There’s no simple roadmap — but with the right team beside you, the path becomes clear.
When you first heard the words “autism diagnosis,” you might’ve felt like you’d landed in a foreign place without a guide.
Suddenly, there were new terms to learn, systems to navigate, and so many decisions to make — all while still just trying to be your child’s parent.
At The DATA Group, we understand that moment — because we’ve been the ones families turn to in those first, uncertain steps.
It’s also the moment that inspired our founder, Tara Sheerin, to build something different: a practice grounded in science, fueled by connection, and centered on the families we serve.
Tara Sheerin, Ed.M., BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 25 years of experience supporting young children with autism.
Early in her career, Tara worked in an intensive ABA program and an inclusive preschool program at Rutgers University, where she learned the value of small-group learning and integrated environments.
This became the foundation for her lifelong commitment to child-led, developmentally attuned therapy.
She went on to develop a preschool and K–2 ABA program within the Summit Board of Education, building an in-district model where children with autism could learn and grow alongside their peers — with intensive, naturalistic supports.
But she knew she could go further.
In 2009, Tara founded The DATA Group with a bold mission:
To design a highly effective ABA program that doesn’t just teach — but helps children grow, connect, and thrive, while empowering families with the tools and confidence to move forward together.
Tara recognized that while traditional ABA offered a strong behavioral foundation, it often lacked the developmental responsiveness young children need to thrive.
Committed to evidence-based best practices, she pursued advanced training and certification in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) — a comprehensive, empirically validated model of ABA for children under five.
Grounded in the principles of applied behavior analysis and supported by randomized controlled trials (Dawson et al., 2010), ESDM integrates behavioral teaching with developmental science, using play, joint attention, and relationship-building to drive meaningful learning.
Today, its methods are embedded across all programs at The DATA Group.
This vision is realized through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of:
This model brings together the right team, tools, and strategies to support each child’s learning journey — every step of the way.
Yes, it’s an acronym:
Designing Activities & Treatments in Autism.
But more than that, it reflects our approach. We’re not here to plug your child into a one-size-fits-all model. We’re here to design care that is research-backed, data-informed, developmentally appropriate, and genuinely transformative.
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.”
This belief is at the heart of our work — and it’s what makes The DATA Group not just an agency, but a place where families find hope, support, and a clear path forward.
When Tara founded The DATA Group, her vision was to create the first program of its kind in New Jersey — one that would serve as a model for early intervention across the state.
She saw the need for a new standard: a program that didn’t just use ABA and scientifically grounded practices, but elevated it through developmental appropriateness and strong relationships.
Tara brought together a multidisciplinary team and built a comprehensive framework designed to show what’s possible when connection, science, and sensitivity to how children actually learn come together.
Today, The DATA Group offers a first-of-its-kind program — giving NJ families access to early intervention that works, feels good, and honors the way children naturally grow and learn.
Getting started with services often feels like its own full-time job — especially if you’ve just received a diagnosis. We’re here to walk with you through this next step, and to answer the things you may not even know to ask yet.
Below are the most common questions families bring to us in their first call. If you’re wondering something else, we’re just a conversation away.
Costs vary based on the number of hours and the kind of services your child receives — but before anything starts, we’ll provide a full breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
We never want cost to feel like a mystery or a barrier.
We are an out-of-network provider, which means we can work with most insurance plans that include out-of-network benefits. Families often don’t realize these benefits exist, and we’ll guide you through the process so you don’t have to spend hours on the phone with your insurance company.
Our controller will work with you step by step, and we partner with a dedicated billing company to handle claims directly. Families are not required to pay upfront — instead, we wait for reimbursement from your insurance provider, making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
If your plan includes out-of-network coverage, we’ll help you understand exactly what’s covered, what your costs may be, and what to expect. For families without coverage, we also offer private pay options with reduced rates and will discuss flexible solutions that fit your needs.
Let us verify your benefits for free before services begin — so you have a clear picture
It starts with a conversation — no pressure, no forms, no commitment. Just a safe space to share what’s going on and explore what’s possible.
If we’re a good fit, we’ll walk you through each step, from insurance to enrollment to what a typical week will look like.
Let’s take the next step together.
If this feels like the kind of support you’ve been searching for, we’d love to meet you. There’s no pressure, no commitment — just a safe space to start the conversation about your child’s growth.
Reach Out Now
If you’re ready to take the next step, please book a consultation or request an appointment today!
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