During this time of extraordinary brain growth, it's important to choose a program, like Jumpstart, that is science-backed and rigorous to take advantage of your child's brain neuroplasticity.
Where Early Learners Get a Jumpstart
Cortica Jumpstart is a center-based, early intervention program blending ABA, speech, and occupational therapies for children with autism ages 18 months to 5 years.
Our Jumpstart program leads to better outcomes compared to in-school early intervention services
Jumpstart Early Intervention
Science-backed & Personalized
Joyful, Play-Based Learning
Both our full and half day programs use fun, play-driven routines, to help children develop communication, social, and emotional skills that last a lifetime.
1:1 Support + Small Groups
Each child gets dedicated 1:1 support while learning in small groups to build confidence, connection, and social skills which lends to a better, more personalized dynamic than many in-school programs.
Family Coaching and Involvement
Families are partners in progress, receiving coaching and tools to reinforce skills at home and in daily life.
Ongoing Support
Your child can graduate from our program when they’re ready, but they don’t “age out.” Our continuum of care evolves with your child’s needs, helping them thrive through every stage of development.
Standard Early Intervention
Variable Quality and Lack of Personalization
In-school programs are often limited in therapy intensity and not designed around each child’s unique developmental and neurological needs.
Structured Classroom Routines
School programs typically follow academic or behavioral structures that may not flex to a child’s learning style or sensory needs.
Large Group Settings
Therapy time is shared among many students, offering less individualized attention and slower progress.
Limited Family Connection
Families receive minimal updates and few opportunities to reinforce progress outside of the classroom.
Children “Age Out” of Services
Children often “age out” of services around age six, losing access to the consistent, specialized support they still need.
Jumpstart grows with your child every step of the way
Your child’s Jumpstart journey is personalized to meet them where they are and help them grow with confidence. Placement is based on each child’s age, skills, sensory needs, and developmental goals.
Every Jumpstart level helps children build confidence through emotional regulation, communication, and social play, preparing them to thrive in structured classrooms and everyday life.
Foundations
Building early connection
Rising Learners
Exploring and engaging
School Ready
Confident and independent
What a day in Jumpstart looks like
Each day blends structured learning, play, and connection. Schedules are tailored to your child, but here’s an example of what a typical day may look like.
Morning Activities (start at 8:30 am)
Circle time, songs, gross-motor games, snacks with friends, all with 1:1 individualized support.
8:30 AM Arrival & Sensorimotor Activities:
Gentle transitions with sensory play and movement to help children settle into the day.
9:00 AM Individual & Group Activities:
Hands-on play focused on communication, sharing, and problem-solving.
9:30 AM Gross Motor Group & Joint Engagement:
Encourages movement, coordination, and teamwork through active play.
10:00 AM Circle Time & Snack:
Group songs, stories, and social time to build listening and interaction skills.
10:30 AM Small Group Rotations:
Targeted activities that support learning goals and social engagement.
Midday Activities
Fine-motor activities, arts and crafts, lunch, and social play with therapist facilitation.
11:00 AM Creative Table Activity & Snack:
Fine motor tasks that encourage focus, independence, and creativity.
12:00 PM Lunch & Recess:
Time to recharge, eat together, and enjoy free play.
Afternoon Activities (end at 1:30, 3:30, or 5:00 pm)
Special interest exploration, group readings, and obstacle courses, all guides by therapists.
1:00 PM Motor Stations:
Dynamic activities to support sensory regulation and body awareness.
1:30 PM Group Reading & Individual Activities:
Quiet, focused time for literacy, imagination, and emotional regulation.
2:30 PM Individual & Group Activities:
Afternoon sessions may include co-treatments or social skill-building opportunities.
3:15 PM Dismissal:
Calm transitions and wrap-up for the day.
Jumpstart Roadmap
Support early childhood development and meet essential milestones
1. ABA Assessment
If your child is under 6 years of age, a Jumpstart readiness assessment will take place during your ABA assessment.
2. Personalized Plan
When the assessment is completed, the BCBA will communicate if Jumpstart is recommended for your child and detail a proposed plan for their participation to begin.
