Young children

Early intervention

Play-based ABA for toddlers and preschoolers, focused on the building blocks of learning and connection.

What early intervention looks like with us.

Early intervention is ABA for young children, usually toddlers and preschoolers.

Sessions are built around play, so learning feels like something your child wants to do. We focus on the skills that open doors to everything else.

The skills that open doors

  • Letting you know what they want and need
  • Imitating
  • Taking turns
  • Sharing attention with another person
  • Following simple routines

Who it's for.

Often a good fit for young children and the families around them, including families still in the middle of an evaluation.

  • Young children with an autism diagnosis or a related developmental need
  • Families who have noticed differences in talking, play or social connection and want to get started
  • Children getting ready for preschool, pre-K or kindergarten
  • Families going through the evaluation process who want to understand next steps

What a session looks like.

Every child's plan is different, so sessions vary. Here's a general picture.

  1. Warm-up and connection

    Your child's therapist starts with play your child enjoys. A good relationship comes first.

  2. Learning through play

    New skills are built into games and toys, broken into small steps, with lots of positive reinforcement.

  3. Practice in everyday routines

    Snack time, cleanup and moving between activities become chances to practice.

  4. Wrap-up

    The therapist shares what went well and what to try during the week.

How families take part.

The number of hours is recommended by your BCBA after the assessment. It depends on your child's needs, your goals and your insurance.

  • Join parts of sessions and see the strategies in action
  • Meet regularly with your BCBA for parent training
  • Practice small skills in everyday moments between sessions
  • Help update goals as your child grows

Is early intervention right for your child?

Reach out and tell us about your child. We'll get back to you within one business day to talk it through.