Autism Support Close to Home Throughout Maryland

We specialize in children ages 2–12, though some services may extend to younger or older clients depending on state guidelines and clinical need.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a research-backed therapy that helps build skills in communication, social interaction, daily living, emotional regulation, and independence. Sessions are play-based, positive, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths and goals.

Golden Steps provides therapy in:
-Your home
-Our clinics
-Schools, depending on district approval

Your care team will help identify the best fit setting for your child.

Our clinics are designed to feel warm, kid-friendly, and welcoming.

You’ll find:
-Individual therapy rooms
-Play areas and social spaces
-Sensory-friendly materials
-Clean, safe, thoughtfully designed environments

Each clinic reflects our mission: a place where children feel comfortable exploring, learning, and gaining confidence.

Therapy hours vary based on your child’s individual needs. After your assessment, your BCBA will create a personalized care plan that may include anywhere from 10–40+ hours per week.

Every child is different—some benefit from just a few hours each week, while others need more intensive support. After an assessment, we’ll discuss recommendations and create a plan together with your child in mind.

Golden Steps accepts most major commercial insurance plans and Medicaid in many states. Coverage varies by location—our intake team can confirm benefits and eligibility.

A diagnostic evaluation (often using ADOS-2) determines whether a child meets criteria for autism. Golden Steps provides diagnostic services in select states and can help connect you with trusted providers when needed.

We track data daily, monitor goals weekly, and review progress monthly with your family. Your BCBA will adjust strategies as your child grows.

-Warm, family-centered care
-Highly trained, mission-driven clinicians
-Individualized, meaningful treatment goals
-Emphasis on communication, independence, and confidence-building
-A culture of compassion, professionalism, and hope

Getting started with Golden Steps is simple—we guide you through every step.

1. Reach Out: Submit an online inquiry or call our intake team. We’ll gather basic information about your child and your goals. If a diagnosis is needed, we can help with that too!

2. Insurance Verification: We handle all insurance checks for you. Our team reviews your benefits and confirms eligibility for ABA therapy.

3. Assessment With a BCBA: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will meet with your child to complete a clinical assessment and learn about their strengths, needs, and routines.

4. Personalized Treatment Plan: Your BCBA creates an individualized therapy plan designed to support communication, behavior, social skills, and daily living skills.

5. Start Services: Once authorized by insurance, we match your family with a trained RBT and set a schedule that works for your child and your home or clinic environment.

We keep families informed at every step so you always know what’s next.

Therapy is structured, individualized, and designed to feel positive, playful, and meaningful for your child.

A typical day may include:
-One-on-one time with an RBT: Focused on teaching communication, following routines, social skills, play, emotional regulation, and independence.
-Play-based learning: Activities might include pretend play, games, crafts, sensory play, or natural environment teaching in real-life contexts.
-Structured learning moments: Short, targeted lessons for skill-building—always adjusted to your child’s pace and motivation.
-Movement and sensory breaks: To help your child regulate, reset, and stay engaged.
-Daily data tracking: RBTs record progress during every session so the BCBA can make timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
-Ongoing BCBA supervision: Your BCBA observes sessions, coaches the RBT, updates goals, and works with you on strategies for home and community.
-Parent communication: Families receive regular updates and have opportunities to ask questions, learn new strategies, and discuss progress.

Every child’s program is unique, but the goal is always the same: to help your child build confidence, independence, and real-world skills one step at a time.