ABA Therapy in School in Aurora

ABA therapy in school in Aurora at a glance

Can an ABA therapist work with my child at school in Aurora?

Yes, when the school approves an outside provider and the therapy is authorized. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children with autism can then continue in the classroom.

• One of our registered behavior technicians (RBTs) works 1:1 with your child during the school day, as the school allows: transitions, following directions, asking for help
• A BCBA writes the plan, checks the data and adjusts it
• Budding Futures handles the outreach; the school district decides on building access

How does in-school ABA work with my child's IEP?

The IEP is the school's special education plan; ABA is medical therapy. One does not replace the other.

• With your permission, the BCBA shares data with the IEP team and lines up therapy goals with IEP goals
• Our BCBA can join the IEP meeting when the school invites the outside provider
• New to IEPs? Read autism IEPs in Colorado

What do Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek allow?

Aurora Public Schools publishes a written process for outside ABA providers working with autistic students. Cherry Creek must have one too under state law; ask your school for it.

• Aurora Public Schools: the IEP or 504 team decides whether treatment must happen at school. Before it starts, you sign a consent form and the school, provider and parent sign a written plan (APS policy JLCDC-R).
• Aurora Public Schools also requires a background check with fingerprinting for the provider, and may deny or reschedule visits that disrupt school activities
• Chalkbeat reported in 2024 that Aurora Public Schools "granted half the requests it received in the last three years," and that Cherry Creek "granted all of the requests" in the 2023-24 school year (Chalkbeat)
• A 2022 state law, HB22-1260, requires every district to publish how a private provider can observe, collaborate and treat at school

Does Medicaid pay for ABA therapy at school?

Yes, when ABA is medically necessary and approved. Since May 3, 2024, Health First Colorado lists school as an allowed place for pediatric behavioral therapy, as long as the provider follows the school district's policy (HCPF billing manual).

• Most families on Health First Colorado pay $0
• No autism diagnosis is needed when a doctor says therapy is medically necessary
• Budding Futures files the prior authorization; each approval lasts up to six months
• Health First Colorado in Aurora (Arapahoe and Adams counties) runs through Colorado Access, Region 4
• Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser and TRICARE are accepted too. See how Medicaid ABA works in Colorado.

What if the school says no?

The plan keeps moving at home and after school. No outside provider can make a Colorado school accept an RBT in class.

• The same school goals continue in after-school ABA at home
• The BCBA can still consult with teachers where the school allows it
• Parent coaching helps you carry the routines into mornings and drop-off
• We keep the request open and ask again at the next IEP meeting

How to start ABA therapy at school in Aurora

1. Call (720) 613-8837 or send the form with your child's age, school and grade.
2. We verify your Medicaid or insurance benefits, free.
3. A BCBA assesses your child and writes the plan for school and home.
4. We contact the school and follow its outside-provider process. In-school sessions start once the school approves; home and after-school sessions can start sooner.