Highlands Ranch provider guide, updated September 14, 2026

ABA Therapy Providers in Highlands Ranch for Newly Diagnosed Kids: 9 Compared

All nine providers below take children under 3, and six of them offer therapy in your home. Highlands Ranch has a few ABA centers of its own, and families often compare them with in-home providers and centers in nearby Littleton.

Budding Futures ABA publishes this guide. We list ourselves first because we can describe our own program in the most detail. The order is not a ranking, and every fact about another provider comes from that provider's own website or the state Medicaid list.

A therapist and child laughing during a play session
12 providers

on Health First Colorado's behavioral therapy list name Highlands Ranch in their service area. This guide compares the ones parents of young children are most likely to call.

ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch: providers at a glance

Use this table to cross off providers fast. Start with the Under 3 and Setting columns, because age and setting rule out the most options for a newly diagnosed young child. Tap a name to jump to its full write-up.

"Not stated" means the provider's website did not say, not that the answer is no. "On the state list" means the provider appears on Health First Colorado's Pediatric Behavioral Therapies provider list. Checked September 14, 2026.
ProviderSettingAgesUnder 3Parent trainingHealth First ColoradoAvailabilityFits families who
1. Budding Futures ABA
Publisher of this guide
In-homeSchool
18 months to 18 years
From 18 months
Built into every plan, 10 to 20% of hours
On the state list
Says no waitlist
want therapy at home, starting as young as 18 months
2. Action Behavior Centers
Center
18 months to 8 years
From 18 months
BCBA family sessions twice a month
On the state list
Says no waitlist
want a center for a child 18 months to 8
3. BlueSprig Autism
In-homeCenterSchoolDaycare or communityTelehealth
Birth to 18 years
Yes
Yes
Website says yes
Not stated
want an age-banded center program with a start in the first years
4. Behavioral Innovations
CenterTelehealth
18 months to 10 years
From 18 months
Built into every plan
On the state list
Not stated
want a center that can diagnose and treat a child 18 months to 10
5. Key Autism Services
In-homeCenterSchoolDaycare or communityTelehealth
From 6 months
From 6 months
Weekly parent and caregiver training
On the state list
Not stated
want in-home ABA that can start in the first year of life
6. The Treetop
In-home
From 18 months
From 18 months
Periodic parent training meetings
Website says yes
Not stated
want in-home ABA from 18 months with Medicaid accepted
7. Novus Behavior Associates
In-homeSchoolDaycare or communityTelehealth
Not stated
Yes
Separate BCBA-guided parent sessions
On the state list
Not stated
want ABA at home, school and in the community
8. Willow ABA Services
CenterTelehealth
From 2 years
Yes
A telehealth caregiver program
On the state list
Not stated
want clinic ABA plus a video caregiver program
9. Altara ABA Therapy
In-homeSchoolDaycare or communityTelehealth
2 to 18 years
From 2 years
Strategies for home taught to families
On the state list
Says no waitlist
want in-home or school ABA with a sliding-scale option

Just diagnosed? Four things to decide before you start ABA therapy

New to ABA? ABA therapy, short for applied behavior analysis, is an evidence-based therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal is to help children communicate, play and get through daily routines with less struggle. Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) assess each child against developmental milestones and write a personalized therapy plan, and registered behavior technicians (RBTs) work on the goals in it: communication, social skills and social interaction, daily living skills and behavior. Good providers individualize that plan and tailor it to your family, so it should look different from one child, and one Highlands Ranch provider, to the next.

Home, center or a mix

In-home ABA teaches skills where your child uses them: meals, bath time, bedtime. A center offers peers, a practice classroom and a set schedule. Some providers do both.

Does the provider take your child's age

On this list, all nine providers say they take children under 3, and some centers stop at age 5, 8 or 10. If your child is a toddler, ask this first, because it rules providers out fastest.

How you will pay

Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) covers behavioral therapy for eligible children when it is medically necessary, and an autism diagnosis is not required. With private insurance, ask the provider to check your exact plan before the first session. In Highlands Ranch, it is managed regionally by Colorado Access.

How soon you can start

Waits change month to month. Ask two questions: is there a waitlist for the assessment, and is a therapist free at the hours your child needs in your ZIP code.

