First Steps Developmental Services Offers No-Wait ABA Therapy

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Woburn Families Can Access Immediate ABA Therapy for Young Children

Woburn, United States – March 11, 2026 / First Steps Developmental Services /

First Steps Developmental Services Announces Immediate Enrollment for Children Ages Birth Through 6

WOBURN, MA – March 2026 – For families in the greater Boston region facing a new autism diagnosis, one of the most challenging aspects is the waiting period. The waitlists for quality ABA therapy can extend for months – sometimes even longer – while the developmental window that researchers identify as most crucial continues to close.

First Steps Developmental Services, a center-based ABA therapy center located at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn, is pleased to announce that enrollment is now open, with no waitlist. Families with children from birth to 6 years old can initiate the intake process immediately.

“Every week a child spends on a waiting list is a week of potential growth that is lost,” stated Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Founder and CEO of First Steps Developmental Services. “We established this center to eliminate that obstacle. Families who reach out today can start the process this week.”

A Center Designed by a Caregiver, for Caregivers

Scalzo brings over 20 years of expertise in autism education to First Steps Developmental Services, which he founded with a mission deeply rooted in both personal belief and professional knowledge. As a parent himself, Scalzo earned his Master’s degree in Severe Needs Special Education from Simmons University and has dedicated his career to working in various clinical and educational environments, mentoring professionals and creating evidence-based programs for young children with autism and developmental delays.

“I understand what it means to be a parent trying to determine the best next step,” Scalzo remarked. “First Steps was established by caregivers, for caregivers. Our mission is to provide families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to progress confidently – starting from day one.”

What Families Can Anticipate

First Steps Developmental Services provides both full-day and half-day programs, each centered around a dedicated 1:1 therapist for every child. The programming is tailored and play-based, incorporating three core daily experiences: circle time focused on calendar, weather, and peer social interaction; individualized therapy sessions aimed at each child’s specific goals; and engaging group activities that enhance communication, peer interaction, and a variety of educational and developmental skills.

The center’s two clinical therapy spaces – the Discovery Room and the Explorers Room – are designed to create a welcoming, child-led atmosphere rather than a clinical one, featuring vibrant, engaging environments specifically crafted for early learning.

Family involvement is integral to the program. Parent and caregiver coaching is embedded within the model, ensuring that the skills children develop at the center are reinforced and expanded upon at home.

Insurance and Accessibility

First Steps Developmental Services is currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and Carelon, with United Healthcare in the process of being added. Massachusetts law mandates insurance coverage for ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism. The First Steps team collaborates directly with families to verify benefits and guide them through the enrollment process before any decisions need to be made.

A complimentary 30-minute parent support call is offered for families who are uncertain about where to start – no commitment to services is necessary.

About First Steps Developmental Services

First Steps Developmental Services is a center-based ABA therapy program located in Woburn, Massachusetts, dedicated to serving children from birth to age 6 with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and related needs. Founded by Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, the center offers individualized, play-based therapy through a 1:1 model with a clinical team that includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts and early childhood specialists. First Steps proudly supports families from Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Wilmington, Lexington, Arlington, and Andover, in addition to other communities in Middlesex and Essex Counties.

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