Early Intervention ABA for Toddlers in Cherry Hill & South Jersey
Play-based ABA for toddlers and preschoolers with autism or early signs of it, built to grow communication, play and routines during the years when skills build fastest.
Early intervention ABA is play-based Applied Behavior Analysis for toddlers and preschoolers, usually ages 18 months to 5, who have autism or early signs of it. Innovative ABA provides it at our Cherry Hill center and in homes across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Call (732) 691-1299 for a free consultation.
Clinically reviewed by Charles Knoppel, BCBA · Updated October 2026
At a glance
| Ages | Toddlers & preschoolers (about 18 months–5 years) |
|---|---|
| Settings | Cherry Hill center or in-home |
| Center | 1939 NJ-70, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003 |
| Insurance | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare + most major plans; free benefits check |
| Clinical lead | Charles Knoppel, BCBA, Clinical Director |
What is early intervention ABA?
Early intervention ABA is Applied Behavior Analysis designed for very young children. For a toddler, therapy looks like play: blowing bubbles to practice asking for more, building a tower to practice taking turns, singing a song to practice copying actions. Underneath the play is a careful plan written by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with clear goals and data recorded every session by a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
The early years matter because young brains are especially adaptable. Research consistently suggests that children who start quality intervention early often make larger gains in communication, play and daily living than children who start later. We cannot promise any specific outcome, but we can make sure the time is used well.
Our program page is called Early-Stage Support & Prevention because the goal is to build foundation skills early, so smaller struggles do not grow into larger ones later.
Early-stage support is also about prevention. Teaching a toddler to ask for a break, for example, can head off years of meltdowns that might otherwise become the main way they communicate. Small, early skills often prevent much bigger struggles later.
- Communicationpointing, gestures, first words, signs or picture-based requests.
- Joint attention & imitationlooking where you look, copying actions and sounds.
- Playusing toys in new ways and playing alongside other children.
- Routinessleep, meals, toileting readiness and transitions.
What signs mean my toddler might benefit from ABA?
Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs are worth bringing up with your pediatrician: not responding to their name by about 12 months, little pointing or showing things by 12 to 18 months, few or no words by 16 to 18 months, losing words or skills they once had, limited eye contact, repetitive movements, very strong reactions to sounds or textures, and intense distress over small changes.
If you notice these signs, ask your pediatrician about developmental screening and a full evaluation from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or similar specialist. Autism is identified more often than many parents realize. The CDC's ADDM Network found about 1 in 31 eight-year-olds identified with autism in its 2022 surveillance year, and New Jersey has consistently had some of the highest rates among sites studied.
You do not have to wait for an answer to start learning. Call us with questions, and see our main ABA therapy for children page for how the full process works.
Trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice that something is different, and it is fine to ask questions even if your pediatrician suggests waiting. An evaluation either gives you answers and a plan or gives you peace of mind. Either outcome is better than months of uncertainty.
How does early intervention ABA fit with NJ Early Intervention and preschool?
New Jersey's Early Intervention System, run by the NJ Department of Health, serves children from birth to age 3. It is a separate state program, and many families use it alongside ABA that is covered by their health insurance. In Pennsylvania, Early Intervention through OCDEL serves children from birth to 5. Ask your service coordinator how the services can work together.
At age 3, children in New Jersey move from Early Intervention to their public school district, which evaluates through the Child Study Team and may offer an IEP and preschool services. That handoff can feel abrupt. Our BCBAs help you prepare: what to ask, what records to bring and which skills, such as sitting in a group, following directions and using the bathroom, will help most in a classroom. Our full-day center-based ABA program in Cherry Hill is built around that kind of school readiness.
Families in Cherry Hill and across Camden County often ask how to keep track of all these systems at once. Our Camden County ABA page covers local details, and your BCBA can help you build a simple timeline of evaluations, authorizations and school deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks.
How does early intervention ABA work at Innovative ABA?
The steps are the same as any ABA program, adjusted for a very young child. We often have openings and can start quickly, so ask about current availability.
Toddler sessions are designed around short attention spans. Expect frequent breaks, lots of movement, favorite toys and quick wins. Your BCBA chooses goals that lead to the next stage of learning, such as imitation and requesting, because those early skills open the door to many later skills.
- Free consultationwe listen to your concerns, explain options and check your insurance benefits.