In-home ABA therapy or a center: which setting fits your child

If this sounds like your childLook atWhy
Most struggles happen at home: meals, sleep, potty training, getting dressedIn-homeThe therapist works on the routine in the place it happens.
Your child is 18 months to 3 and not in daycareIn-home or a toddler centerBoth work. Home keeps a young child in a familiar place; a center adds other kids.
You want peer play and a classroom-style dayCenter-basedCenters can run groups and practice-classroom programs a home cannot.
You need several hours of care away from home while you workCenter-basedA center schedule doubles as structured time out of the house.
A new adult at home is likely to upset your childCenter-based to startHome is some children's one safe space. Starting elsewhere can be gentler.
Your child is in preschool or school and struggles thereA provider that works with schoolsAsk whether they can support your child at school where the district allows it.

"I toured 6 locations before finding the right fit. I didn't worry about the size of the company, I wanted to see if their methods were something I thought would be helpful for my kid."

a parent on r/Autism_Parenting, on Reddit

ABA therapy for children with autism in Highlands Ranch: the providers, one by one

Each write-up covers what ABA therapy for children looks like at that provider: setting, ages, parent involvement, insurance and availability, using only what the provider publishes. Budding Futures comes first because this is our site and we can describe our own program in the most detail; the rest follow in no particular order.

1Budding Futures ABA

Fits families who want therapy at home, starting as young as 18 months

Budding Futures brings ABA therapy to your home. There is no clinic to drive to. A registered behavior technician comes to your house, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) plans and supervises the work. We see families in homes across Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Castle Pines. Here is our page on in-home ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch.

What therapy looks like for a young child

Our youngest clients are 18 months old, and we stay with families through age 18. With toddlers, most of the work is play. A therapist might build first words around bubbles, a snack or a favorite song, because that is where a two-year-old is paying attention. Therapy is built on play and assent. Breaks are part of the plan, and punishment-based techniques are not.

Parent coaching and the same therapist

Parent coaching is part of every plan, usually 10 to 20% of the hours. You learn the same prompts and routines the therapist uses, so progress keeps going after the session ends. The same technician works with your child session after session.

Who runs your child's plan

Clinical oversight is closer than the minimum rules require. A BCBA supervises about 20% of therapy hours, four times the BACB floor, under our Clinical Director, Rachel Blackburn, BCBA. Assessments use VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R, and session data goes into CentralReach the same day.

School, insurance and start times

For school-age kids we also work with schools. We reach out, ask for access and share goals with teachers when you say yes. Some districts let an outside therapist in and some do not. More on how that works: school-based ABA in Highlands Ranch.

Budding Futures accepts Health First Colorado (Medicaid) as Provider Types 83 and 84, plus Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem BCBS and TRICARE. We check your benefits for free before therapy starts. We do not balance-bill families, and most Health First Colorado families pay $0 out of pocket. We have no waitlist. Intake usually takes a couple of weeks, and therapy starts once the insurance approval is back.

Setting
In-home, School
Ages
18 months to 18 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Built into every plan, 10 to 20% of hours
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Website says no waitlist
Location
Therapists come to homes across Highlands Ranch

2Action Behavior Centers

Fits families who want a center for a child 18 months to 8

Action Behavior Centers runs center-based ABA for children 18 months to 8 years old. Its site says in-home therapy is only offered in Texas, so in Colorado this is a center program. Each child's BCBA leads Family Guidance sessions twice a month, the company offers autism diagnostic evaluations, and its site says there is no waitlist. Its center closest to Highlands Ranch is at 8955 S Ridgeline Blvd, Suite 1000 & (1100), Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

Worth a call if you want a structured center with other kids, your child is under 9, and you may also need a diagnosis.

From Action Behavior Centers's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
Center
Ages
18 months to 8 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
BCBA family sessions twice a month
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Website says no waitlist
Nearest location
8955 S Ridgeline Blvd, Suite 1000 & (1100), Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

3BlueSprig Autism

Fits families who want an age-banded center program with a start in the first years

BlueSprig runs six Denver-area centers and offers center, in-home and school services. Its programs are grouped by age, starting with Sprouts for the youngest children and running through Trailblazers at 18. It accepts Medicaid, TRICARE, Kaiser and other major plans, and asks families to come with an existing autism diagnosis. Its center closest to Highlands Ranch is at 630 Plaza Dr. Suite 100, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129.

Worth a call if your child already has a diagnosis and you want a center program that grows with them.

From BlueSprig Autism's website (source 1), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
In-home, Center, School, Daycare or community, Telehealth
Ages
Birth to 18 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Yes
Health First Colorado
Website says it accepts Medicaid
Availability
Not published
Nearest location
630 Plaza Dr. Suite 100, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129
A child's hand placing pieces on a shape sorter

4Behavioral Innovations

Fits families who want a center that can diagnose and treat a child 18 months to 10

Behavioral Innovations runs one-to-one, center-based ABA for children 18 months to 10 years, with parent training as a standard part of the program. It offers diagnostic evaluations, accepts Medicaid and has Spanish-speaking staff. An intake advocate checks insurance the same day you reach out.

