Every Child Is Different
Your child deserves a plan built for them
Not a template. Not a one-size checklist. A BCBA-designed program that addresses your child's specific challenges.
Approximately 25-30% of children with autism are nonverbal or minimally verbal. Budding Futures provides ABA therapy focused on building functional communication for nonverbal children across Colorado, using verbal behavior techniques, PECS, sign language, and AAC devices. Research indicates that intensive ABA programs of 25-40 hours weekly can lead to significant improvements in communication, and with the right approach, many nonverbal children develop language skills even after age 4.
Nonverbal doesn't mean a child has nothing to say. It means they haven't yet found the right way to say it. Some children with autism never develop spoken language. Others have a few words but can't use them functionally to request, comment, or interact. Many fall somewhere in between, using single words inconsistently or relying on gestures and behaviors to communicate. The challenge isn't intelligence. It's the gap between what your child understands and what they can express. That gap causes frustration, behavioral challenges, and isolation that ABA therapy is specifically designed to close.
Budding Futures uses verbal behavior (VB) techniques rooted in B.F. Skinner's analysis of language to build functional communication from wherever your child is today. Mand training teaches requesting. Tact training builds labeling. For children who aren't yet using spoken words, we introduce the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), sign language, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Rachel Blackburn, BCBA, our Clinical Director, brings a background in American Sign Language that she integrates into communication programming when appropriate. Functional Communication Training replaces problem behaviors with effective communication, because most "behavior problems" in nonverbal children are actually communication attempts. Elopement, aggression, and meltdowns are often a child's way of saying something they can't put into words. Every goal targets real-world function. Asking for a snack. Telling you they're done. Saying no.
Communication doesn't happen on command. It happens during breakfast, at the playground, in the car. Budding Futures delivers therapy in your home and your child's school using Natural Environment Teaching (NET), which embeds communication practice into play, meals, and routines where language opportunities occur naturally. Our parent coaching program teaches you how to create communication opportunities throughout the day, because the hours between sessions matter more than the sessions themselves. See our 4-phase methodology for how Budding Futures structures your child's program. We also coordinate with speech-language pathologists when applicable so ABA and speech therapy goals align instead of overlap.
Colorado Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children under 21 with an autism diagnosis through EPSDT. Most private insurers also cover ABA under Colorado's autism insurance mandate. Budding Futures verifies your benefits before your first session at no cost to your family.
One conversation. That's all it takes to find out if Budding Futures is the right fit. We'll answer your questions, check your insurance, and connect you with a BCBA who'll get to know your family.