At STEPFoundations, we celebrate neurodiversity and honor each child’s unique way of learning and engaging with the world. STEP Foundations is a collaborative early childhood autism program for children ages 2–6, created through a partnership between Timber Ridge Pediatric Therapy, LLC and ABS Behavioral Services. This insurance-based program brings together ABA, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and educational professionals to support the whole child during the most critical years of development. Through individualized, family-centered goals, we focus on building regulation, communication, confidence, and meaningful participation—using compassionate, evidence-based care that strengthens connection, engagement, and long-term success.
STEP Foundations is offered as a 12-month program designed to mirror the natural rhythm of a child’s year. During the summer months, the program is delivered in an 8-week therapeutic camp model focused on play, social connection, regulation, and experiential learning. During the school year, the program operates as a structured, school-style setting for approximately nine months, supporting early academics, group participation, routines, and readiness skills. This intentional combination allows children to build consistency, confidence, and independence while preparing for successful participation in future school environments.
STEPFoundations is designed to feel natural, engaging, and truly supportive of how young children grow and learn.
Our program moves beyond structured, isolated skill work and instead embraces a developmentally grounded, relationship-based approach. We bring together a collaborative team of professionals—including ABA, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and educational specialists—to support the whole child in a cohesive, meaningful way.
Learning at STEPFoundations happens through play, connection, daily routines, and peer interaction—just as it does in real life. Rather than practicing skills in isolation, children build abilities within authentic experiences that make sense to them. This helps skills carry over more easily into home, school, and community environments.
At the heart of STEPFoundations is our role as a bridge—reflected in our logo and in everything we do. We bridge the gap between early intervention and school, helping children build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to transition successfully into more structured learning environments.
We support children with a wide range of developmental styles, honoring each child’s unique way of thinking, learning, and engaging with the world.
At STEPFoundations, we celebrate each child’s individuality while building confidence, connection, and functional skills in a way that feels supportive, respectful, and developmentally appropriate.
Our model emphasizes:
Therapy is delivered through a combination of individual instruction, small-group learning, and push-in/co-treatment models with related service providers. This ensures that children are not learning skills in isolation, but are practicing them in ways that resemble real classrooms, homes, and community environments.
Rather than focusing solely on behavior reduction, our team prioritizes understanding the why behind behavior and teaching replacement skills that support independence, self-advocacy, and participation. Collaboration across disciplines allows for shared goals, consistent strategies, and a unified approach that respects each child’s developmental profile.
If you feel your child could use a little extra support to build those crucial school readiness skills, we’re here to help! We offer year-round enrollment for children ages 2–6, so why wait? Reach out today and give your child the tools they need to thrive!
Contact us now to learn more and enroll! Enroll@absbehavioralservices.com | 224-279-1131 | Enroll – A.B.S. Behavioral Services
A.B.S. Behavioral Services and Timber Ridge Pediatric Therapy are proud partners and founders of STEP Foundation
