Colorado Families Still Fighting for ABA Therapy in Schools

In 2022, Colorado lawmakers passed a bill intended to open doors for children with autism to receive ABA therapy in schools. The goal was to create a “path to yes” for families whose children had prescriptions for medically necessary services like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Two years later, many of those same families are discovering that the door remains closed—and the path is often a bureaucratic dead end.

Despite legal reforms, some school districts continue to deny children access to the support they need, even when private insurance is willing to cover the cost. For families trying to navigate both special education systems and medical prescriptions, the process feels like a maze of red tape—where progress is slow, support is inconsistent, and their children's development is at stake.

ABA Therapy: A Missing Piece in the Classroom

ABA therapy is not just another educational add-on—it’s a proven, data-driven method that helps children with autism improve communication, social interaction, and adaptive learning skills. When implemented correctly in a classroom setting, it helps children stay engaged, meet academic goals, and participate in peer activities.

But despite its clinical endorsement and the recommendations of pediatricians, some Colorado school districts, including Denver Public Schools, continue to say no to allowing outside ABA therapists into the classroom. These denials are often made under the guise of local control, liability concerns, or claims that in-house supports are sufficient—even when a child’s progress suggests otherwise.

What the Law Says vs. What Families Experience

The 2022 legislation was meant to empower families and reduce friction between schools and healthcare providers. However, it ultimately stopped short of requiring schools to accept ABA therapists. Instead, it only mandates that school districts create policies to consider such requests. This vague language has allowed districts wide discretion—and many are using that discretion to say no.

Data shows that some districts are more flexible than others. But in Denver, only 3 out of 28 requests for in-school ABA services were granted in a recent year. That’s just 11%. Meanwhile, families are being forced to choose: pull their children out of school for therapy, or risk academic regression by keeping them in classrooms that can’t fully meet their needs.

Why Access to In-School ABA Matters

The classroom is where children spend most of their day. Denying access to ABA support during school hours means missed opportunities for behavioral reinforcement, lost instructional time, and increased chances of frustration, isolation, and even suspension.

For children like Julian, a 5-year-old student with autism in Denver, this has already had consequences. His parents watched him lose skills he had previously mastered—counting, social engagement, verbal communication—all while school officials insisted he was “making progress.”

The concern isn’t just about individual cases. It’s about a system that’s failing to live up to its promises.

Supporting Real Change Through Quality ABA Programs in Colorado

At New Dawn ABA, we see the difference that school-based ABA services can make. We work with families across Colorado to ensure that children with autism have access to consistent, compassionate, and personalized support—both in clinics and, when allowed, in educational settings. Our ABA programs in Colorado are designed to empower children with the tools they need to thrive at every stage of development.

If you’re navigating the challenge of accessing ABA therapy in your child’s school, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to explore how our team can support your child with evidence-based care that adapts to their needs. We can help you understand your rights, work through district policies, and build a plan that truly supports your child’s growth—in and out of the classroom.