ABA Therapy at Home for Children 3 and Under
Early support, right where your child feels most comfortable: home.
First Steps Developmental Services now brings compassionate, individualized ABA therapy directly to your family — meeting your child in the familiar spaces where they play, learn, and grow every day. Home-based sessions are designed for children ages three and under, within about 10 miles of our ABA therapy center in Woburn, MA.
In-home ABA therapy for families within 10 miles of our Woburn center
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The earliest years hold the greatest opportunity for growthFirst Steps Developmental Services · Woburn, MA
Why Home-Based Support Matters
Care That Comes to Your Child
We know the earliest years hold the greatest opportunity for growth. That is why we are bringing our compassionate, individualized care directly to your family. Our home-based program is designed for children ages three and under, meeting them in the familiar spaces where they play, learn, and thrive every day.
For children in their first three years, familiarity can make the very beginning of services feel less daunting — for the child and for the family. Starting at home is one entry point into care at First Steps Developmental Services, and weekly play groups at our Woburn center are built in from the start, so children begin building comfort with peers and a new setting early. As your child grows, that often opens the door to our center-based ABA therapy in Woburn or Hybrid Home ABA, where structured routines and peer learning take on a larger role.
Families Often Reach Out When
Home-based ABA may be a good fit if you recognize any of these:
- Your child is under three
- Transitions and new environments are difficult for your child
- The hardest moments happen at home — mealtimes, sleep, routines
- You want to learn strategies you can use the same day
- Communication, play, or social skills are slower to emerge
- Your child's pediatrician has recommended developmental therapy or support services
- Travel to a center each day is difficult for your family's schedule
- You would like your child to have peer time as well — through weekly play groups
What Families Can Expect
Inside the Home-Based ABA Program
Every home-based program at First Steps Developmental Services is built around one child and one family. These are the elements every family can expect from in-home ABA therapy for children ages three and under.
Why Families Choose First Steps Developmental Services
What Sets Our Home-Based Program Apart
Caregivers are part of every home session — not waiting outside itFirst Steps Developmental Services · 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA · (781) 460-9756
Built for the Youngest Learners
This program is designed specifically for children ages three and under. Sessions follow the pace, attention span, and energy of a very young child, using play-based and child-led methods rather than adapting an older child's program downward.
Covered by Insurance
Home-based ABA services are insurance funded. Massachusetts law requires insurers to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, and our intake team verifies your benefits before services begin so there are no surprises.
Caregivers Are Partners, Not Observers
Caregiver collaboration is built into every session. Families learn strategies in the moment, in their own home, with their own routines and materials — which is what makes new skills carry over between visits.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts on Staff
Programs are designed and overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) with experience in early childhood development. First Steps Developmental Services is a member of the Council of Autism Service Providers and an approved provider of BACB continuing education units.
English, Spanish & Portuguese
Our team supports families in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so caregivers can ask questions and receive coaching in the language they are most comfortable using at home.
Connected to a Full Continuum of Care
As your child grows, home-based support can transition toward center-based ABA therapy in Woburn, Hybrid Home ABA, or After School ABA — without changing providers or starting over with a new team.
Weekly Play Groups Included
Weekly play groups are included with the home-based program and are held at our Woburn center. Peer interaction is one of the hardest skill areas to practice at home alone, and play groups give children a gentle, supported first experience of learning alongside others.
Getting Started
How Home-Based ABA Services Work
Starting home-based ABA therapy with First Steps Developmental Services is straightforward. Here is what families can expect from first call to first session.
Free Parent Support Call
Reach out by phone or through the contact form. A team member will listen to your concerns, explain how the home-based program works, and help you decide whether it is the right starting point for your child.
Intake & Benefits Verification
Our intake team gathers your child's information and verifies insurance benefits so families understand coverage and next steps before services begin.
Assessment & Treatment Planning
A BCBA completes an assessment and builds an individualized treatment plan around your child's strengths, needs, and your family's priorities.
Home Sessions Begin
Sessions start in your home, in the rooms and routines your child already knows. Morning sessions help many young children engage while they are most alert and regulated.
Weekly Play Groups
Alongside home sessions, your child joins weekly play groups at our Woburn center — a supported setting to practice new social, play, and communication skills with peers. Your team confirms scheduling with you as your program begins.
Ongoing Coaching & Progress Review
Progress is tracked with data and reviewed with your family, and the plan is adjusted as your child grows. Caregiver and parent coaching continues throughout the program.
