Early Intervention Services in Maryland: Why Starting ABA Therapy Early Matters

If you have recently noticed that your child is developing differently from other children their age, you are probably feeling a mix of emotions. Worry. Uncertainty. Love. And maybe an urgent need to do something — to find answers and get your child the support they need as quickly as possible.

That instinct to act quickly is one of the most important things you can do for your child. Early intervention services in Maryland are specifically designed to meet children where they are in their earliest years and give them the very best start. And when it comes to children with autism, the research is clear: the earlier support begins, the greater the potential for lasting progress.

At The Learning Tree ABA, we provide compassionate, individualized ABA therapy for children as young as age two across Maryland. This article walks you through everything you need to know about early intervention services in Maryland — what they are, how they work, how to access them, and how we can help.

What Is Early Intervention and Why Does It Matter?

Early intervention refers to specialized supports and services provided to young children, typically from birth through age five, who are showing signs of developmental delays or disabilities. These services are designed to support development during one of the most critical windows in a child’s life.

The early years of life are when the brain is growing fastest and is most responsive to learning. This period of rapid brain development is called neuroplasticity and it means that early, targeted support can have a profound and lasting impact on how a child learns, communicates, and connects with the world.

A 2025 narrative review published in PMC (Cureus) found that early intensive behavioral and developmental interventions,  including ABA therapy, produce meaningful gains in cognitive skills, language, adaptive behavior, and social development in children with autism under age seven. The review highlighted that early intervention capitalizes directly on the neuroplasticity of young children, offering the greatest potential for long-term positive outcomes.

In other words: starting early matters enormously. And it is never too soon to reach out for support.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Early Intervention

Every child develops at their own pace. But there are certain signs that may suggest your child could benefit from early intervention services. If you are noticing any of the following, speaking with your child’s pediatrician is a great first step:

Communication differences. Your child is not babbling by 12 months, not saying single words by 16 months, not combining two words by 24 months, or has lost previously acquired language skills.

Social and eye contact differences. Your child does not smile responsively, makes limited eye contact, does not respond to their name, or shows little interest in connecting with other people.

Play differences. Your child does not engage in pretend play by 18 months, shows little interest in other children, or plays with toys in repetitive or unusual ways.

Repetitive behaviors. Your child lines up toys, repeats certain movements or phrases, or becomes very distressed when routines change.

Sensory sensitivities. Your child is unusually sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or other sensory input, or seeks out intense sensory experiences in ways that seem concerning.

Noticing these signs does not mean something is wrong with your child. It simply means they may benefit from extra support during a time when that support can make the greatest difference. You know your child best — trust what you are seeing, and do not wait to ask for help.

Maryland’s Early Intervention System: What Parents Need to Know

Maryland has a well-established early intervention system specifically designed to identify and support young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Here is how it works:

The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP)

The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) is a state-funded, family-centered early intervention program serving children from birth through age two (and in some cases beyond). It is free for eligible families and is available throughout all 24 Maryland counties. In March 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education expanded MITP eligibility to reach even more children in need — a sign of Maryland’s strong commitment to early childhood support.

Your child may be eligible for MITP services if they:

• Have a developmental delay of 25% or more in at least one area (cognitive, physical, communication, social-emotional, or adaptive development)
• Show atypical development or behavior that is likely to result in a delay
• Have a diagnosed condition with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay (such as autism spectrum disorder)

Services through the MITP can include family training, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special instruction, and more. Services are delivered in the natural environment — your home, daycare, or community settings — and are built around your family’s priorities.

To make a referral, visit the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program online referral site or contact your local county program. You do not need a formal diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to get started.

Transitioning to School-Age Services

When a child turns three, they transition out of the MITP and into school-age special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In Maryland, this means your child becomes eligible for services through their local school system, which may include a preschool special education program.

Maryland also offers an Extended IFSP Option, which allows eligible families to remain on an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) beyond their child’s third birthday. This creates a more seamless bridge between early intervention and school-age services.

It is important to begin planning for this transition well before your child turns three. Your service coordinator should help you navigate this process — and The Learning Tree ABA is also here to help you understand your options and keep ABA therapy consistent throughout the transition.

Coordinating with Pediatricians

Your child’s pediatrician is often the first person to notice developmental differences and can be a valuable partner in accessing early intervention services. At your child’s well-child visits, their doctor uses standardized developmental screening tools to check for signs of delay.

If your pediatrician has expressed concern, ask them specifically about a referral for a developmental evaluation and for early intervention services through the MITP. If you have concerns that your pediatrician has not yet addressed, you have every right to bring them up directly and ask for a referral.

You can also reach out to organizations like Pathfinders for Autism, a Maryland-based nonprofit that helps families navigate the early intervention and autism support landscape.

How ABA Therapy Fits Into Early Intervention

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most evidence-based, widely recommended interventions for young children with autism. It works especially well as part of an early intervention approach because it is highly individualized, rooted in positive reinforcement, and designed to build real-world skills in natural settings.

