The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting ABA therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis. For toddlers, every month counts.
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that starting ABA therapy before age 4 produces significantly stronger developmental outcomes than starting later. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavioral intervention begin as soon as possible after an autism diagnosis. For toddlers ages 2 to 5, every month matters.
Budding Futures ABA provides early intervention ABA therapy across Colorado. Our BCBAs specialize in play-based, naturalistic approaches designed for toddlers. Therapy happens in your home, where your child is most comfortable, not in a clinical setting that adds stress to an already overwhelming time.
The U.S. Surgeon General's report on mental health confirms that 25 to 40 hours per week of ABA therapy over 1 to 3 years produces measurable gains in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills, and social functioning. For children under 5, these gains are significantly larger than for children who start later because the brain is at its most adaptable during the toddler years.
Budding Futures ABA uses VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R assessments to measure your child's progress from the very first session. Rachel Blackburn, BCBA, designs each treatment plan to target the specific skills your toddler needs, whether that is language, social interaction, self-care, or managing transitions. We track data on every session so you can see exactly how your child is progressing, not in vague terms, but in measurable milestones.
Early intervention with Budding Futures is play-based and naturalistic. A trained RBT comes to your home and works with your toddler through activities that look like play but are carefully structured to build specific skills. There is no clinic commute, no unfamiliar waiting room, and no added stress for your child. Skills transfer immediately because therapy happens in the same environment where your child eats, plays, and interacts with family. Learn more about our in-home ABA therapy approach.
Common signs that your toddler may benefit from ABA therapy include limited eye contact, not responding to their name by 12 months, repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or lining up objects, speech delays or loss of previously acquired words, difficulty with transitions between activities, limited pretend play, and a strong preference for solitary play. If your pediatrician has raised concerns about your child's development, that is enough reason to schedule an evaluation. Read our full guide on signs your child may need ABA therapy. Do not wait for a "wait and see" recommendation. The research is clear that earlier intervention produces better outcomes.
Yes. Colorado's autism insurance mandate (SB 09-244 and SB 15-015) requires private insurers to cover ABA therapy with no age or dollar caps. Colorado Medicaid covers ABA for children under 21 through EPSDT, which means most families qualify for early intervention ABA at little or no cost. Budding Futures verifies your insurance benefits before your first session. For Medicaid-specific questions, see our Colorado Medicaid ABA guide.
Sessions are structured through play. Your toddler builds skills through activities that feel natural, not clinical. Engagement stays high because therapy feels like fun.
No clinic commute. No unfamiliar environment. Your toddler learns where they live, which means skills transfer to real life from day one.
VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R assessments track every milestone. You see exactly where your child started and how far they have come, measured in real data.
We teach you how to reinforce skills between sessions. Your toddler's progress does not stop when the RBT leaves. You become part of the therapy team.
Every month matters for toddlers with autism. We will verify your insurance, schedule a BCBA evaluation, and get your child started with play-based ABA therapy in your home.