ABA Therapy in School in Colorado Springs

ABA therapy in school in Colorado Springs at a glance

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

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 Colorado Springs school districts allow?

Each district has its own process for outside ABA providers working with autistic students, and the school decides each request.

• Harrison School District 2 asks families to submit a "Request for Private Provider Observation or Medically Necessary Services in School" form (Harrison D2)
• Widefield School District 3 lists its policy JLCDC-R, "Authorizing Private Health Care Specialists To Provide Medically Necessary Treatment in School Setting," in its annual notices
• For District 11, Academy District 20, Falcon 49 and Cheyenne Mountain 12, ask the school for its medically necessary treatment policy; we could not find the text posted online
• A 2022 state law, HB22-1260, requires every district to publish this process

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 El Paso County runs through Colorado Community Health Alliance, Region 3
• Aetna, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser and TRICARE are accepted too. See how Medicaid ABA works in Colorado.

Military families: school support after a move

Budding Futures prioritizes military families who need to restart ABA fast after a new duty station.

• TRICARE covers ABA therapy for kids with an autism diagnosis; we check your TRICARE benefits and run the authorization
• In-home sessions on Fort Carson, in base housing near Peterson Space Force Base, or off post in Fountain or Security-Widefield
• Bring the last IEP and behavior plan; the BCBA uses them so school support does not start from zero

What if the school says no?

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

• The same school goals continue in in-home sessions after school, evenings until 8 PM, or weekends
• The BCBA can still consult with teachers where the school allows it
• We keep the request open and ask again at the next IEP meeting

How to start ABA therapy at school in Colorado Springs

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.