Emotional Regulation — Woburn, MA

Emotional Regulation & Behavior Support

Helping children understand, express, and manage their emotions in supportive ways.

Emotional regulation and behavior support helps children learn how to recognize emotions, cope with challenges, and respond to everyday situations in more manageable ways. When children feel supported in understanding their emotions, they can build confidence, flexibility, and stronger connections with the people around them.

WORKING HOURS Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Children to age 6 · Woburn, MA · ABA Therapy Programs

Child working with a therapist on emotional regulation skills at First Steps Developmental Services in Woburn

Supporting Emotional Growth and Regulation

Emotional regulation and behavior support focuses on helping children develop skills to manage emotions such as frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm. Using play-based, child-led ABA strategies, we support children in learning calming techniques, flexible responses, and appropriate ways to express emotions. Skills are introduced gradually and tailored to each child's developmental level, helping them feel safe, understood, and supported as they learn.

Learn more about our ABA therapy services

Supporting the Child and the Family Together

Helping Children Navigate Big Feelings

Emotional regulation and behavior support focuses on helping children develop skills to manage emotions such as frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm. Using play-based, child-led ABA strategies, we support children in learning calming techniques, flexible responses, and appropriate ways to express emotions.

Learn about our assessment and treatment planning

Supporting Families with Compassion and Guidance

Families are supported with clear, practical guidance to better understand their child's emotional development and responses. We collaborate closely with caregivers to share strategies that promote consistency, reassurance, and emotional support during daily routines.

Caregiver and parent coaching

You don't have to figure this out alone

Guiding your First Steps to lifelong success.

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

Just got a diagnosis?

Feeling overwhelmed?

We offer a free 30-minute parent support call to help you understand your child, talk through challenges, and figure out next steps — no pressure to start services.

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  • Clarity
  • Support
  • Next steps
  • No waitlist

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Questions About Emotional Regulation & Behavior Support

These are the most common questions families ask about emotional regulation and behavior support at First Steps Developmental Services in Woburn, MA.

What is emotional regulation support in ABA therapy?

Emotional regulation support in ABA therapy helps children learn to recognize and manage their emotions more effectively. This includes developing calming strategies, identifying feelings, and learning more appropriate ways to express and respond to emotions in everyday situations.

What kinds of behaviors does behavior support address?

Behavior support at First Steps Developmental Services focuses on understanding the function of challenging behaviors — such as tantrums, aggression, or self-injury — and teaching children alternative skills. The goal is to help children communicate and respond to their needs in more effective ways.

How does play-based ABA therapy support emotional regulation?

Play-based ABA therapy creates a safe, engaging environment where children can explore and practice managing emotions. Through guided activities, therapists help children identify feelings, practice calming strategies, and build flexibility and resilience.

Can ABA therapy help reduce challenging behaviors?

Yes. ABA therapy is evidence-based and effective for reducing challenging behaviors by identifying why behaviors occur and teaching children alternative skills. Programs are individualized and based on comprehensive assessments.

How are families supported in behavior and emotional regulation work?

Families receive clear, practical guidance to help them understand their child's emotional responses and reinforce strategies at home. Our team collaborates closely with caregivers to share consistent approaches that promote emotional well-being across settings.

How do I get started with emotional regulation support at First Steps Developmental Services?

Contact our team at (781) 460-9756 or through our online form. We will discuss your child's needs and guide you through the assessment and intake process to determine the most appropriate level of support.

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.

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

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