- Play-based assessmentyour BCBA watches your child play and interact, interviews you and measures current skills.
- Plan & authorizationthe BCBA writes goals, recommends hours and settings, and we submit the plan to your insurer.
- Sessionsshort, playful teaching at our center or in your home, with breaks and lots of reinforcement.
- Data & parent coachingprogress is measured every session, and you learn the strategies through parent training & support.
- Transition planningwe help prepare your child for preschool, the Child Study Team process and next steps.
Where do toddlers receive early intervention ABA, and how is it covered?
Many toddlers start with in-home ABA therapy, where familiar routines make learning easier and parents can be coached in real time. Others come to our center on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, near the Marlton (Evesham) line, for structure and early peer exposure. Families in Cherry Hill and nearby Camden County towns have both options; see our Cherry Hill ABA page.
For insurance, most plans require a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. New Jersey's autism mandate requires many state-regulated plans to cover medically necessary ABA, and Pennsylvania's Act 62 covers many plans there. We accept most major plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Tricare and UnitedHealthcare, and we check benefits for free.
Very young children also benefit from early social practice. As your toddler grows, play goals often lead naturally into our social skills development program, where children practice sharing, turn-taking and joining play with peers at the center.
ABA programs for your family
Full-Day Center-Based ABA
Structured, full-day programming at our Cherry Hill center, with school-readiness built in.
Learn more →ABA Therapy for Children
One-on-one, play-based ABA that builds communication, social and daily-living skills.
Learn more →In-Home ABA Therapy
Therapy in your home, where routines like meals, bedtime and play happen.
Learn more →School & Community-Based ABA
Help carrying skills into classrooms, playgrounds, stores and outings.
Learn more →Social Skills Development
Turn-taking, conversation, play and friendship skills, practiced with peers.
Learn more →Feeding Therapy (ABA)
Help with picky eating, food selectivity and mealtime behavior, coordinated with your child's doctors.
Learn more →
Charles Knoppel, BCBA
Clinical Director — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Charles leads our clinical team and oversees every child’s treatment plan. He reviewed this page for clinical accuracy in October 2026. Meet our team →
Frequently asked questions
How young can a child start ABA therapy?
Some children start ABA before age 2, once they have a diagnosis and a BCBA recommends it. For toddlers, sessions are short and play-based, with lots of movement and breaks. Your BCBA will match the plan to your child's age, attention span and energy, and adjust as your child grows.
Can my child get ABA while also in NJ Early Intervention?
Often, yes. NJ Early Intervention is a state program for children from birth to 3, and ABA through private insurance is separate. Many families use both, such as speech or developmental intervention through EI and ABA through their health plan. Coordinate with your EI service coordinator, and we will help make the schedules and goals work together.
Does my toddler need an autism diagnosis for early intervention ABA?
For insurance to cover ABA, usually yes. Most plans require an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist. Wait times for evaluations can be long, so get on a list early. Meanwhile, call us. We can explain what the diagnostic report should include so authorization goes smoothly.
What does an ABA session for a 2-year-old look like?
It looks a lot like play. Your child's therapist might use bubbles, songs, toy cars or snack time to practice requesting, copying, pointing and taking turns. Every activity is tied to a goal in the treatment plan, and the therapist records data as they go. Sessions include breaks and plenty of what your child enjoys.
What happens when my child turns 3 in New Jersey?
At 3, Early Intervention ends and your school district takes over. The district's Child Study Team evaluates your child and may write an IEP with preschool services. We help families prepare for that transition, and ABA through insurance can continue alongside school. With your permission, we can share information with the school team.
How involved will I be in my toddler's therapy?
Very involved. With young children, parents are the most important teachers, and you are with your child far more hours than any therapist. We coach you during sessions and through structured parent training, so you can use the same strategies at meals, bath time and bedtime. Small daily practice adds up.
Is early intervention ABA available in the Philadelphia area?
Yes. We provide early intervention ABA in homes across the Philadelphia region, including Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties, as well as South Jersey. Pennsylvania Early Intervention through OCDEL serves children from birth to 5 and is separate from insurance-funded ABA. We verify your Pennsylvania plan's ABA benefits for free.
Worried about your toddler?
You don't need to have every answer to call. Book a free consultation, ask your questions and we'll explain your options and check your insurance.