Who We Support
Families of Children Ages 3 and Under
First Steps Developmental Services supports young children with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities, along with the families who care for them.
Children We Work With
- Children ages three and under
- Children with autism spectrum disorder
- Children with Down syndrome
- Children with other intellectual disabilities
- Children working on communication, play, and social skills
- Children building self-help and daily living routines
Not Sure Whether Your Child Needs ABA Yet?
If you have questions about milestones but no diagnosis or evaluation yet, our Early Insights developmental assessment program offers private-pay screenings and parent guidance for children ages two months to five years — no referral required. It is a good first step when you are still gathering information.
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Service Area
Home-Based ABA Within 10 Miles of Woburn
Clinicians travel to families within roughly 10 miles of the First Steps Developmental Services center at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, in Woburn, Massachusetts — covering communities across Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. If your town is not listed, contact us and we will let you know whether we can reach you.
Towns We Serve
- Woburn
- Winchester
- Stoneham
- Burlington
- Wilmington
- Reading
- North Reading
- Lexington
- Medford
- Melrose
- Wakefield
- Arlington
- Bedford
- Belmont
- Billerica
- Tewksbury
- Malden
- Everett
- Somerville
- Waltham
- Saugus
- Lynnfield
- Lynn
- Revere
- Andover
Weekly play groups are held at the First Steps Developmental Services center in Woburn, minutes from I-93 and I-95 (Route 128).
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
What is home-based ABA therapy?
Home-based ABA therapy delivers applied behavior analysis services in a child's own home rather than at a therapy center. A clinician works one-to-one with the child during everyday routines and play, and coaches caregivers on strategies they can continue between sessions. At First Steps Developmental Services, home-based services are offered for children ages three and under.
What ages does the home-based program serve?
The home-based program is designed for children ages three and under. Older children are supported through center-based ABA therapy, After School ABA, or Hybrid Home ABA at the First Steps Developmental Services ABA therapy center in Woburn.
What does a home session look like?
Sessions follow your child's lead through play and familiar routines. Skill-building is woven naturally into daily activities across social, communication, play, and self-help areas. Caregivers are welcome to take part, and clinicians share strategies in the moment so families can use them the same day.
When do home-based sessions take place?
The home-based program starts the day off right with morning sessions. Scheduling is arranged individually with each family during intake, within center hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Are weekly play groups included?
Yes. Weekly play groups are included with the home-based program and take place at the First Steps Developmental Services center at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, in Woburn. They give very young children an early, supported opportunity to practice social, play, and communication skills alongside peers, complementing the one-to-one work happening at home. Your team confirms group scheduling with your family as your program begins.
How is this different from Hybrid Home ABA?
Hybrid Home ABA combines center-based sessions with home-based support for children enrolled at the ABA therapy center in Woburn. The home-based program described on this page is delivered entirely in the family's home for children ages three and under, with weekly play groups at the center. Our team can help you decide which option fits your child.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to start?
Insurance coverage for ABA therapy in Massachusetts generally requires a diagnosis, and requirements vary by plan. If your child does not have a diagnosis yet, our Early Insights program offers private-pay developmental assessments and parent guidance with no referral required. Contact us and our team will walk you through your options.
Is home-based ABA covered by insurance?
Yes. Home-based ABA services at First Steps Developmental Services are insurance funded. In Massachusetts, insurers are required to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis or a Down syndrome diagnosis. Coverage details vary by plan, so verification is essential, and benefits verification is part of the intake process. The practice is currently in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim, Carelon, Aetna, MBHP, Fallon Health, and Health New England.
How are caregivers involved?
Caregiver participation is central to the program. Clinicians partner with families every step of the way, modeling strategies during real routines and reviewing progress together. Families can also access ongoing caregiver and parent coaching.
Which towns are served for home-based sessions?
Clinicians travel to families within roughly 10 miles of our center at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801. That covers Woburn, Winchester, Stoneham, Burlington, Wilmington, Reading, North Reading, Lexington, Medford, Melrose, Wakefield, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Tewksbury, Malden, Everett, Somerville, Waltham, Saugus, Lynnfield, Lynn, Revere, and Andover. If your town is not listed, contact us and we will let you know whether we can reach you.
Early Support, Right Where Your Child Feels Most Comfortable
If your child is three or under and you are wondering what support could look like at home, we would like to hear from you. A free parent support call is a low-pressure place to start.
Home-based sessions · Weekly play groups included · Ages 3 and under
Woburn, MA 01801
8:30 AM–6:00 PM
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
