Social Skills — Woburn, MA

Social Skills Development

Supporting connection, interaction, and confidence through play.

Social skills are best developed through meaningful, shared experiences. Through play-based and child-led activities, children are supported in building social interaction skills in ways that feel natural, engaging, and achievable.

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

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

Children building social skills during a play-based ABA therapy group at First Steps Developmental Services

Play-Based ABA Therapy: Child-Led Growth, Independence & Confidence

At First Steps Developmental Services, social skills support is embedded within play-based, child-led ABA therapy. Each child's program is individualized to build on their strengths, helping them connect, communicate, and grow in confidence in ways that feel natural and achievable.

Learn more about our ABA therapy services

Supporting Social Growth Through Play and Family Partnership

Helping children build confidence while empowering families every step of the way

Empowering Caregivers to Reinforce Social Learning

Families are at the heart of everything we do. We provide ongoing guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to help caregivers reinforce social learning outside of sessions. Our team walks alongside families — answering questions, offering support, and promoting confidence beyond the therapy setting.

Caregiver and parent coaching

Supporting Social Growth Through Play

Children are supported in practicing social skills through guided play and small group activities that encourage participation, communication, and engagement. Support is individualized and paced to help each child feel comfortable and confident when interacting with others.

Play-based ABA therapy approach

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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Questions About Social Skills Development

These are the most common questions families ask about social skills support through ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services in Woburn, MA.

What is social skills development in ABA therapy?

Social skills development in ABA therapy focuses on helping children build the skills they need for meaningful connection with others. At First Steps Developmental Services, this includes practicing communication, turn-taking, sharing, and participating in group activities through play-based, individualized support.

What social skills does ABA therapy address?

ABA therapy at First Steps Developmental Services addresses a range of social skills including greetings, turn-taking, sharing, initiating and responding in conversation, participating in group activities, and reading social cues. Skills are chosen based on each child's individual goals.

How does play-based therapy support social skills?

Play-based therapy creates natural opportunities for social interaction. Children practice social skills in engaging, low-pressure settings using activities they enjoy, which helps skills generalize more easily to real-life situations at home and in learning environments.

Can children with autism develop social skills through ABA therapy?

Yes. ABA therapy is well-supported by research for helping children with autism develop social skills. At First Steps Developmental Services, programs are individualized and evidence-based, focusing on each child's specific strengths and goals.

How are parents involved in social skills support?

Parents play an important role. Our team provides caregivers with ongoing guidance and practical strategies to reinforce social learning outside of sessions — at home, during play, and in community settings.

How do I know if my child needs social skills support?

If your child has difficulty with sharing, turn-taking, making eye contact, initiating play with peers, or responding to others, social skills support may help. Contact our team at (781) 460-9756 to discuss your child's needs.

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