Early Intervention ABA in Hawaiʻi | ABA STEPS LLC

Hawaiʻi early childhood intervention for toddlers & young children (18 months–6 years) across Oʻahu. Based in Kailua, ABA STEPS provides the early intervention programs Hawaiʻi families trust—rooted in joyful, play-based learning, family partnership, emotional safety, and culturally respectful care.

Why Early Intervention Matters Now in Hawaiʻi

A child’s brain reaches 90% of adult size by age 5, creating powerful but brief windows for language, social, and emotional development. Our ABA therapy early intervention Hawaiʻi services help children:

all while supporting families navigating developmental delays.

Research from the CDC and NIH shows children who start before age five make 2–3x greater gains in communication, social skills, and independence. And in Hawaiʻi—where many programs have 6–12 month waitlists—starting early with ABA STEPS ensures your child does not lose valuable developmental time.

Our ABA therapy early intervention Hawaiʻi services help children and complement services provided through the Hawaii Department of Health Early Intervention Section (EIS).

Our approach is assent-based, trauma-informed, and adapted for Hawaiʻi families, honoring each child’s pace, cultural identity, and ʻohana values.

The Complete Early Intervention Process

Caregiver Interview & Developmental History Review

We begin with a 2-hour caregiver interview with 1–2 primary caregivers. This collaborative conversation helps us understand:

Your child’s developmental history
Strengths, interests, and motivators
Areas of concern or delay
Communication and social patterns
Behaviors impacting daily living
Family routines, cultural considerations, and expectations
Your priorities and long-term goals

This step ensures we enter the assessment with meaningful context for early childhood intervention Hawaiʻi.

Comprehensive Developmental Assessment

Your BCBA completes a 1.5–3 hour play-based evaluation in your home or at our Kailua center. We observe your child naturally while assessing:

Communication: eye contact, gestures, first words
Social engagement: joint attention, imitation, turn-taking
Play: functional, exploratory, imaginative, cooperative
Fine & gross motor skills
Sensory processing
Behavior patterns: tantrums, transitions, rigidity
Daily living skills
Pre-academic foundations

The early childhood developmental assessment Hawaiʻi builds a clear developmental profile to guide intervention, including a comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) when indicated.

Individualized Treatment Plan Development

Your BCBA creates a personalized Early Intervention Treatment Plan, which takes 2–3 weeks to complete.

The plan includes:

Measurable developmental and behavioral goals
Play-based learning tools and strategies
Prevention strategies and emotional regulation supports
Communication and social skill objectives
Parent ABA skill-building goals
Recommended therapy hours and setting options

This plan aligns with the needs of toddlers requiring ABA therapy for toddlers Oʻahu and early developmental support.

Insurance Authorization

We submit your child’s treatment plan to your insurance carrier for review. We work closely with Hawaiʻi insurers including HMSA, Kaiser, Tricare, AlohaCare, Cigna, and others. Services begin immediately upon approval.

Individual and Group-Based Early Intervention Using PFA–SBT & PLS

For children who benefit from peer models or need additional social exposure, we offer center-based group programs integrating:

PFA–SBT (Practical Functional Assessment & Skill-Based Treatment)

Used to teach:

—within a safe, trusting, assent-based environment.

PLS (Preschool Learning Skills) Curriculum

Supports essential preschool readiness skills:

These group programs support Hawaiʻi ABA therapy needs, especially for toddlers preparing for school transitions.

Why Group-Based Early Intervention Works

Children learn core developmental skills and practice them with peers through structured social skills groups to improve generalization.

This includes:

Programs are available:

This blended model supports both individual growth and peer generalization, preparing children for preschool or kindergarten. It is especially beneficial for who are searching for Kailua early intervention programs.

Weekly Parent ABA Skills Building (1.5–2 Hours)

Families receive 1.5–2 hours of direct ABA skills development each week. Learn more about caregiver involvement on our For Parents page.

Caregivers learn:

strategies to prevent or reduce tantrums
communication prompting for first words
tools to improve morning and bedtime routines
techniques to build flexibility and emotional regulation
sibling coaching strategies
personalized supports based on your priorities

Through Hawaiʻi early intervention ABA services, parents gain the confidence and skills to support progress throughout the week.

Ongoing Progress Monitoring

Every child’s path is unique—our program adapts to your child’s growth.

Real Skills Young Children Build

Many children progress from:

pointing → first words → 50+ word phrases
eye contact → parallel play → cooperative games
daily tantrums → calm coping strategies
diapers → toilet training success
spoon → fork and open cup drinking
solitary play → pretend and social play
1-step → 2-step + multi-step directions

These gains support smoother preschool transitions and a stronger sense of ʻohana connection.

Why Oʻahu Families Choose ABA STEPS

Families choose us because we offer:

Early childhood specialists achieving 60–80% goal completion in 6 months
Home, center, and community-based learning
A Kailua center designed for young children
Local autism services and early intervention resources
Trauma-assumed, assent-based treatment
Trauma-assumed, assent-based treatment
Culturally grounded care reflecting Hawaiʻi values

Center Hours:

Hawaiʻi Early Intervention FAQs

When should we start ?

18 months–6 years; earlier leads to faster growth.

Where does therapy happen ?

Home, Kailua center, or community settings.

How much parent training ?

1.5–2 hours weekly + simple daily routines.

What does insurance cover?

95-100% of our plans arecover plans without modification

How long until progress ?

13-26 weeks

Telehealth ?

Parent training yes; direct therapy must be in person.

Insurance & Next Steps