Less intensive therapy needed later
A child who gets strong early intervention often needs fewer hours of therapy later. You're investing now to reduce needs later.
Who early intervention helps
Early intervention ABA supports young autistic children and their families at the point where small changes have the most room to build. If your child is in any of these situations, it is worth a conversation.
Infants and toddlers under 3 who have been recently diagnosed or flagged at a developmental screening, and who need support building early communication, play, and daily living skills.
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 who are working on communication, social interaction, or behavior in the years before school begins.
Children already receiving state early intervention services through their state's Part C program, whose families want ABA alongside what they are already getting rather than instead of it.
Children in the middle of the evaluation process whose parents do not want to sit idle while they wait. We can talk you through what evaluation involves, what happens next, and how services begin once a diagnosis is in place.
Autistic children who also work with a speech-language pathologist, where ABA supports communication goals as part of a coordinated team rather than a replacement for speech therapy.
Families who have been told to wait and see. If something feels off and you have been asked to give it more time, we can help you understand your options and connect you with evaluation resources.
Early intervention isn't just therapy for young kids
Different developmental stage, different approach
Early intervention focuses on building foundational skills during critical developmental windows. Therapy for older children focuses on catching up and managing school and social demands.
Play-based vs skills-based
Early intervention uses play and natural routines. Therapy for older kids often requires more structured, direct instruction.
Family involvement looks different
Early intervention assumes parents are the primary teachers. With older children, school and therapy settings become more central.
Prevention vs remediation
Early intervention prevents problems from developing. Older child therapy often works on reducing behaviors that are already established.
Step 1: Early identification
Your child shows early signs of autism or developmental delay. Early evaluation and diagnosis lead to early intervention.
Step 2: Initial assessment
A BCBA assesses your child's current skills, communication abilities, social interaction, and play. We identify strengths and areas for growth.
Step 3: Family-centered plan
Your BCBA designs a plan around your family's goals and routines. What skills matter most to your family? What do you want your child to be able to do?
Step 4: Therapy begins
Sessions happen in your home, during natural routines. Your child learns through play and natural moments while you learn alongside us.
Step 5: Progress and transition
As your child develops skills and approaches school age, we adjust therapy, prepare for school transition, and ensure continuity of support.
Early Development and Support Resources
Getting support early gives your child more time to build skills during the years when learning happens fastest. Below are state and national organizations that help families of young children with autism across Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
State early intervention programs
Every state runs a free program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for children from birth to age three. You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor's referral to contact them, and anyone who knows your child can make a referral.
A voluntary program offering therapy and support services at no cost to families. Tennessee also offers an extended option that can continue services past a child's third birthday for children eligible under Part B.
Developmental supports and services for children from birth up to their third birthday, provided at no cost regardless of income or insurance. Families referred to the program are assigned a service coordinator within three business days. You can also reach the program at 1-888-777-4041.
Administered through 18 district offices statewide. Evaluation and service coordination are provided at no cost, and eligibility is not based on income.
Developmental services for infants and toddlers, delivered through local Children's Developmental Services Agencies across the state.
Virginia's early intervention system, operating through 40 local programs. Supports and services are available to all eligible children and their families regardless of ability to pay.
Developmental supports and services for children from birth up to their third birthday, provided at no cost regardless of income or insurance. Families referred to the program are assigned a service coordinator within three business days. You can also reach the program at 1-888-777-4041.
Autism organizations in your state
These groups offer parent support groups, referral help, and connections to other families who have been through the same process.
Statewide information and referral, support groups, and community programs. Their resources page also covers Colorado's Home and Community Based Services waivers through Health First Colorado.
Statewide advocacy, training, and direct support, including an information and referral service that helps families find local programs.
Information on diagnosis, local support, and connections to Maryland-specific services.
Contact details for local affiliates, including chapters serving East Tennessee, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater Virginia, Georgia, and Boulder County.
Manages Georgia's statewide directory of Babies Can't Wait information and can tell you which district office serves your area.
Understanding development and screening
Free milestone checklists and a Milestone Tracker app covering development from two months through five years, available in English and Spanish.
Age-by-age checklists you can bring to a well-child visit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends general developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months.
Plain-language information on screening tools, the diagnostic process, and what to expect at each step.
Navigating services and your rights
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center offering free help to families of children with disabilities from birth through age 26. Use the map to find yours.
For a full breakdown of Medicaid coverage, waivers, and school programs in each of these states, see our guide to autism benefits by state.
How young is too young to start ABA therapy?
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How is early intervention different from regular ABA therapy?
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How much progress can I expect in early intervention?
Will my child outgrow the autism diagnosis?
Start early intervention ABA therapy
Give your child the early start they deserve
Early intervention ABA therapy builds the communication, social, and learning skills your child needs to thrive. The earlier you start, the stronger the foundation.
Daycare ABA therapy brings support directly into your child's early learning center. Skills are taught during their everyday daycare moments, in their familiar setting - advancing them so much further.