Immediate Enrollment for Young Children with Autism in Woburn

First Steps Developmental Services Announces Immediate Enrollment for Children Aged Birth to 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 wait for services. Waitlists for quality ABA therapy can extend for months, sometimes even longer, while the critical developmental window identified by researchers continues to narrow.

First Steps Developmental Services, a center-based ABA therapy center situated at 18 Commerce Way in Woburn, is excited to announce that enrollment is now open, with no waiting list. Families with children from birth to age 6 can initiate the intake process right away.

“Every week a child remains on a waitlist is a week of potential development 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 two decades of experience in autism education to First Steps Developmental Services, which he established with a mission deeply rooted in both personal commitment and professional knowledge. As a parent himself, Scalzo obtained his Master’s degree in Severe Needs Special Education from Simmons University and has dedicated his career to working in clinical and educational environments, mentoring professionals and creating evidence-based programs for young children with autism and developmental delays.

“I understand the challenges of being a parent trying to determine the best next steps,” Scalzo remarked. “First Steps was developed by caregivers, for caregivers. Our mission is to equip families with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to progress with confidence 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, integrating three essential daily experiences: circle time focused on the calendar, weather, and peer social interaction; individualized therapy sessions aimed at each child’s unique goals; and hands-on, kinesthetic group activities that promote communication, peer interaction, and a variety of educational and developmental skills.

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

Family engagement is a key component of the program. Parent and caregiver coaching is integral to 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 joining. 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 assist in the enrollment process before any commitments are required.

A complimentary 30-minute parent support call is available 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, catering to 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 personalized, play-based therapy through a 1:1 model, supported by a clinical team that includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts and early childhood specialists. First Steps proudly serves families from Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Wilmington, Lexington, Arlington, and Andover, along with other communities in Middlesex and Essex Counties.

Learn more

Contact Information:

First Steps Developmental Services

18 Commerce Way, Suite 1500
Woburn, MA 01801
United States

Jarrod Scalzo
+1 (781) 460-9756
https://firststepsds.com