A Beginner’s Guide to ABA Therapy in Colorado

Key Points:

• ABA therapy in Colorado helps children with autism learn skills and reduce challenging behaviors through structured, personalized interventions.
  
  
• Parents should understand how ABA works, what to expect from therapy, and how to evaluate whether a provider is the right fit.
  
  
• Choosing a provider like New Dawn ABA can simplify the process through flexible, in-home care tailored to Colorado families.
  

If you're a parent exploring ABA therapy in Colorado for the first time, you're probably juggling a lot of information—and emotions. We get it. Autism diagnoses come with a steep learning curve, and figuring out which services actually help can feel like decoding a foreign language. That’s where ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) comes in. ABA therapy providers in Colorado like us at New Dawn ABA work with families every day to break things down clearly and help you build real progress from day one.

Whether you’re just starting to research or looking to begin therapy soon, this guide walks you through everything you need to know as a beginner to ABA.

What Is ABA Therapy—And Why Does It Matter?

Let’s start simple: ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a therapy approach that uses behavioral science to teach meaningful skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life.

But ABA isn’t just one set program. It's a framework—highly personalized and constantly adjusted based on data. The goal isn’t to change your child into someone they’re not. It’s to help them gain independence, improve communication, and better engage with the world around them.

ABA therapy is widely used to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it’s also been effective for kids with ADHD, developmental delays, and other behavioral challenges.

In Colorado, ABA is recognized as an evidence-based treatment covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid and private providers.

How ABA Therapy Works: The Basics You Should Know

Understanding how ABA actually works can help you feel more confident about what to expect.

1. Assessment and Goal Setting

Every therapy journey starts with an initial assessment. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) observes your child and interviews you to understand strengths, challenges, and family goals.

From this, we create a treatment plan that targets:

• Communication (verbal or non-verbal)
  
  
• Social interaction
  
  
• Daily living skills (dressing, eating, hygiene)
  
  
• Reducing unsafe or disruptive behaviors
  
  

At New Dawn ABA, we make sure parents are deeply involved in this goal-setting process.

2. Session Structure

Most ABA sessions involve a mix of structured teaching and natural play. A trained therapist, usually a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), works with your child 1:1 using reinforcement and prompting strategies to build skills.

• Some goals may be practiced repeatedly with clear feedback (“touch red,” “say hi”).
  
  
• Others are taught through daily routines or during playtime.
  
  

Consistency and repetition are key, but sessions are designed to feel engaging and safe.

3. Ongoing Data Collection

ABA therapy is data-driven. During every session, therapists record what’s working and what’s not. That information helps the BCBA refine the plan so your child keeps moving forward.

Progress isn’t always linear—but it’s measurable.

What to Expect as a Parent New to ABA

Starting ABA can feel like a huge commitment—and it is. But the more you understand what’s ahead, the easier it is to navigate.

Expect These Core Elements:

• Time Investment: ABA works best when it’s consistent. Many kids benefit from 10–40 hours a week depending on their needs and insurance coverage.
  
  
• Parent Involvement: You won’t just drop your child off and hope for the best. Quality providers will train and involve you in the process.
  
  
• Emotional Adjustment: Seeing your child in therapy can stir up emotions—hope, anxiety, even grief. These are all normal.
  
  

Our role at New Dawn ABA is to walk beside you, not just deliver therapy. We make sure you feel supported, informed, and included.

Key Terms to Know in ABA Therapy

To help you speak the same language as your provider, here are some beginner-friendly definitions:

• BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst): The licensed professional who designs and oversees your child’s therapy.
  
  
• RBT (Registered Behavior Technician): The trained therapist who works directly with your child each day.
  
  
• Reinforcement: A reward (like praise, a favorite toy, or snack) that encourages a behavior to happen again.
  
  
• Prompting: Giving a cue or assistance to help your child succeed with a new skill (like pointing, modeling, or guiding).
  
  
• Generalization: The ability to apply a learned skill in different settings—like using new words at home and school.
  
  

Understanding these helps demystify what’s happening in each session.

Choosing the Right ABA Provider in Colorado

The quality of your child’s ABA experience depends heavily on the provider. Not every agency operates the same way, so ask questions and trust your instincts.

