The Melmark Center for Social and Behavioral Excellence, located at our Andover, MA site, provides center-based ABA services in a safe, engaging, and highly structured environment. Services are designed for children with ASD and Down syndrome who benefit from comprehensive 1:1 care alongside peer interaction and group-based learning. We accept clients from the age of diagnosis to 18 years of age.
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
A Specially Designed Therapeutic Environment
Our center supports the development of cognitive, social, communication, play, and adaptive daily living skills while promoting independence within natural and shared routines. Group-based learning opportunities include:
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- Circle time and shared routines (e.g., snack or mealtime)
- Arts and crafts
- Cooperative group games
These experiences support social reciprocity, joint attention, group participation, and peer engagement; skill areas that are difficult to fully develop through 1:1 instruction alone.
Safety and Environmental Features
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- Secure, keypad-controlled building access
- One-way windows and cameras in all therapy rooms for supervision and training
- Child-sized bathroom fixtures to promote independence and dignity
- Individual cubbies for personal belongings
- Distraction-reduced therapy rooms
- Gross motor and group therapy spaces
Our Clinical Model
As a founding member of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), Melmark follows CASP Best Practice Guidelines to ensure ethical, evidence-based, and outcome-focused care. Our ABA services include:
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- Individualized treatment planning based on comprehensive assessment
- Measurable goals and data-driven decision making
- Family collaboration and caregiver training
- Qualified, credentialed clinicians with appropriate supervision
- Commitment to safety, dignity, and least restrictive intervention
We offer both comprehensive and focused ABA treatment options.
Comprehensive ABA Treatment
Comprehensive treatment supports children who require intensive intervention across multiple developmental areas, including communication, social skills, play, and daily living. This model typically involves more therapy hours per week and is designed to build foundational skills that support independence and participation at home and in the community.
Focused ABA Treatment
Focused treatment is designed for children who need targeted support in a limited number of skill areas or for specific behavioral challenges. This option typically includes fewer therapy hours and emphasizes progress in clearly defined, meaningful goals.
Determining the Right Level of Care
Our clinical team partners with families to determine the most appropriate level of care based on each child’s individual strengths and needs. Our integrated treatment approach includes:
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- Play-based instruction to promote engagement
- Structured teaching, including DTT
- Group instruction to support social and adaptive skills
- Ongoing assessment and BCBA clinical oversight
Insurance Plans Accepted
The Melmark Center for Social and Behavioral Excellence accepts all major commercial insurance plans as well as MassHealth, ensuring access to medically necessary ABA services.
For more information about our programs, please contact:
Maria MacLean, EdD, BCBA-D, LABA
Senior Director of Outreach and Consultation Services, Melmark New England
Tel: 978-654-4327
mmaclean@melmarkne.org