If you are new to the world of autism interventions, you may be hearing a lot about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and wondering what it really means for your child. Many Colorado parents share the same questions when beginning their research, especially around effectiveness, hours, insurance coverage, and what therapy looks like day to day. This guide brings together the most common questions families ask, along with clear and supportive answers to help you move forward confidently.
ABA therapy is an evidence based approach that helps children learn important skills and reduce behaviors that may interfere with daily life. Therapists observe what happens before and after a behavior, then teach positive alternatives through structured and natural play based teaching. The goal is not to change who a child is, but to give them tools to communicate, learn, and understand the world more easily. ABA focuses on real life, functional outcomes such as participating in school, managing emotions, expressing needs, and building relationships.
Children with autism at many different ages and developmental stages can benefit from ABA. Toddlers and preschoolers may focus on language, eye contact, play skills, and early learning routines.
ABA is highly individualized, which means goals are created around what matters most to your child and your family.
Therapy hours vary based on assessment results. Many young children receive between 15 and 40 hours per week, especially when early intervention is recommended. Intensive hours provide more learning opportunities and help new skills become part of everyday life. Some children may benefit from targeted part time support instead of a full program. A BCBA will help determine the most appropriate level based on communication needs, behavior concerns, and family routines.
Sessions blend structured learning with natural play and everyday activities. You might see a therapist:
Therapy may happen at home, in a clinic, at school, or in community spaces like the park or grocery store. This allows children to apply skills where they matter most.
Yes. Colorado requires most private insurance policies and Medicaid plans to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. Coverage details vary based on the plan, such as hours authorized or setting options. Your ABA provider can help verify your insurance benefits, explain costs, and guide you through approval requirements.
Progress looks different for every child. Many families notice improvements within a few weeks or months, especially with communication and routines. Larger long term goals may take consistent effort over time. The most successful outcomes usually include collaboration among therapists, educators, and parents, along with consistency across environments. Even small steps, such as more eye contact or fewer meltdowns, are meaningful wins.
No. ABA is widely used to teach and build new skills, not only reduce behaviors. Examples include:
Managing challenging behaviors is part of ABA, but it is only one component within a much larger learning framework.
Parents play a central role. You will learn strategies to use at home, understand how goals are chosen, and help therapy carry over into daily life. When parents and therapists work together, children progress faster and skills last longer. Open communication is key. Share what is working, what is difficult, and what matters most for your family.
Yes. Many children in Colorado receive a combination of ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, school supports, and social skills groups. ABA builds the foundation for learning, while other therapies support communication, sensory needs, or motor skills. A strong team approach helps children grow in multiple areas at the same time.
A high quality ABA provider should offer:
You should feel comfortable asking questions and confident that your child is safe and respected.
The first step is to connect with a provider, complete an intake meeting, and verify insurance. Then an assessment is scheduled to create a personalized plan and begin sessions.
At Kiwi Kids ABA, we support children and families across Colorado with personalized in home ABA therapy. Our team focuses on compassionate, strength based care and meaningful progress in everyday routines. We partner closely with parents at every step so they feel supported, informed, and confident. If you are exploring ABA therapy or want guidance on where to begin, our team is here to help. Contact Kiwi Kids ABA to schedule a consultation and learn more about individualized ABA services for your child.
Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities reach their full potential. We are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your child's development.