ABA therapy for young children typically focuses on:

• Building foundational communication skills — including verbal language, sign language, or device-based communication
• Developing social awareness and early play skills
• Learning to follow simple routines and instructions
• Reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning or safety
• Building independence in daily living skills like dressing, eating, and toileting
• Teaching imitation and joint attention — two foundational skills for all future learning

ABA therapy is not just about teaching skills in a therapy room. The most effective ABA programs — like those at The Learning Tree ABA — embed learning into everyday moments, routines, and interactions. This Natural Environment Teaching (NET) approach ensures that children generalize their skills to real life, not just therapy sessions.

A 2025 meta-analysis published in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that ABA-based interventions produced large effect sizes for receptive language and meaningful gains in adaptive and cognitive skills in children with autism. Greater treatment dose and longer duration were associated with even greater improvements.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First 90 Days of Therapy

Starting ABA therapy for the first time can feel like a lot to navigate. Knowing what to expect in those first weeks and months can help you feel prepared, confident, and hopeful.

Days 1–30: Building the Foundation

In the first month, your child’s BCBA will spend time getting to know your child through a thorough assessment. They will observe how your child communicates, plays, and interacts. They will ask you about your priorities, your family’s daily routines, and the goals that matter most to you. This is not just data collection — it is the beginning of a true partnership. Your child’s personalized behavior plan is developed from this foundation.

Days 31–60: Settling In and Building Trust

In the second month, therapy sessions are underway and your child is getting to know their Behavior Technician (BT). Consistency and trust are built during this period. You will begin to see your child becoming more comfortable in sessions and may start noticing small, meaningful moments of progress — a new word, a new gesture, a new skill.

Days 61–90: Momentum and Milestones

By the third month, your child’s program is in full swing. Your BCBA is reviewing data regularly and making clinical adjustments to keep your child progressing. Many families begin to see meaningful gains in communication, social engagement, and daily living skills during this window. Your BCBA will share progress updates and work with you to celebrate every milestone — big and small.

Progress looks different for every child. Some children make rapid, visible gains. Others progress more gradually, building foundational skills that become the springboard for bigger leaps later. Either way, your BCBA is tracking your child’s data at every step so that the program is always moving in the right direction.

Early Intervention at The Learning Tree ABA: Our Approach

At The Learning Tree ABA, early intervention is not just a program. It is a philosophy. We believe that the earliest years of a child’s life are precious, and that every moment of learning matters. Here is what sets our early intervention approach apart:

Play-based, child-led sessions. Young children learn through play — and so do our sessions. Our Natural Environment Teaching (NET) approach meets your child in their world, using their interests and natural interactions as the vehicle for skill-building. Therapy never feels like drills.

Parent coaching built in from day one. You are your child’s most important teacher. That is why our BCBAs coach parents and caregivers throughout the process, teaching you strategies you can use throughout your day to support your child’s growth between sessions.

Dedicated, consistent team. We thoughtfully match your child with a Behavior Technician who is a strong fit for their personality and needs. Consistency matters — especially for young children who thrive on predictable relationships.

BCBA-designed, data-driven programs. Every program is created by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and continuously monitored using real data. Your child’s plan evolves as they do.

We serve families across Maryland, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Harford County, Carroll County, and Frederick County. Our Hunt Valley center also offers a beautiful, sensory-friendly space for center-based early intervention therapy.

How to Refer Your Child for Early Intervention in Maryland

Getting started with early intervention in Maryland is more straightforward than many families expect. Here is a simple overview of the steps:

1. Talk to your child’s pediatrician. Share your concerns and ask for a developmental screening or referral. You can also self-refer directly to Maryland’s Infants and Toddlers Program without a doctor’s referral.
2. Contact your local Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP). Each of Maryland’s 24 counties has a local program. You can make an online referral at mditp.org or call the statewide number at (800) 535-0182.
3. Request an evaluation. A multidisciplinary team will assess your child across developmental areas. This evaluation is free and available to all Maryland families.
4. If eligible, an IFSP is developed. Your Individualized Family Service Plan outlines your child’s goals, the services they will receive, and how and where those services will be delivered.
5. Explore ABA therapy alongside MITP services. ABA therapy through The Learning Tree ABA can be accessed separately from the MITP and is covered by Medicaid and most commercial insurance in Maryland.

If your child is age three or older and has already transitioned out of the MITP, you can still access ABA therapy through The Learning Tree ABA directly. Our intake team will guide you through every step.

Ready to take the first step? Contact The Learning Tree ABA today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about early intervention services near you in Maryland.

Your Child’s Best Days Are Ahead

The moment you noticed something different about your child’s development, you became their advocate. That is one of the most powerful things a parent can be.

Early intervention services in Maryland exist because we know that the earliest years of life are a window of extraordinary possibility. And ABA therapy — provided with compassion, individualization, and genuine care — can help your child walk through that window with confidence.

The Learning Tree ABA is here for you. Our team of dedicated BCBAs, Behavior Technicians, and Care Coordinators are ready to partner with your family, celebrate your child’s strengths, and support their growth every step of the way.

There is no waitlist and no reason to wait. Contact The Learning Tree ABA today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the support your child deserves.