Early Intervention ABA
When it comes to ABA, the early years matter most. For children roughly 18 months to 6 years old, early intervention takes advantage of how quickly young brains learn — building language, play, and connection while the window is wide open.
A closer look at early intervention aba
Early intervention ABA is Applied Behavior Analysis tailored for very young children — generally ages 18 months to about 6 years. Research consistently shows that the earlier ABA begins, the more impact it can have, because young children's brains are especially primed to absorb new skills.
A BCBA assesses where your child is, then designs a play-based plan targeting the building blocks of development: communication, imitation, joint attention, early social skills, and play. A Registered Behavior Technician delivers the day-to-day sessions one-on-one, using your child's favorite things to make learning feel like fun, not work.
Because Tall Grass is in-home-first, this all happens in the place your toddler is most comfortable. That means fewer meltdowns over new environments and more energy going toward learning — and parents get coached right alongside, so the progress keeps going after the therapist heads out.
Who benefits most
How it actually works
Everything starts with getting to know your child. Your BCBA spends time observing how your child plays, communicates, and responds, then builds an individualized plan around the skills that will open the most doors next.
Sessions are warm, playful, and led by your child's interests. If your toddler loves bubbles, blocks, or a particular song, that becomes the teaching tool. Your RBT weaves learning into play — naming objects, encouraging requests, building back-and-forth interaction — and reinforces every win to keep motivation high.
Early intervention often involves more frequent hours than therapy for older kids, because consistency matters so much at this age. Your BCBA tracks progress closely and adjusts the plan as your child reaches new milestones, and you'll get regular updates plus practical strategies to use between visits.
How Getting Started Works
From your first phone call to your child's first session — and every step after — here's exactly how it goes.
Talk to a BCBA
Call, text, or fill out the form. A real person picks up, and a BCBA calls you back for an honest conversation about your child — no scripts, no sales pitch.
In-Home Assessment
Your BCBA meets your child where they're comfortable — at home — to understand their strengths, their challenges, and what matters most to your family.
We Verify Your Insurance
We call your insurance, confirm your benefits, and tell you exactly what's covered before anything starts. Most Iowa families pay little or nothing. Zero surprises.
Therapy Starts at Home
We match your child with the therapist who's the right fit and build a plan around their goals. Sessions start in the comfort of your home, on your schedule.
Progress You Can See
Your BCBA tracks every goal and reviews the data with you regularly. You'll always know what's working, what's next, and how far your child has come.
We Stick With You
As your child grows, we adjust the plan, keep coaching you, and stay just a text away. This is a long-haul partnership — not a drop-off and goodbye.
Questions About Early Intervention ABA
Straight answers. If yours isn't here, just call or text us.
There's no single magic number, but earlier is generally better. Early intervention typically serves children from about 18 months to 6 years, when the brain is developing rapidly. If your child has an autism diagnosis or you have concerns about their development, it's worth reaching out — your BCBA can help determine the best fit.
Younger children often benefit from more intensive, consistent hours, but the exact amount is always individualized. After an assessment, your BCBA will recommend a schedule based on your child's goals and your family's routine. We build the plan around your child, not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Not at all. Early intervention ABA is play-based and follows your child's lead. Learning happens on the floor, with toys, during songs, and through everyday moments at home. To your toddler, it mostly feels like focused, fun play with someone who really gets them.
Yes. ABA therapy is covered for eligible children by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and other commercial plans, with Iowa Medicaid coming soon. Most Iowa families pay little to nothing out of pocket. We verify your coverage before therapy begins.
Related services
In-Home ABA Therapy
One-on-one ABA delivered right in your living room, where your child is most at ease.
Learn moreVerbal Behavior Therapy
A focused ABA approach that builds real, useful language — from first words to conversation.
Learn moreParent & Caregiver Training
We hand you the strategies that work, so progress keeps going long after we leave.
Learn moreLet's Talk About Your Child
Fill out this quick form and we'll get back to you fast. Or just call us at (319) 319-9770 — a real person picks up.
What happens next?
- Free, no-obligation BCBA consultation
- We verify your insurance before anything starts
- Most Iowa families pay little or nothing out of pocket
- Flexible scheduling — weekends, after school, you name it
- A team that treats your kid like family
- We pick up the phone or call you right back
Your information is private and HIPAA-protected. A real person follows up fast — and most Iowa families pay little or nothing out of pocket.
Prefer to talk it through?
Call us now or grab a free 15-minute slot with a BCBA — whatever's easiest for you.
Ready to Talk?
No commitment, no pressure, no sales pitch. Just a real conversation with a BCBA about your child. Call, text, or book a time — whatever's easiest for you.