Autism Services in Columbia, MD
Information
Hours
- Monday through Friday: 8:30AM-6PM
- Saturday: 8AM-2PM
- Sunday: By Appointment Only
Clinic Director: Izzy Woghiren, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Education
- Master of Education (M.E.) Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology and Spanish from Susquehanna University
Experience
- Years of Experience: 11 (7 years of BCBA experience)
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Personalized Autism Support in Columbia, MD
Every child with autism deserves a treatment plan that’s as unique as they are. At our autism clinic in Columbia, MD, we understand that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why our approach centers on:
- Personalized care
- Consistent support
- Evidence-based treatment
- Compassionate approach
Autism services at Helping Hands Family use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, a proven method that helps children improve communication, behavior, socialization, and daily living abilities. Through positive reinforcement and engaging, play-based learning, ABA therapy encourages meaningful growth, which feels safe, natural, and fun for your child.
At our Columbia clinic, you’ll find:
- A passionate clinical team that has been trained above industry standards
- A welcoming and supportive environment designed to help your child thrive
- Flexible autism treatment that adjusts to your child's responses and progress
With individualized goals mixed with consistent parent collaboration, we’ll help your child develop skills that make everyday life easier and more joyful.
What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a science-backed approach that helps children with autism build meaningful skills through positive reinforcement, repetition, and consistent support. It focuses on teaching behaviors that improve communication, independence, and focus, while reducing disruptive behaviors. ABA therapy breaks down complex skills into small, achievable steps. This makes it easier for children to learn and build confidence as they hit milestones.
At Helping Hands Family in Columbia, we use a warm, personalized ABA approach built on three core principles:
- Child-Led Sessions: ABA Therapy is built around your child’s pace, progress, and prefences to build trust and increase learning effectiveness.
- Play-Based Learning: We incorporate learning into games and activities that interest your child to make learning fun and engaging.
- Positive Reinforcement: We celebrate each of your child's successes to help motivate and encourage continued progress.
This personalized and flexible approach helps your child grow in a way that feels natural and empowering.
How ABA Therapy Supports Your Child’s Growth
Our ABA therapy in Columbia, MD is personalized to your child’s unique:
- Strengths
- Needs
- Motivations
- Learning style
We use fun, engaging activities and play-based sessions to help your child learn and thrive at a comfortable pace. ABA therapy is powered by step-by-step learning and positive reinforcement, which builds confidence. Some benefits of ABA include:
- Improved communication skills -- asking for help or expressing needs
- Strengthened socialization and increased confidence
- Better emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Better attention and greater focus
- Increased independence in daily routines
Our ABA approach is grounded in ascent-based practices, meaning we prioritize building trust, offering choices, and adapting sessions based on your child’s comfort and response. This helps make each session feel safe, motivating, and empowering.
The Power of Early Intervention for Children with Autism
Starting autism treatment early can make a big difference in your child’s long-term development. At Helping Hands Family in Columbia, MD, we believe it’s never too early to begin building the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Research shows that younger children can benefit from early autism intervention. Through our personalized ABA therapy, we help young learners build critical skills while their brains are rapidly developing—giving them the best opportunity to thrive.
Here’s why early intervention matters:
- Builds Strong Learning Habits: Early therapy helps children develop learning strategies that support long-term progress in communication, behavior, and independence.
- Eases School & Social Transitions: With early ABA support makes starting school, entering new environments, and forming relationships more manageable.
- Supports Emotional & Behavioral Regulation: Early treatment builds self-regulation, coping strategies, and self-expression—leading to more confident and capable children.
Our Columbia-based ABA therapists create customized plans that nurture growth in a fun, caring, and encouraging environment. Early intervention isn’t just about starting sooner—it’s about giving your child every opportunity to succeed.
Looking for Autism Services in Columbia, MD?
At Helping Hands Family, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Care Coordination team will guide you through the entire ABA therapy process—from your first call to your child’s first session.
What you’ll need to get started:
- A formal autism diagnosis
- A prescription for ABA therapy
- An accepted insurance plan
If our Columbia clinic is too far, we have several autism clinics in Maryland! Reach out today—we’re ready to help your child take the next step forward!
In-Network Insurance
*We also have out-of-network and private pay options. Contact us to verify your insurance benefits today!