Look for These Essentials:

1. Qualified Staff
   
   
   
   • Ensure the program is led by a BCBA.
     
     
   • RBTs should be supervised regularly and trained in your child’s specific plan.
     
     
2. Individualized Programs
   
   
   
   • Therapy goals should reflect your child—not just a checklist.
     
     
   • Avoid one-size-fits-all models or rigid plans.
     
     
3. Family Collaboration
   
   
   
   • Ask how they include you in decisions and goal planning.
     
     
   • Look for built-in parent training, not just optional extras.
     
     
4. Flexible Service Options
   
   
   
   • Does the provider offer in-home therapy?
     
     
   • Can they accommodate school schedules or after-school hours?
     
     
5. Transparent Communication
   
   
   
   • You should receive frequent progress updates.
     
     
   • There should be a clear process for questions, concerns, or mid-plan changes.
     
     

At New Dawn ABA, we offer in-home ABA therapy across Colorado and keep families at the center of every decision.

Common Myths About ABA Therapy—And the Truth

If you’ve spent any time online researching ABA, you’ve likely come across mixed opinions. Let’s clear the air on a few common misconceptions:

• “ABA is too rigid.”
  Not when done correctly. Modern ABA focuses on flexible, play-based sessions tailored to the child.
  
  
• “It only works with young kids.”
  Early intervention is great, but ABA can benefit teens and even adults depending on their goals.
  
  
• “It’s all about compliance.”
  Quality ABA builds skills through collaboration, not control. The focus is on independence and success.
  
  

We encourage parents to ask questions and be critical consumers. That’s how you find a provider who aligns with your values.

How Long Does ABA Therapy Last?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some children receive ABA for a few months; others stay in therapy for several years.

Factors that affect duration include:

• Age at start
  
  
• Severity of challenges
  
  
• Type of goals (short-term vs. long-term)
  
  
• How often therapy is delivered
  
  

Our goal at New Dawn ABA isn’t to keep your child in therapy forever—it’s to build their skills and help them thrive outside of it.

Real-Life Skills ABA Helps Develop

While therapy may look like play from the outside, ABA builds life-changing abilities. Here are just a few areas where we focus:

1. Communication Skills
   
   
   
   • Requesting needs (“I want juice”)
     
     
   • Answering questions
     
     
   • Using communication devices or gestures if verbal speech is limited
     
     
2. Daily Living Tasks
   
   
   
   • Toileting, brushing teeth, getting dressed
     
     
   • Following routines like bedtime or school prep
     
     
3. Emotional Regulation
   
   
   
   • Recognizing feelings
     
     
   • Coping with frustration
     
     
   • Managing sensory sensitivities
     
     
4. Social and Play Skills
   
   
   
   • Sharing, turn-taking, joining a group
     
     
   • Playing independently and with peers
     
     
5. Safety Awareness
   
   
   
   • Following directions
     
     
   • Understanding danger (e.g., not running into the street)
     
     

These are practical, real-world skills—and they make a lasting impact at home, in school, and in the community.

Starting ABA Therapy in Colorado: What You Need to Begin

If you’re ready to explore ABA for your child, here’s a simplified step-by-step path:

1. Get a Diagnosis
   ABA is typically recommended after an ASD diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician or psychologist.
   
   
2. Verify Insurance Coverage
   Check with your provider about ABA coverage. In Colorado, both Medicaid and private insurers often cover services.
   
   
3. Choose a Provider
   Contact agencies like New Dawn ABA to ask about availability, services, and waitlists.
   
   
4. Schedule an Assessment
   A BCBA will evaluate your child and develop a personalized treatment plan.
   
   
5. Start Therapy
   After approvals, sessions begin—and your child starts building skills with support from your team.
   
   

Final Thoughts: Let ABA Meet Your Family Where You Are

Starting ABA therapy can feel like a big step—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. When done well, it’s empowering, hopeful, and deeply personalized. At New Dawn ABA, we believe therapy should happen with your family, not to your family. That’s why we offer in-home ABA therapy in Colorado, making it easier for your child to learn in familiar spaces and for you to be part of the journey.

Reach out today to learn more about our personalized ABA services across Colorado and how we can support your child’s next step forward.