First Steps Developmental Services Opens Infant Assessment in Woburn

WOBURN, Mass., Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Steps Developmental Services has launched the Every Milestone Project, a private infant developmental assessment and pre-diagnosis support program in Woburn, MA, for babies 2 to 12 months old. Families can book directly, with no physician referral and no insurance authorization.

Parents often notice small signs early: a missed word, little eye contact, trouble with feeding or sleep. Getting a clear answer can take months. The Every Milestone Project, also called Early Insights, gives families a professional picture of where their child is developmentally and what to do next, often before any diagnosis.

Key Facts

Why Early Answers Matter

The first years of life are the most important window for development. When parents have questions about speech, social connection, movement, feeding, or behavior, waiting can mean missing the time when support helps most. Research shows that the earlier a child receives services, the better the indicator of long-term success in skill acquisition.

“Parents usually know first when something feels different,” said Jarrod Scalzo, MSEd, BCBA, LABA, Founder and CEO of First Steps Developmental Services. “Too often, they are told to wait and see. The Every Milestone Project lets a family get a clear answer early, without a referral or months on a waitlist.”

Families often reach out when they notice delayed speech, limited eye contact, motor or sensory differences, feeding problems, or sleep disruptions. Others call because of a high-risk birth history, such as NICU care, premature birth, or a genetic condition.

What the Program Includes

The Every Milestone Project covers four areas:

• Developmental screenings: milestone monitoring, observation, and a structured parent interview, followed by a written summary and recommendations.
• Comprehensive assessments: an in-depth evaluation of communication, social, sensory, behavior, and play skills, with a personalized action plan that can inform a child’s diagnostic team later.
• Parent coaching and support: monthly check-ins, milestone tracking, and practical help with sleep, feeding, and daily routines.
• High-risk infant follow-up: ongoing developmental monitoring for NICU graduates, premature infants, and infants with genetic conditions.

Parent coaching is built into every program, not sold as an add-on.

How the Process Works

Families start with a consultation call. A team member discusses the child’s needs and whether the program is a good fit. The assessment then takes place at the Woburn center. It may include structured observation, standardized developmental tools, and a parent interview.

After the visit, each family receives a written summary of findings and individual recommendations. These may include strategies for home, referrals to other services, or a plan for follow-up monitoring.

“Most children are diagnosed by age five. We want to meet families much earlier, in the first year,” said Scalzo. “A written plan gives parents something concrete to use at home and to share with their child’s doctor. For a child with autism or Down syndrome, that early plan can shape the years ahead.”

Connection to ABA Therapy

If a child may benefit from applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, families can explore options at First Steps Developmental Services:

• Center-based ABA therapy in Woburn, in half-day and full-day formats
• Home-based ABA services for children 3 and under
• After-school ABA

ABA therapy is separate from the private-pay assessment and is covered by most major insurance plans the practice accepts. As of January 1, 2026, Massachusetts requires insurers to cover ABA therapy for children with Down syndrome.

First Steps Developmental Services currently has no waitlist for ABA therapy. Families can also book a free 30-minute parent support call.

Who Is Eligible

The program serves families from Woburn, Burlington, Winchester, Lexington, Wilmington, Arlington, Andover, and communities across Middlesex and Essex counties.

About First Steps Developmental Services

First Steps Developmental Services is a BCBA-owned ABA therapy practice in Woburn, Massachusetts. It provides play-based 1:1 ABA therapy for children under age 6 with autism and Down syndrome through center-based, home-based, hybrid, and after-school programs. The practice is a member of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) and a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Approved Continuing Education Provider. It serves families across Greater Boston and accepts most major insurance plans. Learn more at firststepsds.com.

Media Contact

First Steps Developmental Services

Phone: (781) 460-9756

Email: info@firststepsds.com

Read what families say about us on Google: First Steps Developmental Services Reviews

Information accurate as of October 2026.

Links

• First Steps Developmental Services – https://firststepsds.com/
• Infant developmental assessment – https://firststepsds.com/early-insights-for-infants-and-toddlers/
• Parent coaching – https://firststepsds.com/caregiver-parent-coaching/
• Center-based ABA therapy in Woburn – https://firststepsds.com/aba-therapy-center-in-woburn-ma/
• Home-based ABA services – https://firststepsds.com/home-based-aba-services/
• After-school ABA – https://firststepsds.com/after-school-aba/
• Free 30-minute parent support call – https://firststepsds.com/contact/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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A video accompanying this announcement is available at:
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