Autism Support and Everyday Life Skills

Why are more families in Colorado seeking autism support today?

Across the United States, autism is being identified more frequently than in previous decades. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 31 children is now identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This trend is reflected at the local level as well. In communities across Colorado, families are navigating diagnoses, therapy recommendations, school supports, and questions about long-term independence. For many parents, the diagnosis itself is only the starting point. What follows is the search for practical support that helps a child communicate, manage emotions, and function more independently in daily life.

Behavioral therapy—especially approaches grounded in ABA principles—is often where families begin bridging the gap between diagnosis and everyday functioning.

What is behavioral therapy, and how does ABA fit into it?

Behavioral therapy is a broad category of treatment focused on observable actions—how a child communicates, responds to routines, and interacts with their environment. The goal is to strengthen helpful behaviors while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning, safety, or relationships.

One of the most widely used behavioral approaches is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The CDC identifies behavioral approaches as having the strongest evidence base among autism interventions, with ABA being the most commonly studied and applied.

ABA is not a single program or rigid script. Instead, it is a framework that uses observation, structured teaching, positive reinforcement, and data tracking to help children learn meaningful skills. In Colorado, ABA-based services may be delivered in the home, clinic, school, or community settings.

Is behavioral therapy only used for children with autism?

Not always. While ABA was originally developed and researched in the context of autism, behavioral principles are now applied more broadly. Some providers in Colorado use behavioral strategies to support children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety-related behaviors, emotional regulation challenges, or delays in communication and daily living skills.

That said, the strongest and most consistent research support remains within autism treatment. Authorization for behavioral therapy—especially through insurance or Medicaid—typically depends on documentation of medical necessity, as defined by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing and other payers.

For families seeking autism support, ABA remains the most evidence-supported behavioral option.

What skills can behavioral therapy help with day to day?

Parents often ask what progress actually looks like in real life. In ABA-informed behavioral therapy programs, goals are individualized but commonly focus on:

Communication skills

• Asking for help or a break
  
  

• Using words, pictures, or devices
  
  

• Responding to simple questions
  
  

Daily living skills

• Dressing, toileting, brushing teeth
  
  

• Following morning or bedtime routines
  
  

• Helping with basic household tasks
  
  

Social and play skills

• Taking turns and sharing space
  
  

• Participating in group activities
  
  

• Engaging with peers or siblings
  
  

Emotional and behavior regulation

• Learning alternatives to hitting or eloping
  
  

• Managing sensory overload
  
  

• Practicing coping strategies
  
  

Skills are taught in small, achievable steps and practiced in everyday settings—home, school, and the community.

How is behavioral therapy different from talk therapy or counseling?

Behavioral therapy is often confused with traditional talk therapy. While counseling can be helpful for older children or teens with strong verbal skills, it may not be effective on its own for younger autistic children or those with limited communication.

ABA-based behavioral therapy tends to be:

• Hands-on and activity-based
  
  

• Concrete and visual
  
  

• Focused on practicing specific skills rather than discussing them
  
  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that behavioral approaches are particularly effective for teaching functional skills and reducing behaviors that interfere with learning.

How do autism support needs change from early childhood to the teen years?

Autism support evolves over time.

For younger children, therapy often focuses on communication, safety, routines, and early learning behaviors. Early intervention plays a critical role in building foundational skills.

For older children and teens, goals may shift toward social relationships, executive functioning, daily living skills, and preparation for adulthood. Research from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that many autistic young adults face challenges with employment and post-secondary education, underscoring the importance of continued support during adolescence.

How does insurance coverage for ABA work in Colorado?

Colorado has specific protections for families seeking autism services. The Colorado Autism Insurance Law requires many state-regulated health insurance plans to cover autism diagnosis and treatment, including ABA.

Coverage typically depends on:

• A qualifying diagnosis
  
  

• Medical necessity
  
  

• Services delivered by credentialed providers
  
  

Organizations like Autism Speaks provide guidance on navigating insurance benefits, though plan details vary.

What options exist for Colorado Medicaid and state programs?

Families with Medicaid coverage through Health First Colorado may access pediatric behavioral therapy benefits when services are authorized as medically necessary.

The authorization process typically involves evaluation, treatment planning, and review by the state or its utilization management partner. While Medicaid remains a vital funding source, provider availability may vary due to reimbursement and licensing constraints.

How strong is the evidence behind ABA?

Behavioral approaches have one of the strongest evidence bases in autism treatment. The CDC and the National Research Council have identified ABA-based interventions as aligning with core features of effective autism programs.

Large reviews and meta-analyses published in PubMed and SpringerLink show improvements in adaptive behavior and functional skills for many children.

Researchers and self-advocates emphasize that quality ABA must be individualized, respectful, and collaborative.

How can parents tell if a behavioral therapy provider is a good fit?

Beyond insurance and credentials, families often look for programs that:

• Take time to understand the child
  
  

• Involve parents in goal-setting
  
  

• Measure progress with clear, functional goals
  
  

• Prioritize safety, dignity, and emotional well-being
  
  

If something feels off, it’s appropriate to ask questions, pause services, or seek a second opinion. Good autism support should feel collaborative—not coercive.