Worth a call if you want testing and therapy from one provider and a quick insurance answer.

From Behavioral Innovations's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
Center, Telehealth
Ages
18 months to 10 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Built into every plan
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Not published

5Key Autism Services

Fits families who want in-home ABA that can start in the first year of life

Key Autism Services works with children from 6 months old, at home and at its Centennial center, which has 14 therapy rooms, a sensory gym and a mock classroom. Parents get weekly training sessions. It accepts Medicaid and major commercial plans.

Worth a call if your child is very young and you want in-home therapy with a center option in the metro.

From Key Autism Services's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
In-home, Center, School, Daycare or community, Telehealth
Ages
From 6 months
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Weekly parent and caregiver training
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Not published

6The Treetop

Fits families who want in-home ABA from 18 months with Medicaid accepted

The Treetop provides in-home ABA in Colorado for children from 18 months, with Medicaid accepted. Parents get updates after each session and periodic training meetings. The company came under new ownership in 2025 and now operates in 13 states.

Worth a call if you want therapy at home and are comfortable with a larger multi-state company.

From The Treetop's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
In-home
Ages
From 18 months
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Periodic parent training meetings
Health First Colorado
Website says it accepts Medicaid
Availability
Not published

7Novus Behavior Associates

Fits families who want ABA at home, school and in the community

Novus Behavior Associates does not run a clinic. Its services happen at home, at school and in the community, with separate parent training sessions guided by a BCBA. It accepts Health First Colorado, Anthem, Cigna and ComPsych.

Worth a call if you want therapy in real-life settings and separate training time for you.

From Novus Behavior Associates's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
In-home, School, Daycare or community, Telehealth
Ages
Not stated
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Separate BCBA-guided parent sessions
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Not published

8Willow ABA Services

Fits families who want clinic ABA plus a video caregiver program

Willow ABA Services runs one-to-one clinic ABA from age 2, with a Littleton location. It offers a telehealth Caregiver Support Program that meets once or twice a week, including for families who are waiting to start.

Worth a call if you want caregiver support by video while you wait or between visits.

From Willow ABA Services's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
Center, Telehealth
Ages
From 2 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
A telehealth caregiver program
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Not published

9Altara ABA Therapy

Fits families who want in-home or school ABA with a sliding-scale option

Altara ABA Therapy provides in-home and school ABA for ages 2 to 18, accepts Medicaid and says there is no waitlist. It offers sliding-scale payment for families who are uninsured or underinsured.

Worth a call if cost is a worry and you may not have full coverage.

From Altara ABA Therapy's website (source 1, source 2, source 3), checked September 14, 2026.

Setting
In-home, School, Daycare or community, Telehealth
Ages
2 to 18 years
Under 3
Yes
Parent involvement
Strategies for home taught to families
Health First Colorado
On the state provider list
Availability
Website says no waitlist

What ABA therapy services in Highlands Ranch publish, counted

We counted what the nine Highlands Ranch providers on this page say on their own websites. These counts describe this list, not every provider in Highlands Ranch.

Take children under 39 of 9
Offer therapy in your home6 of 9
Offer therapy at a center5 of 9
Describe parent training on their site9 of 9
Publish anything about a waitlist3 of 9
Appear on the Health First Colorado provider list7 of 9

Counts include Budding Futures. "Publish anything about a waitlist" means the site says there is, or is not, a waitlist; three say there is none. Separately, 12 providers on the state's Pediatric Behavioral Therapies list name Highlands Ranch in their service area, and 14 more name only the county.

Autism therapy and care for children under 3 in Highlands Ranch

Start Early Intervention Colorado at the same time

Early Intervention Colorado is the state's free program for children under 3, with no income limit. For Douglas County, the local agency is Developmental Pathways (303-360-6600). Anyone can refer, including you, through the state's online referral form.

Early intervention and ABA can run side by side. The state coordinator writes the family service plan, the ABA provider writes the behavior plan, and with your permission the two share goals. See how that works in practice: early intervention ABA in Highlands Ranch.

At age 3, the school side takes over. Douglas County School District runs Child Find for ages 3 to 5 for every Highlands Ranch address, with evaluations at no cost to families.

If your child has Health First Colorado, the state's behavioral therapy benefit does not require an autism diagnosis when therapy is medically necessary. Highlands Ranch is in Douglas County, where Medicaid is managed regionally by Colorado Access.

