful first step while you navigate the process — contact the team to talk through where your family is right now.
What happens after an autism evaluation, and how do Wilmington families begin with First Steps Developmental Services?
After an autism diagnosis is confirmed — whether at the Mass General Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, another provider, or through a pediatric evaluation — First Steps Developmental Services begins with a BCBA-led assessment of your child's current skills and developmental priorities. From there, an individualized treatment plan is built with specific, measurable goals. The family reviews the plan in full before sessions start. To begin, call (781) 460-9756 or use the contact form on this page.
Can a child with Down syndrome receive ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services?
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 a free support call?
First Steps Developmental Services is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The team offers a free 30-minute parent support call where you can talk through your child's situation and explore next steps with no obligation to begin services. Call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com to arrange a time that works for you.
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