3. Starting Jumpstart
Jumpstart begins with in-clinic therapy sessions led by a dedicated team of specialists. Your child will work closely with behavior therapists, speech and occupational therapists, and developmental experts who collaborate daily to support consistent progress.
4. Graduation
Graduation from Jumpstart depends on each child’s needs and the environment that best supports their next stage of growth. Many transition around age six to kindergarten, another school program, or continued therapy. After graduation, some children join social groups with peers their age to continue building social, play, and executive functioning skills.
Hear how Noah found his path at Cortica
Discover how early intervention made a difference in Noah’s life.
Noah
Joined Cortica at age 18 months
Diagnosis: high-risk for autism
First six months
Noah was not yet speaking or making eye contact, but in a few months at Cortica he learned 20 new words and began responding to his name. Soon he started feeding himself, imitating gestures, and sleeping through the night.
One year
Noah started Cortica’s Jumpstart early intervention program. He participated in circle time, singing, games, arts and crafts, snack time, and became fully toilet-trained.
Three years
Noah mastered his pre-academic skills and transitioned to a mainstream pre-kindergarten classroom. He feeds and dresses himself independently, converses in phrases and sentences, and loves to ride his scooter.
Meet the Experts Behind Jumpstart
Every Jumpstarter is supported by a compassionate team of experts:
BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts)
Our clinicians assess each child’s unique strengths and needs, create personalized treatment goals, and guide the care team using evidence-based practices that adapt as your child grows. They also partner closely with parents and caregivers, helping families apply strategies at home, from mealtime routines to bedtime transitions, to reinforce progress and create lasting impact.
Behavior Technicians
They work 1:1 with children during each session, helping them practice new skills, build independence, and experience joy in learning. Behavior technicians bring energy, compassion, and consistency that help children feel supported every day.
Therapists (Speech, Occupational, Music)
Developmental Therapists in speech-language, occupational therapy, and music therapy enrich Jumpstart sessions with targeted support. They help children find their voice, strengthen coordination, and engage socially through creative and motivating activities.
Jumpstart is offered at all Cortica clinics as a complement to 1:1 therapy provided in home or in clinic. To enroll, children must have completed an ABA assessment or be actively receiving ABA services at Cortica.
Why Starting Early Matters
The early years are the most important for your child’s development. Starting autism therapy now builds communication, social, and emotional skills during this key stage.
Cortica’s Jumpstart Program for children five and under offers full-day and half-day options.
Call our Jumpstart Team at 888-885-5068 for more information or to get started.
FAQs
Who is eligible for Jumpstart?
Jumpstart is designed for children ages five and under who have been diagnosed with autism. Children must complete an ABA assessment or be actively receiving ABA services through Cortica to participate.
What can I expect from Jumpstart at Cortica?
Jumpstart combines play-based learning and evidence-based therapies to support your child’s growth across all areas of development. Each day blends intentional routines with flexible learning experiences guided by a team of therapists and behavior specialists. Families receive regular updates and support to help carry over progress at home.
What are the major developmental milestones targeted by Jumpstart?
Jumpstart helps children build the foundational skills needed for school readiness and everyday life, including:
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Communication and language development
- Social interaction and play skills
- Following routines and transitions
- Early academic readiness, independence, and confidence
Will my insurance cover Autism Therapy?
Cortica partners with a wide range of health insurance providers. We’ll help you verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before starting services. Our team works directly with your insurance company to make the process as smooth as possible.
How long is Jumpstart?
Program length varies for each child based on their unique goals and progress. Most children participate for at least one year, though some continue longer to support their transition into school or other programs. Your care team will work with you to determine the best plan for your child.
Together, we can unlock joy
The first step to care with Cortica is scheduling a Clinical Intake Visit. We get started on day 1 with a comprehensive billable consultation designed to give you clarity and direction.
During this appointment:
Our specialists will listen to your child’s story and your family’s goals.
We’ll complete a developmental and medical review.
You’ll leave with a personalized roadmap for care, including therapies, support options, and insurance guidance.