About

Specialized Support

Behavioral Modification · Special Education · Autism Support

Comprehensive, evidence-based programs designed to help children learn, behave, and belong. Each service below includes an in-depth overview, goals, methods, real-life examples, and clear guidance for families.

Behavioral Modification Overview

Behavioral Modification — Overview

Behavioral Modification (BM) at EarlySteps focuses on understanding why a child behaves the way they do and teaching alternative, positive behaviors. Grounded in behavioral science, BM uses reinforcement strategies, consistent routines, and environmental adjustments to reduce challenging behaviors and increase adaptive ones.

Best for: children showing aggression, self-injury, severe tantrums, avoidance, or repetitive behaviors that limit learning and social participation.
Behavioral Goals

Goals & Benefits — What Behavioral Modification Achieves

BM aims to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning and social engagement while teaching functional alternatives. Programs are individualized for measurable progress and improved quality of life.

  • Decrease frequency/intensity of challenging behaviors
  • Increase functional communication and self-regulation
  • Enhance safety, classroom participation, and family well‑being
  • Teach replacement skills (requesting, coping strategies)
Behavioral Process

Process — Assessment to Intervention

We begin with a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to identify triggers, functions, and patterns. From there we design a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) with clear teaching steps, reinforcement systems, and environmental changes. Progress is tracked using baseline data and regular review meetings.

FBA & Baseline

Structured observation and data collection to uncover causes.

Behavior Support Plan

Actionable strategies including reinforcement, antecedent changes, and safety protocols.

Skill Teaching

Systematic teaching of replacement behaviors and communication methods.

Monitoring

Ongoing data review and plan adjustments to ensure effectiveness.

Behavioral Techniques

Techniques & Strategies

Our clinicians combine evidence-based techniques to create a predictable, safe, and learning-rich environment.

  • Positive Reinforcement: rewarding desired behaviors consistently.
  • Antecedent Modification: adjusting triggers to reduce problem behavior.
  • Visual Schedules & Choices: reduce uncertainty and increase cooperation.
  • De-escalation & Safety Protocols: teach calm-down steps and safe exits when needed.
  • Parent Coaching: consistent responses at home to generalize progress.
Behavioral Outcomes

Real-Life Impact & Outcomes

Families report fewer crises, calmer routines, and improved participation in school and social settings. Behavior change increases learning opportunities and family quality of life.

Safety & Calm

Reduced dangerous behaviors and fewer emergency incidents.

School Inclusion

Improved tolerance for classroom activities and peer interactions.

Family Resilience

Practical strategies that reduce stress and restore positive routines.

Behavior is communication — once we understand it, we can teach something better.

Special Education Overview

Special Education — Overview

Special Education at EarlySteps blends therapeutic goals with academic supports. We design individualized learning plans (IEPs) that bridge gaps in learning, develop literacy and numeracy skills, and support classroom participation using differentiated instruction and multi-sensory teaching methods.

Ideal for: children with learning differences, developmental delays, or those who need curriculum modification and targeted academic supports.
Special Education Benefits

Benefits & Learning Goals

Special Education focuses on functional academics, adaptive learning strategies, and classroom readiness. Goals are tailored to each child's strengths and include measurable academic and social milestones.

  • Customized IEPs with realistic, measurable objectives
  • Multi-sensory instruction to enhance memory and understanding
  • Executive function supports: organization, planning, task initiation
  • Transition planning for school-readiness and inclusive education
Special Education Process

Assessment & Individualized Planning

We use curriculum-based assessments, classroom observations, and teacher-parent collaboration to create IEPs. Each plan includes accommodations, targeted teaching strategies, and progress metrics. Regular team meetings ensure alignment across home and school environments.

Curriculum Mapping

Identify gaps and scaffold learning across domains.

IEP Development

Clear objectives, accommodations, and success criteria.

Teacher Collaboration

Train classroom staff on strategies and modifications.

Parent Workshops

Practical tools to support learning at home.

Special Education Techniques

Teaching Techniques & Supports

Instruction uses explicit teaching, visual supports, chunking tasks, and multi-modal practice. We blend therapy goals (speech, OT, ABA) into the classroom routine for an integrated approach.

  • Direct instruction with clear modeling and guided practice
  • Visual schedules, timers, and checklists to support independence
  • Phonics-based literacy programs and scaffolded math instruction
  • Assistive technology when appropriate (text-to-speech, communication apps)
Special Education Outcomes

Outcomes — Academic & Social Growth

Students supported through Special Education show gains in reading, math, task completion, and classroom engagement. Importantly, they learn strategies to succeed independently and build confidence in learning environments.

Improved Literacy

Stronger decoding, comprehension, and vocabulary through structured programs.

Math Confidence

Stepwise instruction increases number sense and problem-solving.

Inclusive Participation

Students access mainstream classrooms with supports and accommodations.

Autism Support Overview

Autism (ASD) Support — Overview

Our Autism Support program is a holistic suite of services for children on the autism spectrum. We integrate evidence-based therapies—ABA, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, social skills groups—and provide family coaching to promote learning, communication, and meaningful participation.

Focus: individual strengths, sensory needs, communication, social thinking, and independence.
Autism Benefits

Benefits & Developmental Goals

Interventions aim to increase functional communication, reduce barriers to learning, and support emotional regulation. Goals are individualized and prioritize meaningful outcomes—better family routines, school participation, and peer relationships.

  • Improved communication—verbal, augmentative, or gestural
  • Better sensory tolerance and regulation
  • Stronger social communication and play skills
  • Greater independence in daily living
Autism Process

Assessment & Personalized Plans

We perform multidisciplinary assessments—developmental, speech and language, sensory profiles, and behavior analysis—then design an integrated plan. Families are partners in goal-setting and in carrying strategies into daily life.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Comprehensive view across communication, behavior, and sensory domains.

Integrated Plan

Coordinated goals across therapy disciplines to ensure consistency.

Family Coaching

Practical strategies for home, community, and school routines.

School Collaboration

Support for IEPs, classroom adaptations, and teacher training.

Autism Techniques

Techniques & Evidence-Based Methods

We select approaches based on each child’s profile—what helps them learn and engage fastest. The emphasis is on positive, skill-building strategies that generalize beyond the clinic.

  • Individualized ABA programs for communication and behavior support
  • Speech-language therapy for expressive and receptive skills
  • Occupational therapy for sensory and motor needs
  • Social groups to practice play, sharing, and turn-taking
  • Visual supports to scaffold routines and transitions
Autism Impact

Impact — Measured Progress & Family Outcomes

Families observe changes in communication, fewer sensory meltdowns, improved participation at home and school, and richer social connections. Our goal is sustainable progress—skills that enable a child to enjoy relationships and learning.

Functional Communication

Using words, signs, or devices to express needs and ideas.

Daily Routines

Smoother mornings, mealtimes, and bedtime with consistent strategies.

Social Belonging

Children participate more with peers and feel included in activities.

Our work is guided by compassion and science—progress happens when families and therapists work together with clear goals and consistent routines.