A therapist and child laughing during a play session

How to get started with ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch

Most families in Highlands Ranch go through the same five steps, whichever provider they pick. Knowing them ahead of time makes the first calls shorter and can help your child start sooner.

  1. Get the referral paperwork readyKeep the diagnostic report if you have one. Health First Colorado does not require an autism diagnosis for behavioral therapy when it is medically necessary, but a private plan may ask for one, so check yours.
  2. Ask for a benefits checkCall two or three providers from this list. Each one should check your coverage for free and tell you what you will owe before anything is scheduled.
  3. The BCBA assessmentA BCBA meets your child, watches play and routines, and often uses a skills assessment such as VB-MAPP or ABLLS-R. You talk through your goals for the family.
  4. Prior authorizationThe provider sends a treatment plan to your insurer. With Health First Colorado, a Prior Authorization Request goes to the state's review vendor, and you get a letter with the decision and your appeal rights.
  5. First sessionsThe first weeks are mostly getting to know each other. Expect play, short sessions that grow longer, and your first parent coaching.

Questions to ask ABA therapy providers on the first call

Every child with autism is different, so the right answers depend on yours. Write them down for every provider you call; side by side, the differences get obvious fast.

  • Do you work with children my child's age, and what is the youngest age you take?
  • Is there a waitlist for the assessment, and for a therapist at the hours we need?
  • Will therapy happen at home, at your center or both?
  • Who is the BCBA or lead clinician on my child's case, and how often will they see my child?
  • How is parent and caregiver training scheduled, and is it required?
  • Will my child keep the same technician from week to week?
  • Can you check my Health First Colorado or private plan for free before we start?
  • How will you show me my child's progress?
  • What does a session look like for a two- or three-year-old?
  • Can my child take breaks or say no during a session?

Frequently asked questions about ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch

Which ABA providers in Highlands Ranch take toddlers under 3?
On this list, Budding Futures ABA, Action Behavior Centers, BlueSprig Autism, Behavioral Innovations, Key Autism Services, The Treetop, Novus Behavior Associates, Willow ABA Services and Altara ABA Therapy say they work with children under 3. Ages change, so confirm the youngest age each one takes when you call.
Which ABA providers come to your home in Highlands Ranch?
Based on their websites, Budding Futures ABA, BlueSprig Autism, Key Autism Services, The Treetop, Novus Behavior Associates and Altara ABA Therapy offer in-home ABA. Some also run centers, so ask which setting has openings for your child's age.
Do I need an autism diagnosis to start ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch?
Not with Health First Colorado. The state's behavioral therapy benefit covers eligible children when therapy is medically necessary, with or without an autism diagnosis. Private plans may ask for one. If you still need an evaluation, Action Behavior Centers and Behavioral Innovations list diagnostic services on their sites.
Is there a waitlist for ABA therapy in Highlands Ranch?
On their websites, Budding Futures ABA, Action Behavior Centers and Altara ABA Therapy say there is no waitlist. The rest do not say. Ask about two waits: the assessment, and a therapist at the hours you need.
How much does ABA therapy cost in Highlands Ranch?
It depends on coverage. Health First Colorado covers medically necessary behavioral therapy for eligible children, and Budding Futures says most Health First Colorado families pay $0 out of pocket. Most providers accept several insurance plans. What you pay depends on your deductible and coverage, so ask each provider for a free benefits check before the first session.

How we built this list

We started with Health First Colorado's Pediatric Behavioral Therapies provider list and the providers that show up when Highlands Ranch parents search for ABA or autism therapy. We kept providers with a location in or near Highlands Ranch, or a service page naming it, and read each one's website on September 14, 2026. Every fact about another provider matches text on its own site. If a site did not say something, the table says "Not stated." Providers change hours, ages and insurance often, so confirm details when you call.

  1. Action Behavior Centers: website
  2. BlueSprig Autism: website
  3. Behavioral Innovations: website
  4. Key Autism Services: website
  5. The Treetop: website
  6. Novus Behavior Associates: website
  7. Willow ABA Services: website
  8. Altara ABA Therapy: website
  9. Health First Colorado: Pediatric Behavioral Therapies provider list and benefit page

Talk to a BCBA about your child in Highlands Ranch

Tell us your child's age and what you are seeing at home. We will check your insurance for free and tell you honestly whether in-home ABA is the right fit, even if another provider on this list suits you better.

Or call (720) 613-8837

Call Free Consultation →