We offer naturalistic ABA therapy (ESDM-based), speech therapy (SLP), and occupational therapy (OT) – delivered in an integrated, play-based model.

Our program uniquely combines the world-renowned medical expertise and research capabilities of CHOP with Soar’s proven, interdisciplinary therapy model. This allows for seamless integration of behavioral therapies (ABA, SLP, and OT) within the care center and specialized medical care coordination with CHOP or other providers.

Our ABA program is rooted in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). ESDM is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention that uses play and relationship-based routines rather than structured drills. It embeds learning into everyday activities and supports social communication, adaptive behavior, and cognitive skills.

While both are evidence-based, ESDM emphasizes learning through play and natural routines rather than highly structured “discrete trials” (like working repeatedly at a table). ESDM uses “Joint Activity Routines” (JARs) where the therapist embeds learning opportunities into the child’s natural play interests. It focuses on building relationships and uses reinforcement (like continuing a fun activity) based on a child’s natural interests.

We offer individual SLP and OT sessions as well as co-treatment sessions where these specialties overlap. Our clinicians collaborate closely as an interdisciplinary team to ensure consistency and reinforce goals across all disciplines.

This coordination is a core benefit of our program. CHOP-Soar clinicians collaborate with medical experts at CHOP or another provider to coordinate care, ensuring that medical and behavioral interventions work together and reducing the burden on caregivers.

Not at this time. If you are seeking a diagnosis, please reach out to our team and we can connect you to potential diagnosing providers.

Our current focus is early intervention for children aged 6 and under.

Our centers are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. We offer flexibility within these hours to tailor a schedule that works for your family.

For ABA therapy, each child works 1:1 with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). That RBT is supervised by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They will also work with our specialized SLPs and OTs. To ensure highly personalized attention and rigorous oversight, our BCBAs maintain small caseloads of only 7-8 clients.

We closely monitor progress and conduct formal reassessments every six months. We use standardized tools like the ESDM Curriculum Checklist (measuring skill acquisition) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (measuring adaptive functioning compared to typically developing peers). We review these results with families to update treatment goals and the transition plan.

Every child’s journey is unique, but our philosophy is to invest in treatment early when the impact is most pronounced. Our goal is to help children “graduate” from intensive therapy by school age (5-7). Most children participate in treatment for ~2 years before graduating to the school system.

Our goal is to transition each child into a full-time school setting in the least restrictive environment possible. Discharge readiness is indicated by steady improvements in assessment scores, independence with daily living skills, effective functional communication, and a reduction of challenging behaviors. As goals are met, therapy hours are gradually reduced to ensure a smooth transition.