1:1 ABA Therapy Center in Woburn, MA

No! First Steps Developmental Services is currently accepting new patients with no waiting list. We understand that starting ABA therapy early is crucial for children with autism and Down syndrome, and delays can be frustrating for families. Our Woburn center opened in December 2025 with the capacity to serve families immediately, so you can start your child's ABA therapy journey without waiting weeks or months. Contact us today at (781) 460-9756 to schedule your initial consultation and assessment.

Your child will receive care from our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and highly trained, supervised support staff. Our BCBAs have completed rigorous graduate-level education, supervised fieldwork, and national certification exams to earn their credentials. Led by Founder and CEO Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, who brings over 20 years of experience in special education and behavior analysis, our team is committed to delivering the highest quality, evidence-based interventions tailored to your child's unique needs.

Yes! First Steps Developmental Services accepts most major insurance plans for ABA therapy services. We work with families to verify coverage and handle the insurance authorization process, making it easier for you to access the care your child needs. Additionally, as of January 1, 2026, Massachusetts insurance companies are required to cover ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome, expanding access to these vital services. Contact our office at info@firststepsds.com or call (781) 460-9756, and our team will help verify your specific insurance coverage and answer any billing questions.

First Steps Developmental Services specializes in ABA therapy for children under age six — a critical developmental window where structured, play-centered support has the most significant impact. "Evidence-based" means our therapy approaches are grounded in decades of scientific research and proven to be effective in improving communication, social skills, and early learning outcomes. Our individualized programs focus on building foundational skills that support long-term success in school, social settings, and daily life.

First Steps Developmental Services provides specialized ABA therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome. Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges and strengths of each diagnosis, with a focus on enhancing communication, social interaction, adaptive skills, and early learning. Whether your child has recently received a diagnosis or has been in services elsewhere, our team will conduct a comprehensive assessment and create a personalized treatment plan. We partner closely with families to ensure consistency and support both in our center and at home.

First Steps Developmental Services is located at 18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500, Woburn, MA 01801, just off the I-93 and I-95 (Route 128) interchange and minutes from the Anderson Regional Transportation Center.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. To ask about current availability, call (781) 460-9756 or email info@firststepsds.com.

The center is conveniently located for families driving from across the service area. Off-peak drive times to 18 Commerce Way are approximately: Stoneham about 7 minutes, Reading about 9 minutes, Wilmington about 12 minutes, Burlington about 13 minutes, Medford about 13 minutes, Wakefield about 13 minutes, Melrose about 14 minutes, Winchester about 17 minutes, Andover about 17 minutes, Lexington about 19 minutes, Arlington about 20 minutes. Actual travel time will vary depending on traffic and your starting point.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst conducts a comprehensive assessment of your child's current skills and developmental priorities. The BCBA uses that assessment to create a personalized treatment plan with specific goals for communication, social skills, adaptive behavior, and early learning.

First Steps Developmental Services offers two program formats: a half-day program of four hours and a full-day program of eight hours. The BCBA discusses session structure and the appropriate intensity level with families as part of treatment planning.

Both formats deliver structured 1:1 ABA therapy at the center, with goals set by a supervising BCBA. The half-day program runs four hours; the full-day program runs eight hours. The BCBA recommends the appropriate intensity based on your child's assessment results and clinical profile.

EIBI — Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention — is an evidence-based approach to ABA for children in the early developmental window, under age six. Yes, EIBI programming is offered at First Steps Developmental Services in both half-day and full-day formats at the Woburn center.

Family participation is a core part of how First Steps Developmental Services works. The clinical team partners closely with caregivers to ensure consistency between what happens in the center and what happens at home. Speak with the BCBA team about how observation and caregiver involvement work within your child's specific program.

First Steps Developmental Services currently serves children who have received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Down syndrome. If your child is in the evaluation process, contact the team to discuss your situation and current eligibility.

First Steps Developmental Services supports families with young children with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities who are seeking center-based ABA services. Call (781) 460-9756 to discuss whether the program is the right fit for your child.

Yes. First Steps Developmental Services offers home-based ABA therapy for children three and under, a hybrid model combining center and home delivery, and full center-based programming. The BCBA will recommend the delivery model that best matches your child's needs and your family's situation.

First Steps Developmental Services offers School and Daycare Consultation as a distinct service, allowing BCBAs to work with your child's educational team and support consistency across settings.

Yes. First Steps Developmental Services is a private ABA provider, separate from the state program that ends at age three. Families whose children have aged out of state services are welcome to contact the team at (781) 460-9756 to discuss next steps.

First Steps Developmental Services specializes in ABA therapy for children under age six. If you have questions about what is available as your child approaches school age, the clinical team can discuss the transition and help connect your family with appropriate next steps.