Early Intervention and Key Autism Services

“Early intervention” is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. These services may include physical therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other services depending on the child’s needs. Early intervention is available in all fifty states for eligible children and their families. In Massachusetts, if a child has Early Intervention services as well as a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, the child is also eligible to receive Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) services (ABA services) for an early intervention aged child (under the age of 3 years old). Key Autism Services is a proud Early Intervention ABA provider in the state of Massachusetts as contracted through the Department of Public Health (DPH).

How Early Intervention Works

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) is a well-researched, evidence-based practice of providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children in the early years of their lives. EIBI has been researched as an integral aspect of early programming for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research has indicated that EIBI treatment may contribute to gains in development including social skills, behavior, and communication. It is supported by research that intensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) services lead to the best outcomes for children who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Key Autism Services’ EI ABA Program strives to meet the clinically recommended hours for direct ABA services. Most of our clients receive 20-25 hours per week of ABA in their home, daycare, or both. Weekly parent education/training is another component of the EI ABA treatment package at Key Autism Services.

Collaboration in Early Intervention

Collaboration and care coordination are important parts of children’s treatment on the Autism Spectrum. At Key Autism Services, we believe in the collaborative process of working with other specialists the child may have involved in their treatment, including but not limited to Developmental Specialists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and other providers. Key Autism Services can provide 1:1 ABA services to a child who currently attends a daycare, private preschool, or recreational activities during the day if appropriate.

Key Autism Services

Throughout Massachusetts, Key Autism Services currently serves over sixty-five children within our Early Intervention Program. If you are looking for an Early Intervention ABA provider for your child, please click here for more information.

Author: Kara Guy, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA
Director of Early Intervention Services