ABA Therapy in School in Denver

ABA therapy in school in Denver at a glance

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

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 does Denver Public Schools allow?

In 2023-24, DPS said yes to few outside ABA requests for autistic students, so plan for both answers.

• Chalkbeat reported that Denver Public Schools "received 28 requests for ABA therapy in school and granted only three" in the 2023-24 school year (Chalkbeat)
• The same report says Jeffco, Douglas County and Cherry Creek "granted all of the requests" they received, which matters if you live near the city line
• A 2022 state law, HB22-1260, requires every district to publish how a private provider can observe, collaborate and treat at school. Ask your school for the DPS policy; we could not find it posted online
• If DPS says no, the same goals continue at home and after school (next section)

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 Denver County 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 DPS says no?

If DPS says no, the same goals continue at home and after school.

• Sessions start at home or after school while the request is open
• The BCBA can still consult with teachers where the school allows it
• Parent coaching covers mornings, drop-off and homework time
• We keep the request open and raise it again at the next IEP meeting

How to start ABA therapy at school in Denver

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.