Real Progress. Real People. Real Impact.
EIDBI - Early Intervention for ASD
What is EIDBI?
Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI)
The Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) program is designed to give children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related conditions the support they need to grow, connect, and thrive.
Through personalized, evidence-based intervention, the EIDBI program helps build foundational skills in communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, and daily living. It also supports families in understanding and reducing challenging or concerning behaviors in a
compassionate, developmentally respectful way—focusing on the why behind behaviors and
how to meet underlying needs.
Just as importantly, the EIDBI program is here for you—offering education, coaching, and ongoing support for parents and caregivers so the whole family feels more confident, connected, and supported.
Our goal is to help each child increase their independence and feel more comfortable and capable of participating in family life, school, and their community—all while building a strong foundation for long-term growth and well-being.
How does this benefit your family?
Our EIDBI (Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention) program, grounded in the DIRFloortime® approach, offers intensive, personalized support for children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental needs. This program is designed not only to help your child grow—but to empower your entire family.
Through a higher level of weekly support, our team provides developmentally tailored services that help your child build the foundational skills needed to thrive at home, in school, and in the
community.
Using the DIRFloortime® model, we focus on understanding how your child experiences the world, what they need to feel regulated and connected, and how we can support their social, emotional, and functional development through joyful, meaningful interactions.
We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers every step of the way—offering coaching, guidance, and ongoing communication to ensure you’re confident and supported in your role. Whether through individual sessions, caregiver support, or group-based intervention, the EIDBI program is here to help your child move forward—and to help your whole family feel more connected and empowered.
Our Collaborative Process
We believe that every child’s journey is unique—and that families are essential partners in
creating meaningful progress. From the start, we work closely with you to understand your
child’s strengths, challenges, and the support systems already in place.
Collaborative Intake and Needs Assessment
- We begin by determining eligibility and understanding your family’s specific needs. This includes gathering input from parents, caregivers, and—when applicable—other professionals involved in your child’s care (such as teachers, therapists, or medical providers).
Individualized Treatment Planning
- Together, we develop a personalized plan that honors your child’s developmental profile, sensory and emotional needs, and your family’s goals. Every plan is designed to be flexible, responsive, and aligned with your values.
Integrated Support and Intervention
- Our services include a combination of direct intervention for your child, parent and caregiver coaching, and small group opportunities to help children build and generalize
skills in social and functional settings. We prioritize relationship-based strategies and tailor each session to support progress in meaningful, everyday moments.
This collaborative, whole-child approach ensures that every member of your child’s team is moving forward-together.
All of our staff receive initial training through the Interdisciplinary Council on Development
and Learning (ICDL) in the DIRFloortime® model, ensuring a strong foundation in
developmentally respectful, play-based intervention. In addition, every team member completes
all EIDBI-required training as mandated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services
(DHS), including topics related to autism, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based
practices.
We take pride in building a team of professionals who bring prior experience supporting both
neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Before joining our program, each staff member
has demonstrated skill in engaging with children across a range of abilities, ensuring they can
connect, adapt, and build trust with every child and family they support.
To maintain the highest standards of care, all staff receive weekly supervision and coaching,
as well as ongoing professional development to continue deepening their expertise. Many of
our team members are also actively pursuing or hold DIRFloortime® certification, further
reinforcing our commitment to the principles that guide our work.
With a focus on collaboration, curiosity, and compassionate care, our team is here to walk
alongside your family—every step of the way.
Our Approach
At the heart of our program is the DIRFloortime® model, a relationship-based approach rooted
in the science of child development. DIRFloortime® stands for Developmental,
Individual-differences, and Relationship-based, and it guides how we understand and support
each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and ways of engaging with the world.
This approach emphasizes emotional connection, play, and meaningful interaction as the
foundation for growth. By meeting children where they are developmentally and respecting their
individual sensory and regulatory needs, we help build strong relationships that serve as the
platform for learning, communication, and emotional well-being.
All of our team members receive ongoing training, supervision, and mentorship in DIRFloortime®, following the standards set by the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). We believe in partnering closely with families, empowering parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child’s progress and to help shape the strategies used in support of their goals.
For families seeking a more structured intervention, we offer additional tools and support that
align with the DIRFloortime® philosophy—always developmentally respectful,
relationship-centered, and tailored to the child’s and family’s unique profile and preferences.
Who Qualifies for EIDBI?
EIDBI Eligibility Requirements
The person must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a related condition.
The person must be enrolled in MA, MinnesotaCare, Meinnesota Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (MA-TEFRA) or other qualifying health care programs.
The person must be younger than the age of 21.
Our Team's Training and Qualifications
We are deeply committed to providing high-quality, relationship-based care-and that begins with a highly trained, experienced, and compassionate team.
All of our staff receive initial training through the Interdisciplinary Council on Development
and Learning (ICDL) in the DIRFloortime® model, ensuring a strong foundation in developmentally respectful, play-based intervention. In addition, every team member completes all EIDBI-required training as mandated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), including topics related to autism, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based
practices.
We take pride in building a team of professionals who bring prior experience supporting both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Before joining our program, each staff member
has demonstrated skill in engaging with children across a range of abilities, ensuring they can connect, adapt, and build trust with every child and family they support.
To maintain the highest standards of care, all staff receive weekly supervision and coaching, as well as ongoing professional development to continue deepening their expertise. Many of our team members are also actively pursuing or hold DIRFloortime® certification, further reinforcing our commitment to the principles that guide our work.
With a focus on collaboration, curiosity, and compassionate care, our team is here to walk alongside your family—every step of the way.
Where do we provide services?
Our services are designed to meet children and families where they thrive. At our welcoming
Forest Lake Clinic, we provide a playful, sensory-rich environment where relationships grow
and developmental goals are supported through engaging, individualized sessions.
We also bring our expertise beyond the clinic—into schools, community settings, and other
professional settings—to support children in the environments where they live, learn, and play.
For families who prefer or need flexible access, we offer telehealth services, making it easier
than ever to stay connected and supported from the comfort of home.
We also provide limited in-home services, allowing for more personalized, hands-on support
right where it’s needed most. Wherever we work, our approach stays the same: child-led,
relationship-focused, and tailored to your family’s unique journey.
What to Expect from our Program
Our program is designed to provide meaningful, individualized support that fits into your family’s life while offering the intensity needed to create lasting change. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
Session Structure & Frequency
Most children participate in direct intervention sessions that are 3 to 4 hours long, 3 to 4 times per week. These sessions are primarily offered in our Forest Lake clinic, where we create a playful, supportive, and sensory-friendly environment tailored to your child’s developmental needs.
Parent & Caregiver Coaching
We understand that families are a vital part of a child’s growth. That’s why we offer flexible parent and caregiver coaching—up to 6 hours per week—delivered either in person or via telehealth, depending on your schedule and preferences. These sessions help you feel more
confident in supporting your child’s progress in everyday life.
School Coordination
We work closely with families to ensure that intervention schedules are coordinated with school hours, so your child continues to have access to educational opportunities. We believe therapy
should support—not replace—important experiences at school and in the community.
Clinic & Home Services
While most services are delivered in our clinic to provide the consistency and resources of a structured setting, in-home intervention may be available on a case-by-case basis, based on clinical need and family circumstances.
Intake & Planning
Getting started typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, we complete a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan development. This process ensures your child’s services are aligned with their developmental profile and your family’s goals right from the beginning.
Additional Resources
ICDL - What is DIR?
EIDBI 101 for Families
Submit a referral and sign up for EIDBI services today.
The Professional Mental Health Team You Can Trust.
Here at Stride Health Services we provide the highest level of care with some of the best trained professionals in the business.
