Clinic-Based ABA
Our core service, with three programs: Early Intervention for ages 1 to 3, the Transition Program for ages 3 to 6, and Social Skills Groups for ages 6 to 12.
See both programs →
Naturalistic, Play-Based Therapy · St. Louis Metro Area
Helping children learn to thrive in their world.
Clinic-based early intervention built on naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI), including the Early Start Denver Model: play-based, neuroaffirming, and backed by some of the strongest research in autism care.
BHCOE-accredited provider of ABA therapy since 2020
Play-based
NDBI
Neuroaffirming
BHCOE AccreditedMeeting national standards of clinical excellence
Naturalistic InterventionNDBI models, including the Early Start Denver Model
Neuroaffirming CareStrengths-based therapy that honors every child
Caregiver CoachingFamilies learn the same strategies our clinicians use
What We Do
Therapy that meets your child where they are
From our Kirkwood clinic, serving families across the St. Louis Metro Area, we deliver individualized, play-based treatment designed to build skills your child will use, and love using, every day.
Our Naturalistic Approach
Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI), led by the Early Start Denver Model: joyful, play-based, and validated in randomized controlled trials.
Explore our approach →Caregiver Coaching
You're part of the treatment team. We coach you in the same strategies our clinicians use, so progress comes home with you.
Learn more →Social Skills Groups
The Plus One Program, Kid's Clubs, and Friendship Clubs: structured groups where children ages 6 to 12 practice connection and friendship.
Learn more →
The Evidence
A model with research behind it
We practice naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI), and our flagship model, the Early Start Denver Model, is one of the most rigorously studied early interventions in autism care. The numbers below come from published, peer-reviewed research on ESDM.
+17.6
IQ points gained
In the landmark randomized controlled trial, toddlers receiving two years of ESDM gained an average of 17.6 IQ points, versus 7.0 with standard community care, alongside gains in language and adaptive behavior.
Dawson et al., 2010, Pediatrics
640
Children studied
A meta-analysis spanning 12 studies and 640 children found significant benefits for children receiving ESDM, with the strongest effects in cognition and language.
Fuller et al., 2020
1st
Of its kind
ESDM was the first comprehensive early-intervention model for toddlers with autism validated in a randomized controlled trial, blending developmental science with the principles of ABA.
CEBC program review
1M+
Connections per second
In the first years of life, the brain forms more than one million new neural connections every second. Naturalistic early intervention is designed for this window, which is why it can begin as early as toddlerhood.
Harvard Center on the Developing ChildResearch findings describe outcomes across study groups; every child is different, and we design treatment, and measure progress, individually.
Neuroaffirming Care
Joyful, respectful, child-led therapy
We believe autistic children don't need to be fixed. They need to be understood, supported, and given real tools to navigate their world.
- Play is the curriculum: naturalistic teaching embeds every learning goal inside joyful, shared activities your child already loves.
- We follow your child's lead: motivation and connection come first; skills grow from there.
- All communication counts: words, gestures, devices, and signs are all honored and built upon.
- Strengths before deficits: goals target what genuinely improves your child's daily life, not what makes them look "less autistic."
- Families as partners: caregivers are coached alongside every plan, and outside providers are welcomed onto the team.
Life at the Clinic
Where learning looks like play
The Developing Minds Difference
A combination you won't find just anywhere
Plenty of clinics offer ABA. Very few pair a research-validated early intervention model with independent accreditation and a genuine neuroaffirming commitment, all under one roof.
Model + Accreditation
NDBI's research pedigree, certified ESDM leadership, and BHCOE accreditation since 2020. The models are validated in trials; our delivery is independently evaluated.
Everything Under One Roof
Clinic-based ABA, with early intervention and transition programs, plus social skills groups and caregiver coaching in one coordinated practice, delivered by a team that knows your child.
Neuroaffirming by Conviction
Not a buzzword on a brochure. Child-led sessions, goals that never target masking, and a team that celebrates who your child already is.
Getting Started
A clear path from first hello to first session
Reach out
Complete our intake form, or call 314.626.0306. We'll listen, answer questions, and explain what comes next.
Intake & assessment
We gather your child's history and complete an individualized assessment of strengths and needs.
Personalized plan
Together we build a treatment plan with goals that are functional and socially significant for your family.
Begin services
Sessions begin at our Kirkwood clinic, with caregiver coaching built in and progress reviewed collaboratively along the way.
Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.Anthony J. D'Angelo